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Loose front sight on a Colt Combat Commander

322nd322nd Member Posts: 82 ✭✭
edited October 2013 in Ask the Experts
What a nice shooting gun! However I noticed that the front sight is loose but doesn't come out. I obviously would like to fix it so it doesn't come out. How are these sights set into the slide? What is the best way to fix the problem so it doesn't fall out at the range and then I have to find a new one?
Here's a few pics.
Thanks!
frontsite1_zps39a77c77.jpg
frontsite2_zps33df4c30.jpg
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Comments

  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,382 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The sight is staked (riveted) in with a specialized punch.
    I don't know of anything in the house or garage that will work.
    It is a minor gunsmith job to tighten up IF there is enough metal left on the tenon of the sight to work with. If there is not, it will have to be replaced.
    Check the plunger tube while you are at it, they are also retained by staking and sometimes loosen.
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  • 322nd322nd Member Posts: 82 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks Hawk.
    I'll bring the pistol along next time I visit my gunsmith.

    I'll have to check my schematic to see where the other part is located that you reference.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hawk C gave the correct information. There are two items on a 1911 type Colt pistol that are Staked on The front sight on the slide and the Plunger tube "it holds the spring and two small pins that detent the safety on one end and the slide stop on the other The repair for loose or damaged ? Missing .Is NOT a DIY job unless you can make some tools . as with any rivet you have to Back up the heador in this case the Sight /plunger Tube as you peen the back side I made a form to support the sight out of LINO TYPE and a punch out of tool steel To install front sights and Bought a tool from Brownells to install Plunger tubes.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You might consider having your gunsmith machine a dovetail, on the front of the slide. I had 3 different slides dovetailed for front sights, years ago. Never had any sort of a problem with front sights shooting loose, after that. It had the added benefit of allowing me to adjust the front sights height, for optimum point of impact.
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  • nmyersnmyers Member Posts: 16,892 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Colt front sights, other than current models, are made of unobtainium. With 1 exception: Gunpartscorp.

    But, their "satin nickel" front sights are in the bin marked "nickel". They won't look, they pick & ship by parts number. It may be worth taking a chance.

    Neal
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  • 322nd322nd Member Posts: 82 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for the responses guys.
    I will not be doing any bullseye shooting with this pistol and so I prefer to keep it in its original configuration....of course with a solid front sight!
    I do have a local gunsmith that has done fine work for me in the past and he has a complete tool room for all type projects big and small.
    Is this the type repair (front sight) that can routinely be fixed by a competent gunsmith without marring the outside finish of the pistol, both sight and slide? This Colt is a beauty with highly polished sides and I would hate to put a blemish on it fixing this issue.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 322nd
    Thanks for the responses guys.
    I will not be doing any bullseye shooting with this pistol and so I prefer to keep it in its original configuration....of course with a solid front sight!
    I do have a local gunsmith that has done fine work for me in the past and he has a complete tool room for all type projects big and small.
    Is this the type repair (front sight) that can routinely be fixed by a competent gunsmith without marring the outside finish of the pistol, both sight and slide? This Colt is a beauty with highly polished sides and I would hate to put a blemish on it fixing this issue.







    It has to be "staked" using a special tool. If your gunsmith is a pro, he will have the tool. As long as he sets it up. Upside-down in a padded/protected vise, with only the top of the front sight touching the hard surface. The slide won't be marred. The only problem I can see is if can't be staked tight enough. Things could get dicey. And you might have to get a replacement front sight, with a larger tenon.
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  • Jim RehmJim Rehm Member Posts: 102 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Another possibility would be to be sure the sight is bottomed in its recess. Use a small clemp, rubber bands etc. Then secure the slide in the up side down position and use a drop of Green LocTite in the tennon. Leave in position for 24 hours and the sight should never wiggle again. "Green" LocTite is the stud setter/sleeve retainer grade and is not meant for removal by normal non destructive means.The LocTite will penetrate and wick its way into very small clearances.
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  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Jim Rehm
    Another possibility would be to be sure the sight is bottomed in its recess. Use a small clemp, rubber bands etc. Then secure the slide in the up side down position and use a drop of Green LocTite in the tennon. Leave in position for 24 hours and the sight should never wiggle again. "Green" LocTite is the stud setter/sleeve retainer grade and is not meant for removal by normal non destructive means.The LocTite will penetrate and wick its way into very small clearances.


    This is a excellent idea. Great care should be exercised not to get any of the Loctite on the blued external surface of the slide. I would mask all the external surfaces with high grade painters tape. Specially around the front sight.
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  • 322nd322nd Member Posts: 82 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Locktite sounds like a good idea too!

    I'll probably head over to the gunsmith Wednesday evening and see what he says about it.

    Thanks much!
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