Changing the front sight on my S/A Range Officer

[Big Smoke]

I used a 1/16 drill bit to punch out the pin, then the sight came out with little exertion. I had to do a little fitting on the new sight, but I don't think it's the right one. Although the package said it was for a Springer, I don't think it's for a 1911. Looks to be for the XDm. But it fits for now, and until I get the right one, it's going to stay. It works great.
I broke the nylon punch on it, that I bought especially for the project. So I had to resort to brass, and as you know, brass leaves marks. After some scrubbing, I've got most of the brass marks out of it. I'll get the rest out this weekend, after I take it to the range and clean it.

[MPrimo]

If by not fitting perfectly you mean that the bottom of the sight (base) does not conform to the top of the slide (contour) then I will tell you that it is exactly the same on mine. It bothered me at first but I have learned to live with it. I don't understand why it's like that but so be it.

I'm really glad you were able to get the new sight fit.

Enjoy it!

Mike

[Big Smoke]

By the way, the punch didn't actually break on the sight. While I was doing some light filing on the sight, the punch rolled off the bench and hit the concrete floor and broke. I wasn't slamming the punch against the sight, as my post may have sounded upon a re-read.

[Dave Waits]

, no such thing as 'Drop-in' parts. They all will require some fitting most times. The best way to fit a front dovetail sight is to take everything off the bottom with a fine file.

[Big Smoke]

Originally Posted by Dave Waits

, no such thing as 'Drop-in' parts. They all will require some fitting most times. The best way to fit a front dovetail sight is to take everything off the bottom with a fine file.

Yeah, that's basically what I did. I filed a little, fit again, file a little more, then fit it again, etc. The 1/16" punch did the trick. Thanks for the tip on that! I just need to stop by the store and pick up a bluing pen to touch up the edges a little.

I ended up having to use a brass punch, and have a little brass on the slide. What's the best solvent to take that off without damaging the bluing?

[Dave Waits]

Plain old Hoppes' will remove it, no different than brass smear.

[Big Smoke]

Originally Posted by Dave Waits

Plain old Hoppes' will remove it, no different than brass smear.

Cool, thanks. I'll start the scrubbing process tonight.