I'm having trouble removing P226 sights on 2 older models. In the past I have removed them from right to left on other Sigs that are milled steel.

Both of these are folded carbon steel slides. Both have replacement sights installed.

I have tried a sturdy sight pusher, to the point where I thought I might damage the pusher.

I then put the slides into a vise and used a Brass punch and hammer to the point where I damaged the punch and marred the face of the hammer. They won't budge.

Is right to left removal correct on these older slides? Looking from rear sight toward front sight, pushing from right to left.

Thanks for any advice.

They will come out either direction, but your description is correct. When you say “sturdy” sight tool…MGW sturdy? I never had an MGW tool fail to remove a SIG sight. SAI XD’s are another story! It looks like you might be using a questionable hammer though. Use a REAL hammer with a properly fitted brass punch. The slide should be held firmly in a good, padded vice.

Thanks Chris,
Re the sight pusher...I did a quick search...see below.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B...al-sight-pusher&th=1

Re the hammer...
It came in a "Professional Gunsmithing Punch Set PSH-13" that I have had for about 15 years. I can't speak to the actual quality, except that I have never had an issue with it under light use.

The vice is sturdy, lightly padded and I used painter's tape on the slide as well.

I used 2 punches. One was slightly smaller the dovetail slot (it chipped in the process). The second punch was a fairly snug fit in the slot and that marred the hammer with fairly stout blows that shook my work bench.

Any other thoughts?

Edit: This is the hammer and punch set:
https://www.militariapress.com/product/PSH13.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rebut10,

Most gunsmithing hammers are lightweight with a plastic and/or brass face. Get a hammer with some weight and a steel face and hit that punch hard! Framing hammer, claw hammer, ball peen, etc.

There may also be an adhesive involved, in which heating the sights may help, although shouldn’t be needed with a heavy hammer.

I'll try both, hopefully this weekend, thanks.

I have carefully used a cutting wheel to cut the sight from side to side. Also i used sight tool where the rear sight sounded like a 22 when it finally moved.

quote:

Originally posted by elmer:
I have carefully used a cutting wheel to cut the sight from side to side. Also i used sight tool where the rear sight sounded like a 22 when it finally moved.

Yeah, I used to warn XD customers that I might have to resort to this, but I never needed to.

quote:

Originally posted by elmer:
I have carefully used a cutting wheel to cut the sight from side to side. Also i used sight tool where the rear sight sounded like a 22 when it finally moved.

Cutting wheel would be the (very) last resort, not out of the question.
I'll go with Chris' bigger hammer and then heat and the bigger hammer before I start cutting.

Unfortunately, something came up today, so it will be, hopefully, tomorrow.

Thanks elmer.

I've used that sight remover on dozens of sights.
My P365 was the hardest to remove, made me wonder if they were frozen before installing.

I thought the screws holding the shoe on were going to let go and got some better ones.
Then I cranked it as tight as I could get it by hand and smacked the shoe with a 16 oz hammer and punch.
It would pop and I just kept loading it up and driving it off that way, about 3/4 of the way till the tool moved it by hand.

I've also used WD40 or Liquid Wrench and applied them liberally on the sights so as to penetrate into the channels overnight.

Then I talk to them in low soft tones in the morning and they practically slide out.

Thanks for all the responses guys.

I finally had time to get back to the task this morning as life interfered with my fun over the last few weeks.

I decided to take recommendations in order and the most American answer (from Chris) did the job...A bigger hammer.

I did have to change out my brass punches because they were getting destroyed in the process. I will have to do some cutting or grinding to make them useful again.

A 16-ounce hammer and steel punches (with painter's tape as a cushion) and a lot more force than I thought I would need got it done without damage to the slides (2) or sights.

I will file the other suggested options away for future situations, should the need arise.

Thanks again all. Take care.

Congrats, and thanks for the update.

NP, thanks for the advice.