Im looking to purchase a springfield GI or simialar base type 1911. I was wondering if the sites on the slide can be removed and swapped out for better ones? could i do this myself or would i need a gunsmith?
2007-12-18 01:04:33 · 5 answers · asked by notthenameiwanted 3 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
YES...Of course they can. You will need a Gunsmith to mill a dovetail for the rear sights, and then you can mount pretty much any adjustable rear sight made..The front sight will also have to be replaced by a Gunsmith. The old front sight is completely removed and a NEW "Staked" in front sight is put in it's place. The front sight is actually mounted with pins from underneath the slide and it takes specialized equipment and a Staking Tool to do this correctly and accurately.
This is not something you could easily accomplish yourself at home so a Gunsmith's services are called for....
2007-12-18 05:58:04 · answer #1 · answered by JD 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Be advised that Springfield Armory 1911 GI models and Mil-Spec models (the ones with the flared ejection ports, beveled mag wells, and better front/rear sights) are not up to the quality of previous manufacture. It's not the MIM small parts that are the issue (believe it or not). Slides are not made as well and tolerances can be more sloppy than even a real government contract model (even the govt. had a higher standard). My slide was actually thicker on one side than the other! I bought a KImber and the difference is night and day. Springfield NEVER used to be like this! If you want one give the sample you are holding a good 360 degree look and if it is up to snuff buy that very gun-not the one sitting in the back. If the shop does not like that walk out.
Update: You might want to try to find a used Springfield Armory manufactured late last century. From 1985 to the early 90s SA made the "Basic" ( A WW2 1911-A1 ALL froged/machined) and the "Standard" (bascially mil-spec plus flared ejection port, beveled mag well, and three dot sights). These guns were much nicer.
2007-12-18 04:04:26 · answer #2 · answered by david m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, installing new sights on the 1911's is a snap for gunsmiths.
2007-12-18 02:11:55 · answer #3 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Buy a Kimber Custom II or a Custom II TLE (with tritium sights on it). It may cost $75 or a $100 more than the Springfield but it shoots like one costing a $1,000/more.
2007-12-18 06:01:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to find a Springfield mil-spec. it's just like the GI, but with better sights.
2007-12-18 01:30:59 · answer #5 · answered by Lt 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋