p220 - Ok, so I bought the MGW tool and a new set of Trijicon sights. I've only done the rear sight and my marking method really didn't work out that well. I guess they are close to the old ones. I think I should have found an armorer to do this. I'm really not a good enough shot to sight in (even using a benchrest). Now, I don't know if I should replace the front sight or send it to Trijicon or find an armorer. Is having the front sight aligned perfectly more important than the rear? If you use point shooting, I guess it's really important? Can the gun be sighted in using a laser bore sighter?
Also, the old Trijicon sights are probably 12 years old, the sight is PURE BLACK, however, my new Tijicon sight is more brown than black - definitely noticeable in my opinion, has anyone ever noticed this? I like the look of my old pure BLACK sights better than I like the newer brown sights.
Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks,
paul

Since you already have the rear sight installed, I wouldn't think sending it to Trijicon would be necessary. I'd go ahead with the front sight. When you mark it, use a fine pointed pencil so you have a thin line to give you a better idea of where it should go. You could also try measuring the distance from the edge of the sight to the edge of the slide on both sides and center the sights that way. There's a good chance that will be sufficient until you can have someone help you sight it in properly from a rest.

Does your range have a gunsmith who might be willing to sight it in for you? Since you did the work installing, they might do it for less than a sight installation, maybe even for free. If you do go this route, make sure they know you have a sight tool for adjustments so they don't try to fine adjust your sight with a damn punch and hammer.

You can try to find an armorer or someone who's done it before, on this list, who is near you and would be willing to do it.

If you are nearby, I'd do it.

quote:

Originally posted by 10-7 leo:
You can try to find an armorer or someone who's done it before, on this list, who is near you and would be willing to do it.

If you are nearby, I'd do it.

Thanks, but I'm in Illinois. I'll have to scout around for someone.

pp,
You are working with a 4.4 inch barrel handgun, not a benchrest rifle. Stop obsessing about the sight placement. Eyeball them and then go try your gun at the range. If your shot placement is off then adjust one or both sights as needed.

I am the least mechanically inclined person in the world, besides my step-dad (not a slam on him, he'll admit it) and with the sight tool, I am able to install the sights and hit a 12" steel at 50 yards, first shot DA (don't laugh, my eyes are 48 years old).

I promise, if I can do it, you can too.

Thanks guys. My eyes are 49 years old and there's no way I can hit a steel at 50 yards. I don't like my groups at 7 yards.
I'm herky-jerky on the trigger and I usually hold the pistol too tight, but if I don't then I get that limp-wristing condition where the slide doesn't cycle or whatever. So, I'm working on getting better trigger control and trying not to squeeze the grips too tight - but this is all a work in progress.
I'll install the remaining front sight and make sight adjustments until it's correct. As mentioned, I'm sure I'll be able to find someone to help sight it in if need be.
Thanks again for your help - I really appreciate it.

FWIW, if you have an opportunity to take a class, I promise, you will be a better shooter. I NEVER would have believed I could hit a 12" steel at 50 yards.

The last day of a 4 day class, we started at 7 yards or so and everyone had to hit the plate before moving back another 5 yards or so.

Well, I'll be damned, I was able to hit 12" at 50 yards with a DA shot.

Trust me, if I can do it, you can too.

Steve,
Excellent - I went to a class one time - there were too many students to get enough one on one time. While the teacher was an excellent shot, I don't think he was that great of a teacher or just didn't have enough time to teach.
Regardless, you are correct and that's next on the list of things to do.
Thanks.

PP,

Where in Illinois are you? I just replaced sights on my P229 with that same tool. There are index marks on the tool to get the sight centered. I'd be glad to help you if you're anywhere near DuPage County.

All the best,

Mark

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the assistance, but I've already screwed it up. I found someone that is supposed to sight it in for me. I had a feeling the marks on the tool were for alignment, but I wasn't sure how they worked.
I'm in Cook County, not sure where Dupage County starts or ends. I work in Itasca, south of Woodfield Mall.