12-19-2022, 03:56 PM
Changing sights on modern pistols can be a bit challenging. Customers wanting night sights and high visibility sights is very common. The challenge is because the dovetailed sights are in their dovetails very tight; and I mean tight. Because the slide rail tracks are SO narrow, and the sights are in SO tight there is a danger to using the old fashion 'pound em out with a hammer and brass punch' method, the slide could crack at this location.
The first photo shows the area I am speaking of. Notice just how thin the slide is between the arrows.
The second photo shows the MGW tool which is what we use here at Red Dot Arms Gunsmithing to change sights. There are 4 pads which bear against the outside of the slide and support it there. And you can also see a T-shaped shoe which rides in the slide rails. This holds the slide down and keeps it from moving side to side. Hence it is supported both inside and out and with this support it is impossible to crack the slide.
The Third photo shows the slide mounted in the tool and you can see the support it has. The sights are moved in and out of their dovetails by a screw threaded saddle, which moves the sight positively, but without and undo pounding pressure.
The first photo shows the area I am speaking of. Notice just how thin the slide is between the arrows.
The second photo shows the MGW tool which is what we use here at Red Dot Arms Gunsmithing to change sights. There are 4 pads which bear against the outside of the slide and support it there. And you can also see a T-shaped shoe which rides in the slide rails. This holds the slide down and keeps it from moving side to side. Hence it is supported both inside and out and with this support it is impossible to crack the slide.
The Third photo shows the slide mounted in the tool and you can see the support it has. The sights are moved in and out of their dovetails by a screw threaded saddle, which moves the sight positively, but without and undo pounding pressure.