Holy (redacted), S&W sights...

[halfmoonclip]

Went on a Smith BodyGuard .380 jag, one and a spare. It took some serious arm on my Real Avid sight pusher; even after fitting, the TruGlo replacements didn't go in willingly.
I've changed a bunch of sights on SIGs and other brands, generally without drama. Originally, it was done with a leather jawed vise, and a brass drift. But wow, these were a long afternoon's work.
It seemed I was working the sight pusher really hard, so I thought to remove the OEM with a steel punch and a machinist's hammer. I succeeded in peening the punch, and not even moving the sight. And I'd soaked it with penetrating oil for several days.
Am I missing something, or is there an inherent issue with Smith autopistol sights?
Moon
ETA-really pleased with the TruGlos; really a great sight picture.
Moon

 

[a5werkes]

A friend needed a S&W Shield sight swap.
Removal of the rear sight, I was able to use a large shaped brass punch. Front sight, brass shaped punch ended up being peened; switched to narrow steel starter punch.

The sights on the Shield can be tight due to their sight base configuration that is different than others. S&W has incorporated a front and rear "ridge" on both sides of the sight base, presumably to assist the hydraulic arbor press to install the sights straight and smooth at the factory. These little ridges seemingly are the culprit for their difficult removal.

 

[a5werkes]

..............the sight ridges.
MGW Pro did not have a Shield Shoe at the time or I would have given that a go.

 

[sparkyv]

Been there, done that. Frustrating...it shouldn't be so difficult.

. I succeeded in peening the punch, and not even moving the sight

Front sight, brass shaped punch ended up being peened;

 

[halfmoonclip]

The sights on the Shield can be tight due to their sight base configuration that is different than others. S&W has incorporated a front and rear "ridge" on both sides of the sight base, presumably to assist the hydraulic arbor press to install the sights straight and smooth at the factory. These little ridges seemingly are the culprit for their difficult removal.

I suspect that this was the issue. I've a long record changing out sights; for years, it was done with a brass drift and an assortment of hammers. The Real Avid pusher doesn't have sight-specific fittings, but it generally moves sights without drama or damage.
I had a Tisas 1911 that a buddy was taking to Camp Perry for the Military class. My pusher wouldn't touch it; finally, the leather jawed vise, a brass drift, and a Big (redacted) Hammer did the trick.
BTW, those Trijicons have an interesting groove on the sight base dovetail. Does that allow the sights to be installed with less fitting?
Thanks, guys.
Moon