Removing rear sight from Range Officer

[lmyer]

Getting ready to install a Weigand scope mount and Match Dot on my Range Officer and I will need to remove the rear sight so the slide can be removed/installed with the mount in place. Appears one can remove the two tiny set screws underneath the sight leaf and either tap it off with a brass punch or use a sight pusher. This is my question - which one to use? Any words of advice? I do not have a sight pusher to use and would prefer the brass if it will work.

Thanks in advance,

Les

 

[1911ly]

Hi Les

I just did a little research on the rear sight and it would appear you are correct. Some say they are loctited.

 

[AllenM]

Brass or nylon punch would be fine

 

[cwillour]

I always ended up denting the sight, even with a brass punch, though I haven't cared too much as I did not intend to put the original sights back on. Hopefully yours will go better.

OTOH, I have a universal sight pusher that has worked on everything I have thrown at it, if you are in South Bend and want to try to meet up sometime.

 

[lmyer]

I always ended up denting the sight, even with a brass punch, though I haven't cared too much as I did not intend to put the original sights back on. Hopefully yours will go better.

OTOH, I have a universal sight pusher that has worked on everything I have thrown at it, if you are in South Bend and want to try to meet up sometime.

Thanks to everyone,

PM Sent to CWillour

 

[Drail]

BEFORE you start wailing on it, make sure the slide is FIRMY held in a bench mounted vise that will not allow the slide to move any when struck. Use enough hammer. A brass punch is fine. Trust me on this.

 

[churchmouse]

I have had the sights on and off to of my RO's recently. It required a brass punch and some patience.

 

[top hat 45]

i cant remember where i read it, but a piece of hardwood cut down narrow enough works as well as brass punch and doesnt discolor the sight from th e hitting with brass.

 

[lmyer]

Thanks everyone. CWillour met me and used his sight pusher to remove the rear sight. Came right off with little resistance. Big thanks to him!

Today I drilled the 10 holes in my frame for my new mount (made by Weigand). Bought and used the drilling jig from the mount manufacturer. Just had to make a couple of wood clamps to hold the jig in place and level on the drill press and go at it with a #33 drill and some cutting oil. That ended up being much easier than I thought - and I am very happy with how it turned out so far. Next to tap the threads, but had to order a 6-40 tap as I could not find one at my usual places to buy tools.

Les

 

[lmyer]

And here's the pistol with the mount and Match Dot installed. Next will be some grips.

Les

 

[dthm03]

Any guys near Fort Wayne do 1911 refinishing? I would make a new thread but I do not have my 50 posts in yet...