1911 front sight loose

rufrdr

rufrdr

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I was cleaning my Colt series 80 M1991 when I noticed the front sight is loose. It can't be pulled up and out but it definitely can be pulled up a bit. I bought the pistol used and I suspect the sights are replacements. I've put a couple thousand rounds through it but haven't shot it in the past two years. It may have been like this for a long time or just happened the last time I shot it.

Any suggestions for a home fix or just wait until it falls out and then replace it?
 
Sounds like it’s staked in and got loose. Staking a front sight is not a walk in the park. I’ve tried, and failed. I sent mine off to Novaks and had them dovetail cut the slide and install an improved front sight.
 
+1 to the dovetail. The outcome of a re-staking job can be iffy in the hands of someone isn't well versed. If you botch the job you're going to need a gunsmith to fix it anyway, so you might as well just have them cut the dovetail. It's a much better choice if you ever want to swap it out front sights down the road.

I recently had the tiny GI sights replaced on my RIA 1911 and my gunsmith cut the front dovetail for me.

gcZWdfz.jpg
 
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Call around, find a Smith with the tool, shouldn't cost much, and will probably do it while you wait. Would bet even some gunshops can handle it.

There are home ways without the tool, not sure if it's luck or skill involved, but I am sure I don't have enough of either to be repeatable.
 
nbkky71 said:
+1 to the dovetail. The outcome of a re-staking job can be iffy in the hands of someone isn't well versed. If you botch the job you're going to need a gunsmith to fix it anyway, so you might as well just have them cut the dovetail. It's a much better choice if you ever want to swap it out front sights down the road.

I recently had the tiny GI sights replaced on my RIA 1911 and my gunsmith cut the front dovetail for me.

gcZWdfz.jpg
Click to expand...
I had this and a few other features added to my ria cs a few years ago ,
Made my on ultra model before they started offering them
 
I ordered a front sight stake tool from Brownells for $32 once a $15 off coupon was applied.



p_080817000_1.jpg
I have a small workbench anvil so I laid a shop towel doubled over on the anvil and clamped the slide upside down to it. I used a lightweight hammer and the tool and after 5 taps (one in the center of the tenon and one on each edge) the sight was tight to my fingers at least. No burrs were formed doing the taps, the bushing went right back in and rotates with no hitches.

The proof will be when I shoot it. The worst that can happen is that it will loosen up again and I'll have to do the whole thing all over. The set up time and tear down time was twice as long as the work itself.
 
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Give this fella a call

Brocks Custom Guns
1-919-750-7007
Archie is his name.

Not too far from you. Does good work!
 
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