Help in replacing a front sight

70GTvert · September 12, 2015, 11:31 PM

Tested out a new acquisition the other day, a FI model D .380. Nice firing and accurate, that is until the front sight vibrates itself out into a mess of dirt and months of spent shells never to be seen again. No problem, they are replaceable so I ordered a pair. Now my question is how do they mount to the slide? Are they soldered on? There is none showing in the slot now, just blued metal. In the center of the slot for the sight is a hole that goes through the slide, does it get peened down tight there? I'm kinda at a loss. Gorilla super glue may work for a while but I bet it would eventually break loose down the road using it too. Looking for any help on this. Thanks, John.

john323 · September 15, 2015, 01:45 PM

It is peened in place.Use lock tight as well.

Dixie Gunsmithing · September 15, 2015, 09:32 PM

The front sight is supposed to be peened from underneath, using a goose-neck punch, though the barrel bushing hole. In other words, they are riveted in, and shouldn't come out. The rear, of course, sits in a dovetail, and drives in from right to left, when looking from the rear of the gun, or from the top of the slide, with the muzzle pointed up or away from you.

September 12, 2015, 11:31 PM	#1
70GTvert Member Join Date: June 27, 2014 Posts: 18	Help in replacing a front sight Tested out a new acquisition the other day, a FI model D .380. Nice firing and accurate, that is until the front sight vibrates itself out into a mess of dirt and months of spent shells never to be seen again. No problem, they are replaceable so I ordered a pair. Now my question is how do they mount to the slide? Are they soldered on? There is none showing in the slot now, just blued metal. In the center of the slot for the sight is a hole that goes through the slide, does it get peened down tight there? I'm kinda at a loss. Gorilla super glue may work for a while but I bet it would eventually break loose down the road using it too. Looking for any help on this. Thanks, John.

September 15, 2015, 01:45 PM	#2
john323 Member Join Date: June 16, 2009 Location: MONTEREY PARK , CA Posts: 80	It is peened in place.Use lock tight as well. __________________ [email protected] Southern California Anything legal, Rifles, Handguns, Shotguns, Black powder

September 15, 2015, 09:32 PM	#3
Dixie Gunsmithing Moderator Emeritus Join Date: April 27, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,923	The front sight is supposed to be peened from underneath, using a goose-neck punch, though the barrel bushing hole. In other words, they are riveted in, and shouldn't come out. The rear, of course, sits in a dovetail, and drives in from right to left, when looking from the rear of the gun, or from the top of the slide, with the muzzle pointed up or away from you.