S&W M&P 40 Apex Trigger install

TrueBlue711 · July 12, 2017, 11:11 AM

I'm just about done with this install. I finished the trigger and everything in the frame. Now, I'm trying to replace the plunger that is under the rear sight in the slide. Took out the set screw in the sight, put it in the vice (non-marring) and trying to tap it out using the sight removal punch included with the trigger. But it's not budging! When I watched a video of the install, the sight just slid out. I even tried heating it up with a small torch. Still not budging. I'm on the edge of taking it to a smith, but would rather avoid the hassle and $$ for just removing the rear sight. Any ideas?

Roughedge · July 12, 2017, 12:45 PM

The factory sights are tight. You really need a sight pusher but it can be done with a brass punch, don't be afraid to hit it a bit hard. the brass smudge will wipe right off.

TrueBlue711 · July 12, 2017, 01:16 PM

Quote:

You really need a sight pusher

I believe that's what I have that was included. It's a plastic "punch" in the same shape as the sight groove.
So sounds like I just need to keep hammering then?

zipspyder · July 12, 2017, 01:19 PM

I used a brass punch almost the width of the sight notch. Don't use the plasticy thing if it's that tight.

TrueBlue711 · July 12, 2017, 01:41 PM

Copy, I'll probably do that. Does it matter if I hammer it from left or right side?

zipspyder · July 12, 2017, 02:05 PM

Here you go. Either left or right is OK.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avy0LknVVO0

CowTowner · July 12, 2017, 10:16 PM

Quote:

I believe that's what I have that was included. It's a plastic "punch" in the same shape as the sight groove.

That isn't a punch. That is to hold the spring/plunger down while you reinstall the sight.

July 12, 2017, 11:11 AM	#1
TrueBlue711 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 489	S&W M&P 40 Apex Trigger install I'm just about done with this install. I finished the trigger and everything in the frame. Now, I'm trying to replace the plunger that is under the rear sight in the slide. Took out the set screw in the sight, put it in the vice (non-marring) and trying to tap it out using the sight removal punch included with the trigger. But it's not budging! When I watched a video of the install, the sight just slid out. I even tried heating it up with a small torch. Still not budging. I'm on the edge of taking it to a smith, but would rather avoid the hassle and $$ for just removing the rear sight. Any ideas?

July 12, 2017, 12:45 PM	#2
Roughedge Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Location: Monroe,NC Posts: 669	The factory sights are tight. You really need a sight pusher but it can be done with a brass punch, don't be afraid to hit it a bit hard. the brass smudge will wipe right off. __________________ The man that die's with the most stuff win's!

July 12, 2017, 01:19 PM	#4
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	I used a brass punch almost the width of the sight notch. Don't use the plasticy thing if it's that tight.

July 12, 2017, 01:41 PM	#5
TrueBlue711 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Posts: 489	Copy, I'll probably do that. Does it matter if I hammer it from left or right side?

July 12, 2017, 02:05 PM	#6
zipspyder Junior member Join Date: June 13, 2017 Posts: 429	Here you go. Either left or right is OK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avy0LknVVO0