Front Sight - Gone Baby Gone - How to Replace

[Bukaluka]

After about 30 years of impeccable performance, my Series 70 (1978) combat commander let the front sight go at the range.

After a couple of shots I noticed that I was only using the rear sight. Must have flown downrange as I was unable to find it.

How do I knock out the stem of the sight, from the top or outwardly from inside the side, and what would be the right punch to do so? From inside the slide, it almost looks like silver solder was used to hold it on.

Also, with weakening eyesight, I would like to put a three dot or tritium type new sight on, using the standard factory dovetail. The entire pistol has the matted nickel silver finish.

I appreciate any help!
Rich in PV

[Outlander]

It should be peened on the inside so try to push it out from the top.
You can buy the sight Instalation tool from brownells.
If it is silver soldered on you need someone smarter than me.Fortunatly there are many of them!
Good luck

[MAINER]

I would disagree. A Colt front sight should be removed by first grinding (lightly) the staked part inside the slide. Tap it out (from the inside) with a small punch.
Less chance of muckin' up the finish on the outside and the front sight tenon is likely wedge-shaped with the wide part on top.
Unless you're going to buy a staking tool and do it yourself, I'd just leave it to the gunsmith.

Brownell's has lots of 1911 sights to look over, staking tools too!

[TerryN]

If you never want to have to worry about the front sight going away again, have a gunsmith install a dovetail front sight. When my 1911s need sights, they all get the dovetail treatment.

[Bukaluka]

Lots of good advice. I'll probably go the dovetail route with night type sites.

Plenty of smiths in the area. An option is to do the local Community College smith classes and do it DIY. Been thinking about that for a while. No hurry on the replacement right now.

Thanks for the responses.

Rich in PV

[bykerhd]

Cutting a dovetail can be done with simple hand tools.

BUT, most folks require some practice to do a decent job.
Lots of practice sometimes and some folks may never be able to do it..

Don't start with your Colt.

[BattlePack]

Sounds like a good opportunity to send off to a gunsmith for some upgrades if you are so inclined.:)