April 02, 2021, 06:13 PM
les45Von Stavenhagen sight question
I just picked up a new to me older model P229 with the Von Stavenhagen sights. I'm not a fan of the rear sight and would like to swap it out for a regular two white dot contrast sight. Does anyone know what size I should get to match the existing front sight or should I just get a complete new matching set? I'm not a night sight fan so that's not one of my options.
April 02, 2021, 06:27 PM
stoic-oneDepends on the caliber of your P229. The existing sights should be numbered. From the TGS FAQ:
https://www.topgunsupply.com/faq.htmlquote:
If your gun is shooting well with what is on it, you should replace them with the same sight height numbers. A good light and magnifying glass can help to find the numbers on your sights. The dovetail cuts are all the same on standard P series (not P230/232) and SIGPRO models. If all else fails, SIG SAUER publishes a standard.
357SIG or 9mm will use a #8 front and #8 rear
40S&W and .45ACP will use a #6 front and #8 rear
We consider this a rule of thumb because we have seen all kinds of different sight height combinations. It is best to find the numbers on your current sights.
April 02, 2021, 07:10 PM
sigfreundWhenever I switched from VS to two-dot, I just used the same number rear sight.
April 02, 2021, 07:20 PM
les45Thanks for the replies. My P229 is a 40 and I found the numbers marked on the sights. My rear is a #8 (front is a #6) so I need to find a rear #8 contrast sight.
April 03, 2021, 09:53 AM
FHHM213You might post in the classifieds. I suspect you’ll find some folks who have replaced contrast sights on purchased CPO Sig’s and they’d likely sell them to you for a minor amount.
But, some of us greatly prefer the VS style. If you’re going to stay with contrast-type sights (vs illuminated), the VS sight picture can be faster and more accurate in the context of combat-style sights.
Rear dots make sense to me for illuminated sights in dark conditions. But I think they are slow and unnecessary in daylight.
April 03, 2021, 11:12 AM
les45I've been using white three dot contrast sights for most of my 75 years. They are my preferred sights for any gun I own. I don't find any difference in my shooting between three dot contrast sights and the VS sights. Frankly, I just don't like the looks of the VS sights. I figure when the SHTF I'm going to be more point shooting than true target acquisition, especially in the dark (that's also the reason I'm not into night sights).