1911 front sight loose

[Potasz]

Hey all
My front sight came loose on my np 29
Looks like it was glued in to place
What should I do ???
I can push sight in from left side but not right side
Has anyone ran into this problem and how did you solve it

Thanks

 

[gnmontey]

Dove tailed or staked?

If dove tailed, some Loctite should suffice or you can stake it with a punch.

If staked, a trip to the LGS may be needed. Staked sights require a special tool to install.

M

 

[Potasz]

Dove tailed

 

[EDJ]

Mine did the same thing. I got a front green fiber optic sight off 45 cal norinco someone had lying around. About 700 rounds later, it hasn't moved.

 

[colinjw]

A small shim made from some spare,thin,metal under the front sight will
push the sight up and make it tighter in the dovetail.
I have heard some people use a piece from a pop can.

It works, inexpensive & if the right size cannot be seen.

 

[Potasz]

I'll give that a shot and see if it stays tight
Pop can material

 

[Ganderite]

Loktite?

 

[Potasz]

I like loctite red or blue
Thanks

 

[easyrider604]

remove the front sight. Get a small punch and with a small light ball peen hammer, make dimples on the slide dovetail where the front sight will sit. This dimples will raise craters that will create enough material to hold the front sight in place with out locktite.

 

[Potasz]

How tight is the sight supposed to be

 

[geologist]

I'd try the beercan shim first.

It has worked great on the loose rear sight on my Astra Constable.

 

[colinjw]

How tight is the sight supposed to be

It should be tight enough that the only way it can move or come out
is with a drift punch. That way you can move it slightly to correct windage
or take it right out for replacement.
Note that adjusting the sights is usually done with the rear sight .

 

[HuntAway]

Small centre punch and peen the underside of the sight. The part that slides into the dovetail. One tap and check for snugness. If still loose peen it a little harder until a tight fit has been attained.

HA

 

[marlin58]

I've had it happen and sucks.. only thing that works is to try and dimple the sight at bottom.. if doesn't work you will drive yourseld nutz and I just got a new one from brownells and filed down till perfect fit

 

[stampede]

I'd try the beercan shim first.

It has worked great on the loose rear sight on my Astra Constable.

The foil that wraps wine bottle corks is a useful shim material as well.

 

[Potasz]

Gentlemen thanks for the great tips