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Offline irold

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GI sights
« on: February 27, 2007, 02:17:24 PM »
I just got my Springer GI 45, like the pisol, but the GI low profile sights really ....   !  Question is, wll the white dot sights from the Mil-Spec fit my GI ?   Or maybe someone has some other suggestions.  I really didn't want to have to take to a gunsmith for a sight exchange.  Thanks ! 
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Offline Mikey

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2007, 02:41:40 AM »
irold - if both the front sight blade and the rear sight are not dovetailed into the slide it will take a gunsmith to install a front sight that can be changed.  I'm afraid that if you mount a white dot rear sight and leave the original front sight, although it may help with obtaining a quicker sight picture, you may find your pistol hitting high (higher than you expected).  It is best to change both sights at the same time. 

One other option is to use a MMC rear sight, either the adjustable (if you can still find them) or their newer fixed rear sight.  Both are made (I believe) to work with the original front sight blade and its regulated height.  HTH.  Mikey.
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Offline Questor

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2007, 03:28:51 AM »
Regrettably, this could be an expensive procedure. Putting a good dovetail sight on a 1911 is about a $250 job. The first step is finding a competent pistolsmith that can do the job. It's a job that is not for the uninitiated. 

I would investigate the option of sending the slide to Springfield for the replacement work. Maybe they'll give you a good deal on it. Another thing you might want to consider with that gun is to install a longer trigger. Unless you've got very short fingers, you will probably enjoy a longer trigger better. Replacing the trigger also requires a gunsmith because they need to be fitted to the gun.

Another option, is to try mounting a Bo-Mar rib. Any gunsmith can mount it, but then you'll have a competition style gun.

Finally, get a Brownell's catalog and see what you can come up with. There may be a pleasant surprise available.

I think it should start with a call to Springfield and see what your options are with them.

I considered buying one of those. It's a good gun, except for the sights, and to me, the length of the trigger. I was very impressed with the quality of the trigger pull, which is a huge factor in getting a good gun.

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Offline Questor

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2007, 03:35:45 AM »
Something you can try just to see if it helps is to blacken the sights with sight black, which is available in spray cans. If you're just using it at the range, that may be all you need.

Maybe springfield would allow you to exchange the slide for the slide on a Mil-Spec model.  It appears to have better sights.

I'm just brainstorming the the least expensive options.
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Offline irold

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2007, 04:05:44 AM »
Questor   ,  I'm kinda new to the 1911 pistol.  I really appreciate the feedback.  Sad to say, I really don't have a local gunsmith that I'd trust with my firearms.  Think I'll take your advice and contact Springfield, maybe they can help me out.  I didn't realize the front sight would have to be dovetailed....I figured another sight would fit in the post hole already there....what do I know !  With my purchase, I recieved a coupon for an adjustable rear sight, believe it to be an option....they said it sells for 49. 95, with the coupon , they'll sell it to me for 29.95.....its not an outline or dot, but maybe it would help.    Since its coming from Springfield as an option for the GI, I'd assume a new front sight is not needed.   As you said, I'm impressed with the trigger....seems crisp  and good to me..course, I'm kinda used to T/C Encore triggers....not exactly known for being the best.   Thanks again   
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Offline irold

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2007, 04:09:09 AM »
Mikey.........excuse my ignorance...whats a MMC rear sight ?   As I just replied to Questor, I can get an adjustable rear from Springfield, any experience with them ?  Thanks
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Offline Questor

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2007, 04:51:38 AM »
I didn't realize that the front sight was pinned in. That's very encouraging. I thought it was just cast into the slide.
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Offline Mikey

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2007, 07:09:42 AM »
I solly!  MMC is the Miniature Machine Company.  They used to make adjustable replacement sights for the 1911 fixed rear sight.  They were adjustable for both windage and elevation and are/were designed to work with the issue front sight.  I know they are still in business but don't know if they still make that sight or not.  The sight drifted into the rear slot.

Springfield is an excellent manufacturer.  I would suggest contacting them to ask if the coupon discount would apply and while you are at it ask about the type of adjustable rear sight they install.  I think they may use a Bo-Mar on some target models and that is a big sight meant for target work.  See what options they provide.  You may like the Novak type rear sight if they have them.  HTH.  Mikey.
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Offline irold

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2007, 07:44:24 AM »
Thanks for the info, guys.....and yes, Questor, the front sight is pinned.  Think I'm gonna call Springfield, see what they suggest or can do for me.   Again, Thanks
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Offline John R.

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2007, 08:01:47 AM »
Call Tim Thompson @ (662) 398-5001. He can fix you right up. He can mount any type sight you want on your 1911. He was the lead pistolsmith at Wild West Guns in Anchorage Alaska, before moving to Miss. and opening his own shop. He knows wht he's doing!!!
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Offline irold

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2007, 01:01:39 PM »
John R.....got it, I'll do that.  Thanks
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Offline williamlayton

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2007, 11:40:54 PM »
There are a lot of fine smith's out there that can handle your needs.
Don't scrimp on a pistol or the work needed on it--you have need to trust what you have.
Blessings
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Offline irold

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #12 on: March 11, 2007, 01:42:58 AM »
For the record, I called Springfield Custom shop.....Yes, the 3 dot sights from the Mil-Spec will fit the GI with no machine work. However, the front sight has to be "staked" in place.  After they explained what was involved, it was a job that I did not have the tools for.  Sooooooooooo, for $65 plus shipping they're going to do it for me.  It was in the mail couple days ago,  they said :"a week to ten days" .  That didn't sound like a bad price to me,   Thanks for the help, guys
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Offline dldyer

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #13 on: March 11, 2007, 06:20:26 PM »
I already did exactly as IROLD described...   I emailed springfield custom shop, and they had me mail just my slide.   I think I had it back in less than 2 weeks from time I shipped. They called me while they had it and I gave them my credit card number, and was $65 + shipping.   Much, much better sight picture, and even hits to point of aim  (same as before).
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Offline richardoldfield

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #14 on: April 07, 2007, 04:53:47 AM »
I am going to have a set of Kings-Tappan sights installed on my RIA. The cost will be about $45 plus the sights and the reason for the installation is I can no longer see GI sights. The King-Tappan sights are at the top of the photo. Regards, Richard ;D

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Offline carbine mike

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #15 on: April 13, 2007, 03:39:09 PM »
Front sights on a Springfield 1911-A1 and alot of others are a post type sight that can be replaced with a lot of options but it does require some special tooling. Not a big job for a good smith and probably a cheaper way to go than dovetailing the slide. I think most rears are dovetailed so they can be removed and replaced fairly easily. Sights on the GI models do stink!!!
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Offline richardoldfield

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Re: GI sights
« Reply #16 on: April 17, 2007, 03:27:42 PM »
These are the King-Tappin sights I had installed on my RIA 1911A1, I am as happy as a pig in..! Regards, Richard ;D



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