Question Zeroing pistol iron sights

[john_marsten_1873]

(For all you “just get a dot” people I already have many. I shoot with irons, optics, the edge of it the backplate, the frame…)

When installing new irons how do you make adjustments for zero when test firing on the range/bench?

I’m having a difficult time with pusher being able to make micro adjustments. But using a hammer I’m able to make small adjustments well. So maybe find some way to clamp a vise to the bench?

I’m using calipers to measure the sides on initial installation but I always need to test fire.

Also, any recommendations on high quality a bore sight laser and sight pusher would be much appreciated.

 

[RustVendor]

I don't frick with irons but I do shamelessly bring tools to the range and work on my stuff. Today I had a PCC I was diagnosing a feed issue on and a 2011 that I was fitting an extractor so I had everything apart between test fires. Basically I'm saying bring whatever you need. It wouldnt be weird to bring a hammer and a punch to the bench.

 

[Joker67]

I use tape , a digital caliper and a fine marker ( the finer, the better) to mark the center of the slide and separately, the center of the rear sight. I have a sight pusher and push the rear sight until the 2 lines line up. It’s worked so far.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

(For all you “just get a dot” people I already have many. I shoot with irons, optics, the edge of it the backplate, the frame…)

When installing new irons how do you make adjustments for zero when test firing on the range/bench?

I’m having a difficult time with pusher being able to make micro adjustments. But using a hammer I’m able to make small adjustments well. So maybe find some way to clamp a vise to the bench?

I’m using calipers to measure the sides on initial installation but I always need to test fire.

Also, any recommendations on high quality a bore sight laser and sight pusher would be much appreciated.

For me, I’ve brought the sight pusher before and I also have brought the real avid bench block with nylon punch, nylon mallet, and micro fiber towel laid on top of bench block. I havnt brought a whole bench vise before; yet.

What gun slide and irons are you trying to adjust?

 

[rodralig]

I bring the sight pusher to the range, there are good ones out there with ticks for micro-adjustments.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

(For all you “just get a dot” people I already have many. I shoot with irons, optics, the edge of it the backplate, the frame…)

When installing new irons how do you make adjustments for zero when test firing on the range/bench?

I’m having a difficult time with pusher being able to make micro adjustments. But using a hammer I’m able to make small adjustments well. So maybe find some way to clamp a vise to the bench?

I’m using calipers to measure the sides on initial installation but I always need to test fire.

Also, any recommendations on high quality a bore sight laser and sight pusher would be much appreciated.

For traditional/conventional handguns, you don’t need a laser bore sighter for irons. Just a good solid rest, shoot 5 shot groups, and adjust accordingly.

For red dots, on traditional/conventional handguns, you don’t really need a laser bore sighter if you know how to calculate the math based on distance and count your clicks; saves you ammo too. You can just start off at 7 or 10 yards and even if it’s really off it should still be on paper; starting off at 7 yards.

Where it does help to have a bore sighter are firearms where you can’t look through the bore to bore sight for the red dot, holographic sight, or magnified optic. A good example are ak-47 platform, Ruger 10/22, mini 14, m1a, and etc. For these guns, most of the time, you will be hitting high; so for brand new optic, I adjust elevation down a lot to start off with, if no laser bore sighter is handy.

I’ve noticed for a sight pusher that doesn’t accommodate the slide well, the nylon punch and nylon mallet method can be good to avoid the tilting of the slide and preventing scratching of the slide; blue masking and/or blue electrical tape can be good for scratch prevention and/or cushioning.

 

[lactoast]

For traditional/conventional handguns, you don’t need a laser bore sighter for irons. Just a good solid rest, shoot 5 shot groups, and adjust accordingly.

For red dots, on traditional/conventional handguns, you don’t really need a laser bore sighter if you know how to calculate the math based on distance and count your clicks; saves you ammo too. You can just start off at 7 or 10 yards and even if it’s really off it should still be on paper; starting off at 7 yards.

Where it does help to have a bore sighter are firearms where you can’t look through the bore to bore sight for the red dot, holographic sight, or magnified optic. A good example are ak-47 platform, Ruger 10/22, mini 14, m1a, and etc. For these guns, most of the time, you will be hitting high; so for brand new optic, I adjust elevation down a lot to start off with, if no laser bore sighter is handy.

I’ve noticed for a sight pusher that doesn’t accommodate the slide well, the nylon punch and nylon mallet method can be good to avoid the tilting of the slide and preventing scratching of the slide; blue masking and/or blue electrical tape can be good for scratch prevention and/or cushioning.

Are there any sight pushers you'd recommend?

 

[rodralig]

Are there any sight pushers you'd recommend?

There is the best... https://www.mgwarmory.com/products/sight-pro, but expensive.

And there is Wheeler - https://www.wheelertools.com/gunsmi...tools/armorers-handgun-sight-tool/710905.html

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Are there any sight pushers you'd recommend?

There is the best... https://www.mgwarmory.com/products/sight-pro, but expensive.

And there is Wheeler - https://www.wheelertools.com/gunsmi...tools/armorers-handgun-sight-tool/710905.html

What he said.

I’m still using the universal vism front and rear sight pusher I bought back then on sale at primary arms. It gets me by. I mainly used it for Glock. It doesn’t work for Springfield XD slide and irons; I had those sent out to get worked on.

 

[lactoast]

There is the best... https://www.mgwarmory.com/products/sight-pro, but expensive.

And there is Wheeler - https://www.wheelertools.com/gunsmi...tools/armorers-handgun-sight-tool/710905.html

What he said.

I’m still using the universal vism front and rear sight pusher I bought back then on sale at primary arms. It gets me by. I mainly used it for Glock. It doesn’t work for Springfield XD slide and irons; I had those sent out to get worked on.

Oof, I was afraid of that. They're quite the tall ask for something that will probably only be used a handful of times.

I was leaning towards the universal/Amazon sight pushers for Glocks, but I have a Shield Plus that I've heard has a reputation for being a pain in the ass to change out the front sights on.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Oof, I was afraid of that. They're quite the tall ask for something that will probably only be used a handful of times.

I was leaning towards the universal/Amazon sight pushers for Glocks, but I have a Shield Plus that I've heard has a reputation for being a pain in the ass to change out the front sights on.

I recently tried using the vism on m&p 2.0 metal and poo poo’d; I slightly nicked the cerakote and the optic cover plate. Replacing the optic cover plate soon; and it’ll be hard to tell unless I look for it. Realized later that night fision recommends using a nylon punch.

Online info originally said m&p 2.0 irons are hard to remove. It was easy to remove with a nylon punch and nylon mallet; and drive in the new sights.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

Oof, I was afraid of that. They're quite the tall ask for something that will probably only be used a handful of times.

I was leaning towards the universal/Amazon sight pushers for Glocks, but I have a Shield Plus that I've heard has a reputation for being a pain in the ass to change out the front sights on.

Maybe take a look at the vise portion of those universal sight pushers and see if the flats on the side will contour with your shield plus; and keep it steady from tilting when the pusher puts load on the irons? I don’t have a shield plus yet.

 

[riceman]

I started off using the sight pusher on the right developed by a Calguns member years ago took a lot to get it positioned right - a vise and small bubble level.
The one on the left is a NcStar rear sight pusher they now have a universal front and rear now. I have changed the rear sights on 5 of my Glocks and have used it to sight in the Glocks after setting them to original sight placement, it works great for its price. For only 5 guns I was not going spend the money on the name brands. The rear pusher is about $54 and the front and rear is $72 on Amazon. I am going to have to get the front and rear because I need to change the front sight on a couple of 1911s.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

.
I do not know if this is allowed (if not mods please delete this line) I will sell for $30 plus shipping

Need to make a ad; they don’t want us advertising in discussion thread.

 

[riceman]

I do not know if it has been said but double check which way to push out and put in a new sight. The gun manufacturer should have that info.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

I started off using the sight pusher on the right developed by a Calguns member years ago took a lot to get it positioned right - a vise and small bubble level.
The one on the left is a NcStar rear sight pusher they now have a universal front and rear now. I have changed the rear sights on 5 of my Glocks and have used it to sight in the Glocks after setting them to original sight placement, it works great for its price. For only 5 guns I was not going spend the money on the name brands. The rear pusher is about $54 and the front and rear is $72 on Amazon. I am going to have to get the front and rear because I need to change the front sight on a couple of 1911s.
I do not know if this is allowed (if not mods please delete this line) I will sell for $30 plus shipping

By the way, for my gsg 1911 .22lr, to install the Dawson precision fiber optic sights for steel challenge rimfire pistol iron division, I just used a nylon punch and nylon mallet. One of the sights needed a few swipes with a diamond flat file to fit; but then it’s aluminum slide compared to a real 1911 steel slide.

I adjusted at the range with the same punch and mallet.

Your 1911 sights are considered Novak sights right?

 

[riceman]

2muchsoysauce4allthisrice thanks just deleted.​

Also I am not good with a hammer I can can take the NcStar with me to the ranch. I will do not go to gun ranges unless taking a class or trying out a rental, I am just lucky I guess.
I am not sure what the sights are it is a Springfield 1911 A1 target 9mm. I am just getting into 1911s coming from Glocks.

 

[2muchsoysauce4allthisrice]

2muchsoysauce4allthisrice​

Thanks just deleted.

Just edit the last portion out about advertising; is fine. You don’t need to delete the whole damn message. The portion before that was good info.

 

[lactoast]

Maybe take a look at the vise portion of those universal sight pushers and see if the flats on the side will contour with your shield plus; and keep it steady from tilting when the pusher puts load on the irons? I don’t have a shield plus yet.

Yeah, might have to go with a Wheeler and hope for the best. At least MidwayUSA is selling it with free shipping. Might as well find some other needed items to add onto the order.

 

[riceman]

On any of the pushers you have to really check your clearance of the pusher to the slide. I am down their with a flashlight and looking at all angles. I am wondering about the front sight dove tail if you could just push at the base of the blade where it is attached (formed) to the dove tail portion. I will find out sometime in the future when I change out the front sight of my Springfield 1911 A1.