Is there any particular brand/model of sight tool that is better than others? I would prefer one that could be used across different platforms, as I have HK’s, Glocks, S&W’s. Looking to swap out my own sights, versus sending them to a pistol smith to do.
Thanks,
Maryland Gun Works sight pusher. Very nice, quality tool. Spendy though.
I recently ordered a Fisher sight pusher and have used it to install sights on Glocks. I like it better than other sight tools I’ve used. It works on a wide variety of handguns.
I have both the Fisher and most recently the sight pro from MGW. I have to admit that the MGW is a far reach for the average shooter but it is absolutely freaking amazing. I have the inserts for 1911, Glock, M&P and XD. If I added up all the sights I have mangled or just plain ruined I probably could have bought this thing twice. The Fisher works for slab sides well like the Glock / M&P rear but I didn’t have great luck with the complex shaped front like the M&P, even with the right inserts. It just wants to “roll” in the tool. It also works better in a vise with plenty of time to set it up and double check everything. I do a lot of sight changes / adjustments for a lot of different people so the MGW is well worth it.
If you have the MGW it’s not a far reach that all your friends will want a tweak here or there or an install, you can fill an envelope full of $20’s to pay for itself pretty fast. Plus it’s just a super high quality piece of machine work!
Hands down MGW makes an awesome sight tool. I know they also make there sight tools for various gun manufactuers to private label. Never had an issue using the MGW tools to remove stubborn sights.
MGW…buy once cry once.
MGW Sight Pro here as well, works fantastic. I owned their M&P tool which works with Glocks as well, but ended up with a couple HKs and upgrading for the modularity of the Sight Pro just made sense, and if they don’t make a shoe for your model, they’ll make one(last I spoke with them, send your slide to measure, get one free in return).
Good thread…and perfect timing. Considering re-finishing the slide and changing the sights on my newly-acquired XD40. But the thing is so damn accurate, I’m almost afraid to change the sights without a good tool to adjust them.
I also use an MGW, though mine is the Glock-specific model
This is the one I’ve been using for the last 6 months. Works great and will work for a variety of handguns. At $79 it’s awful hard to beat.
Yep, they had me send in my PPQ slide when the sight pro first came out. I’d say if you have or plan on having more than 3 or 4 different hamdguns get a sight pro. I was able to sell all my various sight pushers to pY for the SP.
BTW if I remember correctly my standard (not sight pro) MGW pusher for Glocks actually fit my M&P as well.
Watrdawg,
How many different types of handguns have you used your sight pusher tool on? I have HK’s, Sigs, S&W, and Glocks. Did you have any difficulty with awkward shaped slides like the front of S&W M&P/Shield?
Thanks,
The downfall of most pushers is the inability to keep the slide from torqing. The sight pro grabs the rails, then 4 pads against the sides and finally a large pad on top with a micro adjustment to keep it off the slide. Even the single mgw tools aren’t as good.
I’ve used this tool on my G19 and also my M&P 45 Midsized. No problems at all. This tool locks the slide in on both sides and also from the bottom. It is very solid. Previously I had a sight tool from Glockmeister that broke the first time I tried to install sights on my G19. It’s a piece of crap.
I bought this tool with the shim set. It should cover just about any pistol and is strong enough to push out hard to remove XD sights. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Handgun-Sight-pusher-tool-Universal-Gunsmith-kit-comes-with-4-block-sets-/252037936292?hash=item3aaea1b4a4
The Fisher video recommends using a business card to protect the slide finish, but I use a piece of boot leather. You also want to use a little masking tape to protect the sight finish. I suggest using tape and leather to protect the finish regardless of which tool you decide to purchase.
Am I the only one who uses a hammer and brass punch?
How frequently do you guys change out handgun sights??
I would never use a hammer and brass punch on tritium sights. I change out roughly a dozen sets of sights each year.
For me, only with a new gun to add preferred sights, until I find something I like better.
I find a pusher to be much easier to fine tune the sights position and at least with the adjustable height of the sight pro, easier and more gentle to install front sights.
I’ve only changed out 3-4 sets of sights over the last couple of years. However, why worry about the trouble of a hammer and brass punch when is is so much easier with a good sight tool.
A dozen sights a year? Well obviously it makes sense for a professional. For me, I don’t see the point in incurring the extra costs for a sight pusher despite iT being easier to use. $10 for a front sight tool and I already have the punch and hammer and files.
I have installed several tritium sights on Glocks with a punch and hammer. They are still glowing years later. If you lightly tap them from the base there is no issue.