ria 1911 rear sight removal

[acmax95]

i am trying to replace the rear sight on my ria 1911 tactical and i cannot get the old one out of the dovetail. i have tried tapping it out using a punch from both sides and also allowed some penetrating oil to soak in before tapping it. any suggestions?

 

[WardenWolf]

You removed the set screw, right? 1911 sights are usually pressed in with a hydraulic press. They're not designed to be user-removable.

 

[Lunie]

+1, there should be a set screw. At first glance, I thought it was just a hole in the sight. Find the correct size Allen Wrench and loosen it out.

 

[rcmodel]

It is imperative that you clamp the slide in a large, heavy, smooth face vice.
Like a milling table vice.

Otherwise pounding on the sight is just gonna move the whole slide rather then moving the sight.

If push comes to shove, use a hacksaw to split the old sight right down the middle of the dovetail to relieve the tension on it.

rc

 

[acmax95]

thanks for the replies. i did remove the set screw and put it in a bench vise and still no luck. a local smith will change it for 20 bucks so iw am going to go that route.

 

[daveinvegas]

You have to break the Loktite before that sight will move. "You need heat."

 

[Red Cent]

The overwhelming problem in dovetail sight removal (other than set screws) is the placing of the receiver/slide/frame in a secure vise, using a good, small, flat nose punch and BMFH. A SERIOUS smack on the left side of the object will usually effect removal. Think KARATE. Punch through the object.

 

[rmarsh56]

I replaced the factory sights on my brother's RIA Tactical. After backing off the set screw, I got a brass drift and ball peen hammer, clamped the slide in a padded vice, and knocked the heck out of the old rear sight. They must have been carried away when they applied locktite at the factory. It took several licks before it loosened up.