Something to keep in mind about these recurring discussions is that—so often—advice-givers unconsciously assume that everyone else’s situation is the same as theirs. If we have a sight that can’t be budged with something like an MGW sight pusher and we must resort to whaling away with a 6-pound sledge and steel punch, then it’s also going to be absolutely essential to have some way of absolutely securing the gun slide during the process.

If you have a big-ass monster vise bolted to a immovable bench, that will probably work (assuming you know how to avoid damaging the slide). But how many of us have that? I have big-ass monster vise, but to use it I have to secure it with clamps to the small bench that’s only as big as I have room for. All the years when I lived in an apartment I never had a proper bench at all: gunsmithing work was on the kitchen table.

So my point is that it’s necessary to consider the entire process that you’re planning to embark on. For me, it’s an MGW Sight-Pro tool with multiple “shoes” for different pistols, including some that I don’t even own. Yes, it was expensive and I very seldom need it, but when I need it I have the proper tool for the job.

And this one?

quote:

Originally posted by DaBigBR:
https://www.wyomingsightdrifter.com/
Seriously.

Really: the “hardest” of sights?* Thanks for the reference and for the price and convenience, I may have to get one to help with stubborn pins, but even if it works on the most stubborn of sights, see my comments above about keeping the workpiece in place during the process.

* I notice that the one review on the site says it works as well as a 2-ounce hammer. If that’s the case, I can readily imagine “hard” sights that might be a challenge for it.

I am glad you said that and not me. Lol I looked at that video and laughed out loud. There is zero chance that thing could have removed every sight I have removed with my MGW Sight Pro. No way.

I’m not even sure why it would be preferred to a good set of punches and a small hammer.

Holy fuck it costs 136 bucks if you want tips. Yikes that’s nuts.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I am glad you said that and not me. Lol I looked at that video and laughed out loud. There is zero chance that thing could have removed every sight I have removed with my MGW Sight Pro. No way.

I’m not even sure why it would be preferred to a good set of punches and a small hammer.

Holy fuck it costs 136 bucks if you want tips. Yikes that’s nuts.

Yeah, and the sight pro is nearly idiot proof, not insulting anyone but if you do it according to the instructions it’s nearly impossible to break sights, mar the slide, or mess up a dovetail. Unlike punches.

I stand with my first comment benny6. You are a gunsmith. The best tool for this is simply the MGW Sight Pro with an appropriate shoe for whatever gun you will need. Buy once cry once. Anything else is a step down.

Otto said it well. You can’t mar a slide ever unless you set it up wrong. You can’t slip.

I actually needed to use an old bicycle seat post as a breaker bar over the allen key with the sight-tool .com (gen 4) to remove the rear sight on the LC9. I tried the the punch and vice method prior and realized how futile that was after how much force was needed. Forgot I also have an MGW. Old, expired credit cards are great for shims.

I've gotta agree with the other guys...if you're doing it regularly, and other people's tuff, as I'm sure you will be, Benny, you need the right tool for the job. The punch, hammer, and vice method has served me well, but I'm not doing anywhere near the volume that you will be, and I don't mind a little brassing on my finish which your customers probably won't appreciate.

MGW is currently running a St. Patrick's Day sale that might massage your decision.

Thanks guys! I'll look into purchasing the MGW. Yes, it's my profession and I've spent as much as I make in tools now. I've done plenty of sights with Delrin and steel punches and not destroyed them, but I have struggled sometimes to get the sight just right. Overshooting center can sometimes be a problem. The sight pusher should resolve that.

I recently destroyed V-tail's XS front sight with a delrin and brass punch. The original front sight came out just fine but I bent the base of the XS just trying to get it started in the dovetail, and that was just with a delrin punch! I moved on to a brass punch and the front sight ended up being canted. I tried to straighten it and the post sheared clean off. I called XS and they said, "oh, yeah, we make them oversized so you might have to sand off some metal from the bottom to get it to fit a P229 dovetail slot."

Well thanks for saying that in the instructions! They're sending me a new front sight at no cost, so I get to try again on Monday.

Tony.

Don’t worry my dads got a kickass set of tools!

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
Don’t worry my dads got a kickass set of tools!

Fast Times At Ridgemount High ?

Another enthusiastic vote for the MGW Armory Sight Pro:

MGW Armory Sight-Pro tool

It is worth the investment. From a practical standpoint, it costs a little less that 1500 rounds of 9mm.

As others have noted, with this tool, sight changes/adjustments are simple and one avoids dinging-up their pistols like a Wiley E. Coyote gunsmith.

I initially balked at the price, but since I maintain all of my siblings (and my) firearms, it was worth it.

quote:

Originally posted by Flashlightboy:
MGW is currently running a St. Patrick's Day sale that might massage your decision.

Where are you seeing the info about the sale? I’ve been wanting to buy the Pro Sight Tool for a while. I have the Glock-specific tool and would never use anything else, but I’d like to be able to work on SIGs and other brands. Thanks!

I had a helluva time removing my S&W M&P sights, they just wouldn't budge until I took the extra step of spraying them with PB Blaster penetrating lubricant... those suckers came off pretty easy after that treatment.

Big thanks to forum member mark60! I bought his sight pusher tool and it worked great! I got V-tail's XS sights installed properly in no time!





Tony.

I prefer the ones with the built in vice grip to lock in the slide. Works great for removing and inserting the sights.