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Fixing a loose fixed rear sight

Henry0ReillyHenry0Reilly Member Posts: 10,892 ✭✭✭
edited December 2007 in Ask the Experts
Springfield Ultra Compact 45. I have one option offered but is there something else I could do? what originally held it in place?




SAutra.jpg

quote:Originally posted by rock,roll,n,load
HenryO,

Remove the sight completely, then take a small punch and make a few "prick" marks on the sides and bottom of the sight. This will peen the metal and raise the surface to tighten up the fit in the dovetail. You could also do the same to the slide, but I prefer doing it to the sight itself.
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Comments

  • rock,roll,n,loadrock,roll,n,load Member Posts: 698 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    "what originally held it in place?"

    Close tolerance machining. There should be a slight press fit between the two parts. Your dovetail could be one the "big" side and the sight on the "small" side causing it to be loose.
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  • 11b6r11b6r Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Originally held in place by friction- snug metal-to-metal fit. As advised, remove sight, flip it over, make several light punches, which will raise metal around the edges of the punched spot. Restoring the snug fit.
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  • 41 nut41 nut Member Posts: 3,016
    edited November -1
    Gently tap the edges of the dovetail in the slide downward. This will tighten the dovetail and should hold it tight. If it does not then follow the other suggestion of dimpling the bottom of the sight a bit. What usually happens to loosen the rear sight is someone taking it out a couple or three times and tightening the dovetail will normally cure it.
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  • MobuckMobuck Member Posts: 14,166 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can also glue it in place using locktite. Depends on what you're using the pistol for. If you'r just plinking or target shooting it's not a problem if it pops loose again. If you depend on it for protection or duty, a real fix is needed. Dimpling the metal under the sight will not be visible but tightening the edges of the dovetail will likely leave marks. I have used the locktite + dimple and it has never failed so far. You don't have to make very much of a ding in the slot-just 4-5 will do.
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  • GeriGeri Member Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    drill and tap for 4 x 40 or 5 x 40 set screws. This makes it adjustable.
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  • dfletcherdfletcher Member Posts: 8,179 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Any of the above will work. I had a Springfield Ultra & went with this instead: http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23837/catid/28/NOWLIN_Low_Rider_1911_Rear_Sight

    No gunsmithing, uses a small dovetail base. The sight drops over the base & is held in place with a screw. Uses the factory front sight.
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