sight removal and installation

[b66homie]

I finally decided to purchase a set of Trijicon HD sights for my Walther PPS. Would the freezer, brass punch, and hammer be a safe way to change the sights, or should I consider a sight pusher tool? What would you recommend?

 

[DanVoils]

I would suggest a sight pusher. Putting it in the freezer will cause the metal to "shrink" some but who's to say the current sight won't shrink at the same rate as the slide? Barring the cost of a sight pusher most, if not all, competent LGS's will install sights purchased from them for free. If you're buying online will the cost of the pusher be less than the savings? Do you need the pusher for more than one gun? If so the amortized cost may make it reasonable.
Dan

 

[b66homie]

If I fall in love with the night sights, i could possibly use the sight pusher for other guns. After serching on line I noticed there are many sight pushers and a wide range of prices.

 

[Sniper 79]

You don't need a tool. I just installed the same sights on my Glock. Used an old leather glove, bench vise, and wrapped a steel punch in electrical tape. File the sight until it goes in half way then use leather in vise to give it a squeeze. It will be flush with the slide then all it needs is a little tap to center it up. Tap near the base of the sight. Took me about 20 minutes. Take your time and you will be fine.

I also made a front sight tool for the Glock by grinding down a cheap Taiwan socket.

 

[Gluemanz28]

I bought a sight pusher and have been very happy with it. I don't like hammering on a sight with a filled capsule.

I purchased mine from sightpusher.com They are a good company. When I first got mine the pusher piece was not hardened so it got damaged when I changed the sights on my Shield (The Shield is a nightmare to remove). I called them and they said they now have a hardened version upgrade. He sent me one for free. I bought all the different adapters to go with the cheaper version. My setup is now the XL model.

You will use it way more than you think you will.

XL Handgun Sight Tool - Sight Pusher Sight Pusher

 

[b66homie]

Thanks for the advice. I decided to purchase a sight pusher. I found one on Ebay that is less expensive than the Fisher Solutions but likely not of the same quality. Hopefully it is adequate to get the job done.
Wish me luck!

 

[trsowders76]

Let us know how it works and the brand name please as I am looking for one also. The price range varies tremendously and I don't mind paying for a competent one but also know there is good stuff out there for a discounted price. Hopefully yours works out good for you.

 

[derrickgoins]

Good luck to the OP. Personally, I've had good luck with this sight pusher. I like that it supports the slide from the bottom with an adjustable "floor".

Handgun Sight Pusher Tool Universal for 1911 Glock Sig Springfield and Others | eBay

 

[gmcttr]

I overdid it as usual and picked up the MGW Sight Pro Universal Installation Tool when Midway had it on sale figuring I would only use it once and kick myself later. I've used it several times now and it is as good as the price would suggest. It does front and rear sights and holds the slide from every direction. No chance to scratch the finish. I now view it as money well spent but I understand the price will keep most people away.

 

[drop45]

I overdid it as usual and picked up the MGW Sight Pro Universal Installation Tool when Midway had it on sale figuring I would only use it once and kick myself later. I've used it several times now and it is as good as the price would suggest. It does front and rear sights and holds the slide from every direction. No chance to scratch the finish. I now view it as money well spent but I understand the price will keep most people away.

Same here. Best money ever spent. Got about 8 or 9 diff shoes for it for various pistols.

 

[88E30M50]

I installed one set of night sights without a tool but was uncomfortable enough with the risk of breaking the capsule that I bought a sight pusher after that. They are a handy thing to keep on the bench and it gets used more than I thought it would for things like refinishing projects on non-night sighted guns.

 

[b66homie]

Success! The new sights have been installed and are ready for the range to check alignment.
The tool I found on Ebay worked great. It came with several blocks to accommodate guns that don't have a square slide.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-sight-tool-pusher-for-handguns-front-rear-Glock-1911-and-most-others-/262509595979
A friend of mine wants to install a set of night sights on his Shield, so we'll see how well it works on a gun with more stubborn sights.
The Trijicon sights are much easier to see in not so perfect light. Not sure why I waited so long.