1911 Front Sight Staking?

[GIJOEL]

I just picked up an older colt lightweight commander. I got it home and field striped it and noticed that the front sight is staked on oddly. I wanted to have night sights installed, is that still an option?

 

[Jim K]

It looks like that sight was replaced at some time and silver soldered in, a common technique of gunsmiths. It also looks like a second hole may have been drilled. In any case, I would let the gunsmith who is going to do the night sight installation decide how to approach the situation.

Jim

 

[RKRCPA]

That looks like how some of the old Millett sights were done. I think it was called "dual staked" or some such.

 

[Jim Watson]

Correct.
You have the Millett Dual Crimp front sight installation.
The infamous M.D.C. front sight.

I don't think Millett makes iron sights any more. You could ask them.
http://www.millettsights.com/

I know of no direct replacement or any other installation that will clean up the two big widely spaced holes. They could be welded and a conventional Novak or Heinie dovetail cut. EGW used to do very nice work like that but they have concentrated on parts manufacture and their gunsmith is now an independent at:
http://innovativecustomguns.com/

 

[BBBBill]

Good answers. To add a little, Chuck Rogers does a dutchman repair (silver solder) to those that looks really nice.

 

[GIJOEL]

hmm, well I guess i'll see how the old pony shoots and then figure out what to do. BTW does anyone happen to know what a standard rear sight dovetail should measure? This one is .350 inches at the bottom of the cut (as best I can tell).