View Full Version : Recomendations for a "universal" sight pusher?
baglock1
02-20-2015, 21:16
I've poked around online and it seems like most sight pushers are branded for a specific frame but I've seen a few labeled as being "universal." Anyone have a good recommendation for one? I realize that a dedicated tool per frame is the *right* way to do it, but being a mechanical minded person, I believe a universal setup could be made to work effectively and properly. Honestly, I'd make it myself but I've gotten to the point where spare time is more valuable to me than the cost of buying it.
This would primarily be for Sigs, but I want the capability to do the majority of the modern semi-auto handgun frames. Additionally, I'd probably make an insert to allow pushing the front sight on certain rifles as well.
Any recomendations?
I just picked up a P500 sight adjustment tool from B&J Machine:
www.bjarms.com
Haven't used it yet, but it's solid and well made.
baglock1
02-20-2015, 21:49
Did you get the standard or the pro?
bkincaid
02-20-2015, 21:59
I am getting this one: http://www.sightpusher.com
Looks like the ticket for my needs.
Reminds me - I need to tweak the rear sight on my Bersa T380.....
baglock1
02-21-2015, 01:18
I am getting this one: http://www.sightpusher.com
Looks like the ticket for my needs.
That looks very similar to the one I had designed in my head, to include the inserts. And the price isn't too bad either. I'm still looking for input but at this point, I'm thinking I'll give that one a try.
BPTactical
02-22-2015, 09:17
I just picked up a P500 sight adjustment tool from B&J Machine:
www.bjarms.com
Haven't used it yet, but it's solid and well made.
Not.
I have destroyed two of them. They are ok for the occasional "move it a smidge" but won't stand up to heavy use. An XD will just laugh at it and that is what killed them.
I don't see the other tool listed in this thread being much better.
OP- if SIG is the only brand you plan on swapping sights then get the dedicated EGW tool.
baglock1
02-22-2015, 10:40
OP- if SIG is the only brand you plan on swapping sights then get the dedicated EGW tool.
It isn't. The majority of the handguns are Sig, but I also just picked up a Ruger. Additionally, I foresee picking up another Glock just because I miss the 2gen I sold ~8 years ago. Plus, I have a harem of .22 rifles that I think the tool would be helpful for changing out the front sights on. The last time I changed sights on a 10/22 (using punches and a hammer), it was an awkward experience. This was primarily due to not having a rigid fixture to have mounted everything too, but until I build my forever shop, that won't be changing.
A friend (who is also a smith) sent me the link to the Meprolight unit (http://www.meprolight.com/default.asp?catid={0699E358-0663-498D-8607-268892DD4604}&itemid={697F8552-53BF-42D4-B05B-69E220522F8A}) which is what he uses. At $680, it's way more that I was wanting to spend. If a quality universal tool is what I want, is my only choice to spend that kind of money?
BPTactical
02-22-2015, 10:52
I have the Meprolight tool, an EGW for Glocks and a beefy bastard I made from 1/2" plate, think of a beefed up BJA.
Each has their own place. I don't feel there is such a thing as a "one tool fits all universal".
baglock1
02-22-2015, 13:41
Thanks for the perspective Bert. I think the cheaper, more robust option will be to buy a couple of tools for individual frames and buy more when they're needed. At this point, I really only have two to buy and it sounds like that's going to be the cheaper option compared to buying something like the Meprolight. Or I may just go ahead and fire up the mill the next time I go down to visit my Dad and make my own... *sigh*
Can you provide a link for EGW? My google-fu is only returning MGW, Maryland Gun Works, with regards to sight tools. The EGW I found, Evolution Gun Works, doesn't show any sight tools on their webpage. I want to make sure I'm looking in the right spot.
I am getting this one: http://www.sightpusher.com
Looks like the ticket for my needs.
I bought the sightpusher.com tool when I did the APEX trigger for my Shield. Worked great--just had to shim up under the slide with some thin cardboard cutouts to line up the height where I needed it (I cut up some small strips off a six-pack). That rear sight wasn't going to budge a mm with a hammer punch when I tried.
Tinelement
04-22-2015, 12:50
I bought the sightpusher.com tool when I did the APEX trigger for my Shield. Worked great--just had to shim up under the slide with some thin cardboard cutouts to line up the height where I needed it (I cut up some small strips off a six-pack). That rear sight wasn't going to budge a mm with a hammer punch when I tried.
Didn't want to hear that. I have a set coming Friday for my Shield. Was just planning on punches and ball peens. I shall see.
As far as universal this is all I got.... ;)
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa351/tinelement/Gun%20Stuff/IMG_0184_zps49fcfcb8.jpg (http://s1193.photobucket.com/user/tinelement/media/Gun%20Stuff/IMG_0184_zps49fcfcb8.jpg.html)
That was a Sig Scorpion I changed out. Those tapped out with minimal effort. Using the proper punches. Ha.
hurley842002
04-22-2015, 13:24
Didn't want to hear that. I have a set coming Friday for my Shield. Was just planning on punches and ball peens. I shall see.
As far as universal this is all I got.... ;)
http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa351/tinelement/Gun%20Stuff/IMG_0184_zps49fcfcb8.jpg (http://s1193.photobucket.com/user/tinelement/media/Gun%20Stuff/IMG_0184_zps49fcfcb8.jpg.html)
That was a Sig Scorpion I changed out. Those tapped out with minimal effort. Using the proper punches. Ha.
That's why I buy all my sights from Bowers, free install in about 10 minutes. Speaking of which, at Bowers right now having sights and an apex trigger installed in my shield.....
That's why I buy all my sights from Bowers, free install in about 10 minutes. Speaking of which, at Bowers right now having sights and an apex trigger installed in my shield.....
You'll like the APEX. Are you getting the trigger, too, or just doing the springs/striker-block/sear kit? I did not do the trigger replacement, but it was a noticeable improvement over the factory. Was my first ever DIY on a gun--was sweating that hard, but YouTube walked me through it.
Didn't want to hear that. I have a set coming Friday for my Shield. Was just planning on punches and ball peens. I shall see.
As far as universal this is all I got.... ;)
That was a Sig Scorpion I changed out. Those tapped out with minimal effort. Using the proper punches. Ha.
Apparently, the Shield rear sights are notoriously a bitch to get out. I had read that going in . . . tried the hammer/punch thing and it didn't move at all. First used my gunsmithing hammer that I bought and that didn't work. So I took my heat gun and heated it up a bit and tried again--no dice. Dropped a little clp down the set screw hole and let it sit a bit then moved up to an actual hammer, then moved up to a little sledge I had and still no joy. Was starting to scratch up the sight (even with tape on the punch), so I stopped and order the sightpusher. I had to crank on it pretty good to break it loose but then it came right out and went back in pretty nicely.
But I know a guy who got his to come out with the punch just fine. Hopefully yours is on the easier side.
:D
hurley842002
04-22-2015, 15:20
You'll like the APEX. Are you getting the trigger, too, or just doing the springs/striker-block/sear kit? I did not do the trigger replacement, but it was a noticeable improvement over the factory. Was my first ever DIY on a gun--was sweating that hard, but YouTube walked me through it.
I did the trigger as well. After picking up a 9c with the kit/aluminum trigger I was sold.
My biggest surprise was the Talon grips I also installed, wow what an improvement. I've never been real fond of the way the slim shield grip felt in my hand, the talons just changed everything. I'm fairly certain this shield will get 99.9% of carry time from now on.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/22/bd12a1cb40631031a8a90024ee067e15.jpg
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/22/94dc35c85174cfed71a4bd16fc25726b.jpg
hurley842002
04-22-2015, 15:21
Sorry OP for the hi jack, seemed somewhat relevant lol.
sportbikeco
04-22-2015, 18:08
ive been able to do M&P fullsize and shield with padded vice jaws and brass punch. Shield was in there tight but I didnt mark it up at all.
ive been able to do M&P fullsize and shield with padded vice jaws and brass punch. Shield was in there tight but I didnt mark it up at all.
I use the vise and a polymer punch and a dead blow hammer. Works pretty well for non-night sights. If I do night sights I just pay Bert to do it for me. He's more picky than I am and gets them dead nuts centered up for me.
It just so happens I got a sightpusher.com model today (thanks Prime shipping!) and it seems pretty capable as a "universal" tool. Worked great on my M&P. I really wish I had it when I did the Apex kit on my Shield last year. That thing was a total pain. This time I needed it because I needed to move the rear on a recently cerecoted slide and that extra little bit of finish seemed to make the old vice and punch method a bad choice.
Glad I finally just put the cash down for a real tool.
Glad I finally just put the cash down for a real tool.
Hammers and punches are real tools. [Awesom]
BPTactical
04-22-2015, 20:58
It just so happens I got a sightpusher.com model today (thanks Prime shipping!) and it seems pretty capable as a "universal" tool. Worked great on my M&P. I really wish I had it when I did the Apex kit on my Shield last year. That thing was a total pain. This time I needed it because I needed to move the rear on a recently cerecoted slide and that extra little bit of finish seemed to make the old vice and punch method a bad choice.
Glad I finally just put the cash down for a real tool.
Be forwarned, an XD will destroy that tool. So will just about anything with a tight sight.
I killed 3 "sight pushers" doing XD's. Even my Meprolite($$$)tool can't break them loose.
I said to hell with it and machined one out of 1/2 cold roll plate, weighs about 8 pounds and addresses the problem of the slide "rolling" when you are pushing a tight sight.
XD's whimper at the sight of it.
It just so happens I got a sightpusher.com model today (thanks Prime shipping!) and it seems pretty capable as a "universal" tool. Worked great on my M&P. I really wish I had it when I did the Apex kit on my Shield last year. That thing was a total pain. This time I needed it because I needed to move the rear on a recently cerecoted slide and that extra little bit of finish seemed to make the old vice and punch method a bad choice.
Glad I finally just put the cash down for a real tool.
Keep that bolt lubed. I did not and seized the bolt, they warrantied mine and sent me a replacement. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Hammers and punches are real tools. [Awesom]
You're right. Often my favorite tools.
Be forwarned, an XD will destroy that tool. So will just about anything with a tight sight.
I killed 3 "sight pushers" doing XD's. Even my Meprolite($$$)tool can't break them loose.
I said to hell with it and machined one out of 1/2 cold roll plate, weighs about 8 pounds and addresses the problem of the slide "rolling" when you are pushing a tight sight.
XD's whimper at the sight of it.
Keep that bolt lubed. I did not and seized the bolt, they warrantied mine and sent me a replacement. Don't make the same mistake I made.
Thank you both for the advice. Much appreciated.
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