removing staked front site for colt government 70series

1911greg · October 21, 2002, 04:02 PM

how hard is it too do? if you have the right tools can a novice do it?

AZ Jeff · October 21, 2002, 04:28 PM

Removal of the front sight on a Series 70 GM is very easy, assuming one does not intend to try to save the sight for reuse. Removing the sight tends to destroy the piece that is staked, properly called the "tenon".

Here is the normal way to remove this sight:
1. clamp slide in padded vise, sights up
2. protect area around front sight on slide with layer of tape
3. place vice grip pliers around sides of front sight
4. rock sight front to back while pulling upward. This will loosen staking, and allow tenon to pull out of hole in slide.
5. tenon may break off in hole. IF this happens, drive tenon INWARD with punch until free of hole in slide.

George Stringer · October 21, 2002, 04:39 PM

I would just add that if you use a dremel and a small burr on the inside of the slide and remove the "staking" first it will make pulling the sight out much easier. Also rocking the sight may cause the tenon to break. I would recommend that after removing the inner staked part that you use a taped nail or drift punch, screwdriver etc as a fulcrum, grip the sight blade with the vise grips and lever it straight out. George

1911greg · October 21, 2002, 08:46 PM

thanks for the help and quick reply, what kind of sights should I replace it with I would like something that is similar in profile as the novaks.

October 21, 2002, 04:02 PM	#1
1911greg Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2002 Posts: 196	removing staked front site for colt government 70series how hard is it too do? if you have the right tools can a novice do it?

October 21, 2002, 04:28 PM	#2
AZ Jeff Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2002 Posts: 186	Removal of the front sight on a Series 70 GM is very easy, assuming one does not intend to try to save the sight for reuse. Removing the sight tends to destroy the piece that is staked, properly called the "tenon". Here is the normal way to remove this sight: 1. clamp slide in padded vise, sights up 2. protect area around front sight on slide with layer of tape 3. place vice grip pliers around sides of front sight 4. rock sight front to back while pulling upward. This will loosen staking, and allow tenon to pull out of hole in slide. 5. tenon may break off in hole. IF this happens, drive tenon INWARD with punch until free of hole in slide.

October 21, 2002, 04:39 PM	#3
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	I would just add that if you use a dremel and a small burr on the inside of the slide and remove the "staking" first it will make pulling the sight out much easier. Also rocking the sight may cause the tenon to break. I would recommend that after removing the inner staked part that you use a taped nail or drift punch, screwdriver etc as a fulcrum, grip the sight blade with the vise grips and lever it straight out. George

October 21, 2002, 08:46 PM	#4
1911greg Senior Member Join Date: February 14, 2002 Posts: 196	thanks for the help and quick reply, what kind of sights should I replace it with I would like something that is similar in profile as the novaks.