Install sights…

sr30

sr30

Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2016
Messages
1,792
Location
Mooresville
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
If this is the wrong sub, please delete.

I’m looking for someone to install some sights on my RIA 1911. I don’t have faith to do it myself.

Anyone know of a smith that is reasonable or what I should expect to pay to have it done?

TIA
 
sr30 said:
If this is the wrong sub, please delete.

I’m looking for someone to install some sights on my RIA 1911. I don’t have faith to do it myself.

Anyone know of a smith that is reasonable or what I should expect to pay to have it done?

TIA
Click to expand...
What model RIA? What kind of sights. If the dovetails are the same I have a Wheeler sights pusher you can borrow.
 
sr30 said:
Standard FS, if that makes sense.
Click to expand...

51431_1911-A1_ROCK-Std_FS_45ACP_leftangled_square1.png



They are Novak cuts. What are you replacing them with? If you pick Novak cut sights you should be able to remove them with the Wheeler sight pusher. The issue will be if the sight cut is undersized you have to fit the sight. Always file the sight not the slide. It is the cheaper part. The other thing people say is that there is a lot of locite under the sights. So heating it with a heat gun will help get the sights moving.

You could always ship the slide to Novak or Dawson and they would install their sights for you.
 
Last edited:
sr30 said:
Standard FS, if that makes sense.
Click to expand...
As in, classic style stake in? If they are dovetailed then, as others suggest, a regular sight pusher should work. Otherwise, you'll need a staking tool.
 
Last edited:
RIA sights are not Novak cut. The Rock Island dovetail is Novak-ish, but different in a few key dimensions.

LPA and Dawson both make sights for Armscor/Rock Island dovetails.

You should not be intimidated by installing sights. It's sliding a dovetail into another dovetail. If you played with Lego or K'nex or Erector Sets or Lincoln Logs as a kid, you have the mechanical aptitude to install a set of sights. A sight pusher tool (one that cradles the slide and allows you to push sights in and out by rotating a threaded rod) is worth it, 100%.

Most sights will need a smidge of love with a triangle file, but sometimes the stars align and the as-manufactured replacement sight will slide into the dovetail about 1/3-1/2 of the way with finger pressure. If it will do that, lubricate, go slow, and install with the pusher. Take care not to push on the blade of the front sight. Center the front sight and zero for windage (using the pusher at the range) at the rear.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom