Stake on Front Sight--? for my Springer project

[usp_fan]

I'm nearly complete on transforming my Springfield Mil-spec into what I think it should be. Sights and a refinish are all that's left.

I've decided on the Yost-Bonitz retro rear sight as a great no gun smith option.

My question is, what (if any) is the disadvantage of using a stake on night sight from Trijicon or Meprolight vs. having to pay to have my slide milled for a dovetail sight?

I understand the dovetail is reportedly stronger, but I've been led to believe that a properly staked front sight is very strong as well.

Second, can I stake it myself using general tools, or do I need to spring for a staking tool?

Finally, should I consider silver soldering the sight to make sure.

Ted Yost recomended the trijicon front sight if I was set on a stake on model. It appears that my Springfield has a tenon that is non-standard. I'm assuming I can use the large tenon sight and modify the tenon to my pistol.

So many questions! Help is appreciated.

--usp_fan

 

[Jim Watson]

Uh, lets see.
Springfield sights have a tenon of intermediate width between old GI and current Colt. You can file a new wide tenon to fit or buy a sight specified for SA.

I am NRA Mechanically Inept and have settled for watching FLG stake down sights. He does not do it with hardware store tools, except the hammer. He has an extra adapter to support night sights by their flanges so as to not crush the tritium vial.

I doubt you could solder down a night sight without bursting or melting the vial.

How much does Ted charge?
It might be worth it on a $50 night sight.

 

[perry1963]

Yes you need a stakeing tool, brownells sells a few differant kinds, i've used the $20.00 Kings style and haven't had any come loose, i use some epoxy insted of silver solder, just make sure the front site is supported, i use a block of wood i chaneled out to fit the site but for a nite site i'd use a gunsmith if it were my first time, they're expensive.

 

[usp_fan]

I think I can locate a staking tool. What about strength. Do I have anything to worry about with staking vs. dovetail?

I asked about the wide tenon because I think I've located a front sight only, at a good price.

Yes I'm cheap. The springer was used, the beavertail radius was cut by me, etc...

I want to do all the work if possible, both the keep the price down and to be able to know I did it.

Thanks,

--usp_fan

 

[perry1963]

The dovetail would have less chance of coming off due to recoil of the slide but the stakeing method can be strong enough if done right, brownells sells a stakeing tool that uses pins that are hammered and it kinda swages the tenon, i've never used it but it looks like a good unit but it sells for, i think,$250.00 so unless you're going to do alot of front sites it's to expensive.