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Old November 19, 2008, 12:44 PM   #1
Keltyke
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Changing Sights

How hard is it to install a set of tap-in dovetail pistol sights, front and rear? Any special tools needed?

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Old November 19, 2008, 11:28 PM   #2
James K
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1) Easy as pie or
2) A PITA ending with battered sights and a marked up slide.

And I can't tell you which it will be with any given gun or sights.

There are tools that make the job easier (check Brownells) but you may not want to go to the expense for a one-off job. If you choose to just go for it, get a good brass punch of the right size, a medium hammer, a good solid vise with copper jaws, and drive the sights out from left to right, in from right to left. Good luck!

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Old November 20, 2008, 12:06 AM   #3
LHB1
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Some pistol sights are only moderately tight fitted and can be driven out/in fairly easy. Then there are some that require MAJOR mechanical leverage tools to remove/install. Varies by brand of gun and from gun to gun within brand.
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Old November 20, 2008, 07:43 AM   #4
Keltyke
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Thanks guys. I'll give a good firm tap and if it doesn't move, I'll head to my gunnie.
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Old November 20, 2008, 08:01 AM   #5
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If it's a Springfield XD, good luck, as I think they weld the sights in. I've seen sight pushers unable to budge these things. In fact, I saw a disclaimer on one commercially available pusher that clearly stated it wouldn't work with XDs...
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Old November 20, 2008, 08:46 AM   #6
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uh-oh, or ah......

Brass or hard nylon rod.
Braced against wood.
Firm rap fer certain; remember SOME dovetails are one-way ONLY.
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