Dovetail Sight

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Panzerschwein

Panzerschwein

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I am wondering on how to change the dovetail front sight on my Browning Hi-Power Mk III.

Would it be a good idea to take it to a gunsmithing shop to have it done? I don't have many gunsmithing tools and am not sure I can do it properly. It's a nice Browning and I don't want to harm it.

Is it an easy job? Or should I just have the smith do it properly? How much is a fair price to have this done? Only the front sight will be changed, not the rear. Thank you.
 
Take it to a real gunsmith, not just some guy at a gun store. A nice BHP should be kept that way. Common price: $25. Maybe less...
 
Thank you. That is a price I do not mind to pay to have it done well. I should hunt for gunsmiths in my local region to perform this work if that is an appropriate price. I do not wish to harm the gun, it is a nice Hi-Power with a smooth finish.
 
Get references and ask to see some examples of their work. There are far too many hacks who call themselves gunsmiths and no real certifying organization or agency in this country to establish some credibility. Do not be afraid to mail the slide and new sight to someone really qualified to do the work.
 
I have dovetailed in a few sets on my BP rifles. It is doable, but very difficult to get them perfectly straight with hand tools.

Slightly crooked is only acceptable if you are the one that does it.

:cuss:
 
If I'm reading this correctly, he's talking about drifting out the dovetailed front sight and drifting in a new one... Not cutting the dovetail...

Anyone with a sight pusher can do it, no special skill required. A good fitting, padded vise and a delrin punch or piece of dowel (it WILL ruin the dowel) would push it out in a few good whacks as well, no special skill nor special tools required.
 
It will be pretty easy to remove a properly fit front sight.
However, if it's really tight, he risks damage if he's inexperienced with the tools. (Punch or pusher)

If the new sight is very tight, it must be fitted properly before tapping in all the way. Random guys with sight pushers can damage slides, sights, & dovetails pretty easily.

The OP stated he does not have tools and wanted to know how best to do the install... and that his BHP is a nice gun with a "smooth finish." I would caution against having anyone do the work who can not guarantee results, that's all.

Check out: http://www.tacti-cool.com/gunsmithing-gone-wrong/

I've actually used this service for a full slide refinish and his work is super. He does sight installs, too.

Note: if I needed to change sights only on a gun, I would do it, but I have proper tools, padded vise, and knowledge of when to stop if anything becomes a problem.
 
Okay, guys. I want this done right.

Anyone know of a good place to mail off the slide to have it done right?
 
"...am not sure I can do it properly..." If you have any doubts, take it to a smithy.
"...gunsmithing tools..." Most of 'em are just regular hand tools. Adding the word 'gunsmith's' to anything just makes it cost more. Mind you, there are some specialized tools, like the rebound spring tool for Smith revolvers. Even a sight pusher is special and it's just a screw with a handle. Cost you nearly $100 for one though. Usually firearm specific too. Lotta money for a one time thing.
 
Spoke with the local smith. This did not inspire confidence.

I emailed Williams. Let's see his price.
 
Guys I sent the slide to the XD man and he was out of town for the Shot Show. But he arrived back to work this week and the turnaround time for the sight install was like two days, and the shipping back was extremely fast. I got it today in the mail box and the job appears to have been done extremely nicely. I'm super satisfied with both the rapid turnaround time and the work done, all for just $27 which included return shipping. The local smith had no credentials I could verify, wanted $35, and did not give a great impression over the phone when I spoke with him. So glad drband let me know about the XD man. He rocks!!
 
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