If you’ve ever wanted to change the iron sights on your favorite handgun, you’re probably familiar with the fact that some tools are required to get it done. You can’t just push the rear sight over with your fingers, which is good because you need your sights to be extremely secure. It’s also not ideal to force a rear sight over using random tools like screwdrivers, channel locks, or pliers. That means a trip to a gunsmith or getting your hands on a sight pusher. It’s a great idea to have a good sight pusher or two on hand, and we’re going to walk you through how to choose one. A sight pusher might seem like the kind of tool that’s one-and-done, but you’ll end up using it a lot over the years.
What is a sight pusher?
Sight pushers are tabletop tools designed to hold the slide of the gun and remove or install a rear sight without damaging the gun. They’re not handheld like a pair of pliers, but they’re small enough that you can easily pick them up. Sizes vary by model. I have sight pushers that are slim and minimal and some that are surprisingly bulky. Size doesn’t have to dictate whether it’s a useful option, though.
How does it work?
Generally, you have to disassemble a handgun before utilizing a sight pusher. The slide is clamped into place—sometimes with the use of wedges—and lined up with the pushing edge of the tool. The heavy handle or Allen key that rotates the screw allows you to control how fast the sight pusher works. You simply turn it and let the sight pusher do its job. It’s usually easily done, barring random complications. Keep in mind that sight pushers are specifically for the rear sights. The front sight will be removed in one of many ways, depending on the type of sight being used. So yes, you’re getting a sight pusher just to remove and install the rear sight.
How many kinds of sight pushers are there?
The options for the style of sight pusher are nearly endless. Some models are completely encased, while others are open on top. There are even models that consist of only one side and a top piece for use in places where you might not want to tote a full-size sight pusher. As for simplicity, you’ll find sight pushers with minimal moving parts that are straightforward to operate. While others have so many moving parts, you’re going to need a manual to figure them out. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though, because most of the more complex models are designed to protect the slide as much as possible during use.
How do you choose one?
The first thing to consider when choosing a sight pusher is what gun you’re using it for. This is because some models are designed for specific firearms, while others are meant for all handguns with dovetail rear sights. If you have more than one brand of handgun—or intend to one day—it can be smart to get a more multi-purpose sight pusher.
Next, think about how and where you’ll be using it. Bigger sight pushers are made to be mounted to your gun bench, which is nice because they give you superior stability. However, there are lots of sight pushers that can simply be set on a table or bench. Those models are also easier to throw in your range bag or move wherever you want them. I have multiple types because I work on a wide range of firearms. A smaller, portable sight pusher will likely be best unless you intend to do regular mods to your guns. They are great because they allow you to swap out sights wherever and whenever you want. Sight pushers aren’t only for installation; they’re also for fine-tuning rear sight placement.
How do you use a sight pusher?
Sight pushers are used to remove, install, or adjust the rear sight on a handgun. They’re made for dovetailed sights, which you might find on most semi-autos. That’s not always the case, though, so before you start looking into sight pushers, take the time to find out what type of rear sight is on your handgun.
Instructions specific to your sight pusher will either be included in the packaging or accessible online. Some models have a QR code you scan to reach the website where the instructions live. There are also many YouTube videos available. As for removing the slide, there are instruction manuals and videos for that, too.
Do you need a sight pusher?
It’s entirely possible to get rear sights off and on without a sight pusher. It can be far more challenging, though, and you’re more likely to damage both the slide and the sight. Sometimes, we joke about hitting it with a hammer, but that’s not a good idea in this case. The best alternative to a sight pusher is a proper gunsmithing set of brass and Delfrin punches, along with a gunsmith hammer. These hammers usually have plastic and brass ends. Those ends can often be unscrewed to swap out for other parts. The purpose of plastic and brass is to avoid marring or permanently damaging the gun. If you want to try to use a punch and hammer to change sights, it’s a good idea to have a padded gunsmith vise to hold the slide in place.
Punches and hammers are excellent tools to have for working on your guns. They’re not as precise as a sight pusher, though, so it’s still wise to have at least one sight pusher around.
The odds are that you’re going to find someone online saying you can just cushion your slide and sight with a soft cloth and force the sight out with channel locks. Don’t do that. It’s far better to invest in a proper sight pusher than it is to cobble together a haphazard method for forcing the sight out. Not to mention, you’re likely to mangle the sight and damage the slide.
The bottom line is that you can always take your gun to a gunsmith to change the sight. Isn’t it better, though, to do it yourself? You don’t have to get a fancy, high-end sight pusher. A simple model will do. And anyway, who doesn’t want more gun tools?
