What should I expect to pay?

[ept000]

My new Springfield GI definitely needs better sights. I would love to have some big white dots like my Glock. I have been reading about needing a jig to hold the front sight while you peen the tennon, and how you have to buy a large tennon sight and cut it down to fit a GI, and maybe I should just have the sights installed by someone who already has that stuff. So, how much should I expect to pay to have sights swapped?

Also, can anybody lead me to some sights. Every post I have read, mostly on the 1911 sights, just says search for GI sights. Well I'm either a little slow in the head or I just can find them. I definitely want fixed sights because they are more durable, and I don't need night sights on this gun unless it's a smoking deal.

[AdamN]

If you want to do it yourself I have the tool for the front sight. I hve most of the odd tools for 1911's. Ill have to look up and see what sights are available.

Youre right about springfield having a odd front tenon width, but thats not too big of a hurdle.

SIghts are pretty reasonable

[AdamN]

Here is one, they make a black target style, white dot, wide and narrow tennon.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=21901/sku/MGW_1911_Auto_Fixed_Sight_Combos__IRS_WD_NT

[jawjaboy]

As usual ET, Adam speaks truth. :yesnod:
.

[ept000]

Adam, I can always count on you to reply! You rock! You also warned me the sights on the GI left a little something to be desired....

[ept000]

Here is one, they make a black target style, white dot, wide and narrow tennon.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=21901/sku/MGW_1911_Auto_Fixed_Sight_Combos__IRS_WD_NT
Help me understand the abreviations please. IRS WD NT I assume WD is white dot and NT is narrow tennon, but what does IRS stand for? And how do I know if it a GI dove Tail?

[AdamN]

Here is a better page/description. IRS is Improved ramped serrated. (there reffering to the front sight, ramped or straight up/dpwn)

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=8842/Product/1911_AUTO_FIXED_SIGHT_COMBOS

[AdamN]

Here is another that gives a better description of the tenon width. These are real good sights as well but Brownells doesent carry them anymore.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=22485/Product/1911_AUTO_FIXED_HARDBALL_SIGHT

[ept000]

Okay. I see now. So do I need to find "GI" dove tail specifically?

[AdamN]

The rear sight dovetail is the standard 1911 dovetail. You would need the wide front tenon and thin it down a bit with a file, just takes a minute or two

[ept000]

The rear sight dovetail is the standard 1911 dovetail. You would need the wide front tenon and thin it down a bit with a file, just takes a minute or two
Ah ha! No wonder I couldn't find anything that said GI dove tail. Damn 1911 people pulled a fast one on me...

[ept000]

How about these?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=176597

[AdamN]

How about these?
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=176597


Yea thats them, the same ones that are in the Brownells link:patriot:

There a couple dollars cheaper from Brownells with a dealers discount, not a big deal/difference really

[ept000]

I got kind of distracted from this thread with surgery and all, but I managed to finally order the new sights. Should be here Monday. How does the tool for the front sight work? The few I saw on the net looked like you could cut a notch in a piece of flat bar and have basically the same thing. True? Also, do you just rest the top of the sight on the bench while you peen the tennon, or is there a jig that holds the sight?

[AdamN]

Yes if you a good piece of hardened steel it would work. You need to peen it pretty well.
I clamp the slide in a machinist vise and use a piece of aluminum under the front sight for support.

Here are the instructions on the Brownells tool. Dont forget you will need to thin down the front sight to fit the Springfield tenon slot.

If you have any problems just send it to me ;) http://www.brownells.com/userdocs/learn/Inst-433%20Front%20Sght%20Staker.pdf

[ept000]

Thanks Adam. It looks pretty straight forward. I'm going to attempt to make the tool. I can cut it out of flat bar, then heat and quench it to harden. If I run in to a snag I may contact you for help.

[MakeMineaP99]

Make it out of D2 or O2 to start with.

[Steve Koski]

ept:


Your journey


has just


begun.

[ept000]

ept:


Your journey


has just


begun.
I have that exact same feeling.....

[craig110]

What should I expect to pay?

Since this thread is winding down, I have to admit that every time I saw the thread title in the list of new posts, I wanted to yell out in my best "Gunny" voice: Listen up, solder! You haven't been issued that CRB card for it to dangle from your neck like a duplicate dog-tag. You expect to pay nothing! You might end up having to pay something, but you expect and work towards paying nothing. Now drop and give me 20. Semper fi.

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