[pippin53]

I'm thinking of putting modern sights on a T-series that is not yet in my posession as I don't think my aging eyes will do well with the original sights. Can this be done and what would it cost me? Also, would it ruin the piece or lower its value? Thanks much.
Merry Christmas,
Ken

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. It can certainly be done, with Novak Lomounts or Heine fixed sights being
popular choices. The slide would need to be refinished as the sights are machined, but one could "get by" with cold bluing the milled dovetail cuts. Anyway, with the sight costs, gunsmith costs, and refinishing, I believe this runs in the neighborhood to $175 to $200.

Any collector value for an original T-series would be gone, but the gun would still have intrinsic value as a Hi Power and one with improved sights. You lose interest from one group within the Hi Power market, but perhaps make it more appealing to another.

I enjoy shooting more than "collecting," so were it my decision, I'd probably make the change. Others would feel just the opposite, but the sight thing is certainly doable on the T Hi Power.

Best.

[pippin53]

Thanks, Stephen
I was hoping to hear from the expert. I'm tending toward not doing this since the finish is in no need of refinishing and may be unfired. How are the triggers on the T-series guns in your experience?
God bless,
Ken

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. I've only owned a few over the years, but all had pretty decent triggers w/o work. I've heard that some had "bad" triggers, but have not personally handled one.

Best.

[Preacherman]

You might want to check out the XS Sights system - AFAIK, they fit the original dovetail and/or front sight socket, and don't require machining. Their Web site is here (http://www.expresssights.com/) - and their high-visibility Big Dot system might help your eyes too.

HTH

[James Bondrock]

If this refers to the tangent rear sight (a blade that moves along a sort of integral ramp on the slide), I don't think any aftermarket sights could be adapted to it. If it has a standard slide but with the vestigial low/narrow notch military sights, then yes, they can.

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. The "T" refers to a "T" in the serial number. Hi Powers so marked were made from sometime in '64 through part of '69 if memory serves.

Best.