How hard do I have to wack these sights to get them out?

Jamie Young · October 17, 2002, 03:02 PM

I'm trying to install new sights on my Colt 1991A1 and am having a heck of time getting them to move. I tried serving an "eviction notice" but it hasn't worked.:wink:

If I have to hit it any harder I'm afraid I'm going to damage or crack someting. I haven't seen the sights budge one bit.

Any suggestions on loosening this up? I've never adjusted the factory sights previously, so its pretty stiff.

Frohickey · October 17, 2002, 03:39 PM

Are these dovetailed sights?

If they are the standard GI staked-on, you would have to drill them out.

I would get a sight removal tool. Makes it easier to take out and put on sights, as well as adjusting it.

Besides, it makes you popular too, at least among 1911 shooters without their own sight removal tool.

Ledbetter · October 17, 2002, 04:16 PM

Is get a tool called a "sight pusher" from Brownell's. Whacking it too much can lead to sight problems.

I crack myself up. Oh, and make sure the sight isn't staked in and doesn't have a set screw. It's a factory sight in a factory cut, yes?

Regards.

Rocklobster · October 17, 2002, 07:15 PM

Rear sight? Make sure you're driving it from right to left to remove it. Use a brass drift (3/16",1/4"), tap it smartly with an 8-ounce hammer. It helps if you have a bench block to support the slide, too.

Ledbetter · October 17, 2002, 08:13 PM

just like the pins and the slide stop, makes it easy to remember.

Jamie Young · October 18, 2002, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Use a brass drift (3/16",1/4"), tap it smartly with an 8-ounce hammer. It helps if you have a bench block to support the slide, too.

I brought the slide to work and did just that.

It had a lot of greasy crud in there probable causing most of my stress.

I got it out!!!

Romulus · October 18, 2002, 12:36 AM

which is the right side, the ejection port side? Sorry it's a relative thing to me...

Jamie Young · October 18, 2002, 12:41 AM

Hold the gun in your hand and point it at the wall.

Right to left.

Rocklobster · October 20, 2002, 05:25 PM

Cool! Glad you got it. I personally don't like those sight pushers-hard to make them work right, lotta money for a fairly easy task.

October 17, 2002, 03:02 PM	#1
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	How hard do I have to wack these sights to get them out? I'm trying to install new sights on my Colt 1991A1 and am having a heck of time getting them to move. I tried serving an "eviction notice" but it hasn't worked.:wink: If I have to hit it any harder I'm afraid I'm going to damage or crack someting. I haven't seen the sights budge one bit. Any suggestions on loosening this up? I've never adjusted the factory sights previously, so its pretty stiff. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

October 17, 2002, 03:39 PM	#2
Frohickey Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: People's Republic of Kalifornia Posts: 579	Are these dovetailed sights? If they are the standard GI staked-on, you would have to drill them out. I would get a sight removal tool. Makes it easier to take out and put on sights, as well as adjusting it. Besides, it makes you popular too, at least among 1911 shooters without their own sight removal tool. __________________ Frohickey -- TFL Alumni SigSauer, if you are listening, MAKE A DOUBLE-STACK 10mm PISTOL!

October 17, 2002, 04:16 PM	#3
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	The best thing to do Is get a tool called a "sight pusher" from Brownell's. Whacking it too much can lead to sight problems. I crack myself up. Oh, and make sure the sight isn't staked in and doesn't have a set screw. It's a factory sight in a factory cut, yes? Regards.

October 17, 2002, 08:13 PM	#5
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	Right to left just like the pins and the slide stop, makes it easy to remember.

October 18, 2002, 12:36 AM	#7
Romulus Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2001 Location: Kettle Moraine country Posts: 897	right to left which is the right side, the ejection port side? Sorry it's a relative thing to me... __________________ I knew Thomas Jefferson, he was a friend of mine...Governor Clinton, you're no Thomas Jefferson Ti faccio vedere come muore un italiano

October 17, 2002, 07:15 PM	#4
Rocklobster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2001 Location: Georgia Posts: 188	Rear sight? Make sure you're driving it from right to left to remove it. Use a brass drift (3/16",1/4"), tap it smartly with an 8-ounce hammer. It helps if you have a bench block to support the slide, too.

October 18, 2002, 12:41 AM	#8
Jamie Young Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: SE/PA Posts: 4,834	Hold the gun in your hand and point it at the wall. Right to left. __________________ Find out about Gun Shows and Training activities. www.TheRallyPoint.org Get your gun club involved!!

October 20, 2002, 05:25 PM	#9
Rocklobster Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2001 Location: Georgia Posts: 188	Cool! Glad you got it. I personally don't like those sight pushers-hard to make them work right, lotta money for a fairly easy task.