What You Need to Know Before Installing Glock Sights
Glock sights help you precisely aim your weapon for target practice, concealed carry, or self-defense. Installing your Glock’s views is a relatively simple task requiring specialized tools. You’ll need a bench block, sight pusher tool, aluminum punches, Loctite blue, and gunsmith hammer (if required). A vise will also help hold the slide in place while working on it.
Front Sight
If your shots are consistently missing low on the target, it’s time to fine-tune your front sight. It is done by reversing your elevation adjustment to move the sight up rather than down.
You’ll need a Glock front sight tool or a 3/16″ nut driver (if you don’t have a dedicated sight pusher). The right tools make this process much more manageable than removing your sights without them. Using denatured alcohol, clean the sight screw threads. After that, add a small amount of blue Locktite. Once the gun is back together, it’s a good idea to fire a few rounds and make any further adjustments at the range. Then, head to the field and practice with your new sights!
Rear Sight
Most sights are “drop-in” parts that will fit without modification. However, slight fitting is often necessary, especially on older Glocks with secondary retention devices that interfere with the sight. Before installation, lube the screw threads and apply some blue #242 Loctite to prevent galling. Always install the sight as far as it will go under finger pressure. It should be slightly recessed into the dovetail to avoid interfering with the bottom of the slide’s front pocket. Remember to work in a safe environment and safely eject the magazine and lock the slide back before disassembling your pistol. A good quality competition Glock sights tool is required to change your Glock’s front and rear sights, but a 3/16″ socket and nut driver can be substituted for the front sight tool.
Sight Pusher
A sight pusher is a handy tool for installing or removing Glock sights. It allows you to apply force and precision to the slide without damaging the view or handgun. To use the sight pusher, place the slide against the flat side of the tool and apply pressure to the brass bit on the end of the device. Move the brass bit until it reaches a hash mark on the white line of the sight installation tool. Then, tighten the screw and check for a secure fit. If you have trouble pulling the screw, dab a little Loctite on the threads. It will ensure your new sights stay in place after firing the pistol. After applying Loctite, allow it to dry for 24 hours before reassembling the gun.
File-to-Fit
Glock night sights are a popular upgrade to enhance aim for target shooting, tactical carry, and self-defense. Various options exist, from standard fiber optic to tritium photoluminescent and hybrid versions. First, apply a thread locker to the screw base and sight tab. Ensuring your sight doesn’t come loose during normal use or training sessions is critical. Next, disassemble your pistol per the manufacturer’s specifications and directions to remove the front and rear factory sights. Place the slide in a vise with something in between to prevent damaging the fall. If you have a sight pusher, use it to push the sights off the slide gently. If not, use a gunsmith hammer and nylon punch. Use light pressure to avoid damaging the fall or punching through a Glock frame pin.
Vise
Glocks are a phenomenal weapon straight out of the box, but they can still be improved to suit your needs. That’s where sights come in. To install a rear sight, first, make sure your gun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction. Then, use the takedown lever to pull the slide back and release it. Once the slide is out, clamp it in a vise and align the front of the sight dovetail with a punch that’s slightly smaller than the sight. This low positioning reduces the force needed to press in the new view and prevents the slide from getting damaged. The result is a secure, perfectly seated sight that sits flush with either side of the slide.