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1911A1 .45 Springfield Sights

himeeto69
I have a Springfield 1911A1 Springfield .45. It has the rear sights that you can tap out to the side and the fixed front sight with the little peg going into the slide. You can't tap it out like the rear sight. Can anyone let me know if it can be replaced and how you do it? Once salesman had told me it may be soldered into the slide and one salesman told me that he's 90% sure it can be replaced. Let me know as soon as you can. Thanks in advance for your time.

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, was convincing the world, he didn't exist" -Keyser Soze

J.D.C
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • nmyers
    The front sight on 1911-style guns can be replaced, but this is a job for a gunsmith. Removing the old sight may require drilling. Some gunsmiths will solder in a replacement, others will stake the tenon with a special tool.

    Neal
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  • fj40dave
    Hummm....I aquired a 1945 Colt .45 and finally took it out shooting this week.

    The front sight came off, and - given it's size - I was unable to find it.

    I'd like to know where I could purchase another one?

    I think I can install it myself....unless there is really a need for a gunsmith to set it.

    Dave
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  • MrOrange
    quote:Originally posted by fj40dave
    Hummm....I aquired a 1945 Colt .45 and finally took it out shooting this week.

    The front sight came off, and - given it's size - I was unable to find it.

    I'd like to know where I could purchase another one?

    I think I can install it myself....unless there is really a need for a gunsmith to set it.

    Dave

    See nmyers response above. While it's referred to as staking, the sight is essentially riveted in place. The tip of the root of the sight must be flush with the inside of the slide or very close to it to allow proper function, and it's very difficult to do that and leave enough "meat" on the end to secure the sight. Ask me how I know![:I]

    That's also why many old-time smiths would solder the sight in place, which I have had done on more than one gun.

    However, given the age of your piece, it might have collector value which precludes any smithing. If you want a shooter you might want to see about trading it for something newer that you can beat on/modify without giving collectors a heart attack.
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  • nmyers
    Rather than re-open an old thread (with an inappropriate title for your problem), it would best to open a new thread with a title "Lost front sight - 1945 Colt 1911A1".

    And, do not ask where you can purchase a sight; that is a violation of the forum Posting Guidelines, & you will be directed to post your request on the Wanted list. Instead, just post some photos of your gun & ask suggestions as to how to fix your problem. Possible solutions might include buying a complete replacement slide, but we really don't know if your gun is collectible without photos.

    Personally, I'd go back to the place I was shooting with a metal detector; the sight probably landed behind you.

    Neal
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  • CapnMidnight
    Or a magnet.[:D]
    W.D.
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