[GunHo]

Ok, I've decided to replace the plain black factory front sight with an aftermarket one on my Springfield. Would love to hear from those with aftermarket front sights.

Thanks for you time.

[HOSSFLY]

Staked or dovetail?

[GunHo]

gosh, I'm a novice so i have to look that up. Here is my 1911... what would you recommend?

[HOSSFLY]

Its dovetailed-
Check on MidwayUSA - Cabellas - Brownells & get some a idea of whats availble & see what you like- Keep in mind the highth has to match the factory---
Nice 9er

[GunHo]

got it. thanks for the helpful tip... one last thing, I heard you need a special tool to replace the front sight. is this true?

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by GunHo

got it. thanks for the helpful tip... one last thing, I heard you need a special tool to replace the front sight. is this true?

Well, yes & no- Your dovetail can be done with a brass punch & vise IF YOU'RE CAREFULL-
A site pusher tool is best but exspensive for a one time use-
You should ask around for a local Smith, he mite do it dirt cheep & might even have what you want & do the whole job

BTW, if you're just wanting a white dot that one can be drilled & paint filled for about nothing--

[GunHo]

thanks man... i have a lot of tools and a nice vice, i'll check a local gun smith for pricing.

And yes, I've thought about your last suggestion. I have a browning buckmark that I'm going to try on first. Imagine a tailor pin with a colorful ball; perhaps with a white or florencent ball. Cut the pin leaving only 3 or 4 millimeters. Then drill a hole on the front sight the same size as the pin. Then drill the top of the hole with a bigger drill bit the same size as the ball; just enough for the ball to sink in half way. I'll be doing this tonight.

If all goes well, I'll be drilling on the 1911. Wish me luck, I'll post picture if it worked... thanks again.

[HOSSFLY]

Originally Posted by GunHo

thanks man... i have a lot of tools and a nice vice, i'll check a local gun smith for pricing.

And yes, I've thought about your last suggestion. I have a browning buckmark that I'm going to try on first. Imagine a tailor pin with a colorful ball; perhaps with a white or florencent ball. Cut the pin leaving only 3 or 4 millimeters. Then drill a hole on the front sight the same size as the pin. Then drill the top of the hole with a bigger drill bit the same size as the ball; just enough for the ball to sink in half way. I'll be doing this tonight.

If all goes well, I'll be drilling on the 1911. Wish me luck, I'll post picture if it worked... thanks again.

Very creative

[smoooth308]

Good idea. Take some pics as you go so you can make a "tutorial" of sorts and show us all here how you did it

[GunHo]

I'm surprised how nice it turned out. Actually it was an accident. I pushed the ball in the hole i drilled backwards while holding the pin. The ball broke off cleanly and stayed in the hold. I pushed it in to secure it tight. It left a perfect white dot on the front sight.