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Changing sights on a Glock

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Mikey the Barbarian

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I understand about changing the front sight with the hex nut. But I wanted to know how you change the rear sight. Do you drift it out with a brass punch and drift the new one in ? Do you need to have it 'pressed' in instead ? Does the old one come out right to left,,,and the new one go in right to left,,or visa versa ?
Thank you
 
#2 ·
Far better to use a quality sight pusher. I prefer MGW. They last forever. It’s been my experience that when I loan mine out it is generally retuned with a six pack. Seriously, I’ve had it for years and it’s paid for itself many times over. It doesn’t matter which way you remove and install rear sights but I always go left to right.
 
#3 ·
I use the installation tool to install, punch and hammer to remove since it's scrap anyway unless it's steel aftermarket piece. I center up the new rear sight on granite surface plate and dial height gage. I can usually get within .005".
 
#6 ·
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDRkzwLlX4Y&list=WL&index=8&t=0s


I have one of these. Not sure they are still made, but there are many on EBay just like it, with the same functions.

You don't have to spend $125. on MGW (although still a fine tool, but more geared to a commercial gunsmith, than a hobbyist) just to remove an old and add a new Glock rear sight.

IMHO and YMMV
 
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#7 ·
I install XS big dot sights on my Glock pistols.
You do not need a sight pusher for the rear sight, as they just slide on (sometimes requiring a few passes on some sandpaper) and then are retained with set screws and loctite.
That isn't WHY i choose XS sights... but it is handy feature.
 
#9 ·
MGW makes great tools. I have a sight specific MGW sight pusher for the Glock and later bought their universal tool. Not exactly universal as have to buy pistol specific shoes for about $20 each.

First Glock original equipment sights are easy to tap out. How hard it will be to tap in a new sight depends on the sight. Some may require filing for fit. And some like xssights may come with loose fit and some loctite provided to hold in place.

Problems with tap in method is with tight fit will tend to move bench unless bench is real heavy and/or secured. Also when sight does move it generally moves too much, especially when dealing with tight fit.

One solution with Glock is to put slide in vise and tap out old sight which is easy. Then file new rear sight until it taps in easily and once get sighted in apply a good creeping red loctite. Clean sight and dovetail with non chlorinated brake cleaner or gun scrubber before install rear sight so loctite will adhere.
 
#10 ·
2740dmx said:
I install XS big dot sights on my Glock pistols.
You do not need a sight pusher for the rear sight, as they just slide on (sometimes requiring a few passes on some sandpaper) and then are retained with set screws and loctite.
That isn't WHY i choose XS sights... but it is handy feature.
Click to expand...
Last xxsight I installed on Glock was their F8. Unlike XS big dot they are fitted, but fitted loose and easy to tap in. Not tight enough to stay in place during heavy use so you apply the provided red loctite once sighted in.

The F8 rear sight was too high for me to use my MGW Glock specific sight pusher, but my universal MGW sight pusher would have worked, but I just did old tap, tap without a problem.
 
#11 · (Edited)
I used a vise and plastic punch for my G27. The punch was one you'd use to push AR15 takedown pins if they're really stiff. I taped cereal box cardboard to the jaws of the vise with masking tape and used extra pieces at the top of the jaws that were just wide enough to fit the flats of the sides of the slide minus the slide rails. I put the rear of the slide in the jaws such that the jaws did not apply pressure to the slide rails or any part of the slide between the breach face and the muzzle because the slide can crack and bend irreparably in those areas.

The factory plastic rear sight has a hollow base that is filled with a little steel plate and that plate can stay behind in the groove after you tap the sight out. Luckily I was able to get it out with the plastic punch but it was a pain, you may want to have a brass punch on hand in case.

Also if you do it make sure the slide is tight in the vise. If you drop the slide on the floor the slide rails and the tang the end of the guide rod seats into can bend or crack.

Some rear sights require the bottom flat to be filed down bit by bit until it fits into the dovetail tightly but not too tight. For my front sight I degreased the sight and screw with rubbing alcohol then put a small amount of blue loctite 242 on the the threads and let it set for 48 hours. I haven't had it come loose but I haven't done mag dump after mag dump with it.
 
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#13 ·
I used a nylon tipped punch. I don't think I've ever cursed and swore so much in all my life.

Even after filing the dovetail for a better fit. Finally had to add a drop of oil to get it in there.

Next time I'll splurge on a sight pusher.
 
#16 ·
My highly calibrated adjustment and installation vice is a nylon tipped hammer. For the rear sights only lol Never found a sight that took more than a few good smacks and the nylon hasn’t damaged any yet. Don’t do this with night sights though, use or borrow a pusher
 
#19 · (Edited)
I got the MGW sight tool because not only does it remove and install rear sights, but it also allows for precise sight adjustments. I keep it in my range bag when I sight them in.

As an additional comment, a local lgs does Glock days where they have sales on Glocks, parts, etc. and usually a Glock armourer onside to install Glock accessories. For the sights, I notice they all seem to use the MGW rear sight tool.

Again, when at the range, hard to beat the tool for adjusting sights in controlled increments vs tapping and guessing.
 
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