Kimber 1911 Front Site removal....?

HK23BEACH · Jun 17, 2018

Wanting to install new sights on 1911 Pro Carry.
Kimber has Good night sights and will only replace the night sights Meprolights sights.
I prefer Truglo FTX PRO..day/ night sights,which I bought.I've bought a Wheeler front and rear sight removal vise.Very impressive vise;However,I have been unable to remove front sight.Hand turning vise with no movement of front sight with a lot of torque.
I did talk with Kimber a few times,they want take sights off and return slide.They do have the Truglo sights on some of the new380s I believe.
I have been told by several that Kimber sights are extremely hard to remove.Found that out also!
I appreciate a helpful safe method to remove front sight.

n6yga · Jun 17, 2018

I just did a Kimber Custom Eclipes II. The rear was easy, but you have to watch out for the spring that is under the sight. It's part of the safety system. The front sight was a real bitch. I use a MGW SightPro and it is the very best sight tool. Well, I broke the sight clean off right at the base. I finished removal with a Universal BP500. Also, make sure you do some fitting on the front sight before you try and put it in. You only get one shot!

Mark.

BBBBill · Jun 18, 2018

Many folks saw a transverse slit in those to relieve the tight fit. The sight will usually fall out with a little tapping after that.

Jim Watson · Jun 18, 2018

I've seen that done.

drband · Jun 18, 2018

Can the Wheeler tool be set up to push on the front sight base? Not the vertical part.

If so, soak the sight/dovetail with a good penetrating oil over night and retry it from both sides. Many sights are inserted L to R so I would try pushing out R to L first.

In those really tight sights, if you push on the vertical portion, it will probably break off.

Good luck with it for sure.

(BTW, I use aluminum sight punches from Dawson Precision and a hammer. I’ve removed some tough sights that way working on the sight base.)

Old Shooter · Jun 19, 2018

Maybe just send it to Kimber and ask them to be sure to return all the parts?

Mizar · Jun 19, 2018

Aluminum/brass punch and sharp blow/s from a hammer would cure that frustrating issue. Sight vises are neat little tools, but sometimes they cannot handle really tight fitted sights - a hammer is the proper tool to use in that case (wisely!).

Jim Watson · Jun 19, 2018

My FLG has a powerful pusher, but he is more likely to pick up punch and hammer. None of this nonferrous stuff, he uses a mild steel punch. Still softer than sights, it moves them without dents or color.

HK23BEACH · Jun 19, 2018

I really appreciate everyone's time and information.I am hoping to get some free time this weekend or before to remove front and rear sight.I will update progress and results,when completed.
Many Thanks!

Kimber 1911 Front Site removal....?

HK23BEACH

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n6yga

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BBBBill

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Jim Watson

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drband

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Old Shooter

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Mizar

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Jim Watson

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HK23BEACH

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