Replacing the rear sight and front sight on a Glock

Which sights should I choose?

If you use aGlock for sport shooting or speed shooting ( TSV , IPSC ), you might want a front sight with a fiber optic. If you only use your Glock occasionally, then I assume you'll leave it stock. Part of the appeal of owning a Glock is that it's fully customizable with a variety of custom parts available on the market. Each Glock can have its own specific function and can be easily configured to meet a precise need.

Glock with silencer

Recently, a friend of mine received his long-awaited BRUGGER & THOMET IMPULS II-A suppressor for his Glock 19 Gen 4. Now he needs to install a taller front and rear sight to see over his beautiful suppressor. He chose a set from AMERIGLO: Black Serrated, 0.90" Wide Front, 1.50" Notch, Tall Suppressor Rear Set ( GL-429, Black ). Replacing the sights on a Glock is quite simple, provided you have the right tools.

How do you disassemble a Glock?

To replace the front and rear sights on your pistol, you need to be familiar with the basic disassembly of your Glock. If you already know the procedure, skip to the next section. If not, follow these steps:

• Remove the charger.
• Pull the slide back and visually check the chamber to ensure the pistol is unloaded. Always point the barrel in a safe direction.
• Press the trigger.
• Place the palm of your dominant hand around the back of the stock and wrap your fingers around the top of the breechblock. Pull the breechblock back slightly.
• Using the thumb and forefinger of your weaker hand, pull both sides of the dismantling lever downwards.
• The breechblock will slide out from the front of the frame.
• Remove the recoil spring and the barrel.

Glock rear and front sight removal tools

The handlebar is secured by a hexagonal screw accessible from underneath the cylinder head. To remove the handlebar, you will need this tool from ALFA PRECISION. Simply unscrew the screw and remove the handlebar from the cylinder head.

The rear sight is mounted on a simple dovetail. Don't hit it with your hammer and a brass drift! I know it might sound like a good idea... but it's not. To remove the rear sight, you'll need this tool , available at L'ARMURERIE DE LA BOURSE. First, center the tool block with the T-handle and loosen the socket with the bottom screw. The Glock slide fits perfectly; then tighten the bottom screw to hold the slide in place. Rotate the T-handle to move the front sight to the left until it's out of the dovetail. Loosen the bottom screw and slide the slide out of the tool. Warning: if you attempt installation with Heinie or Warren Tactical (528-017) rear sights, a small adjustment with a file will likely be necessary before using your tool (don't force it, or you might break something).

Install the new handlebar bolt using the hex tool. Then dab a little blue Loctite (medium strength 243) onto the threads. Loctite is available at any hardware store. Insert the handlebar into its housing with the dot facing upwards; make sure the handlebar is oriented correctly. Using the hex tool, simply screw the handlebar in until it is moderately tight. (It is possible to overtighten and break the bolt, so just tighten gently!) If the handlebar is not straight, cover it with a cloth and use a wrench to gently turn it until it is perfectly straight.

Apply a small amount of blue Loctite (medium strength) inside the dovetail and on the corners of the rear sight. Place the new rear sight notch in the dovetail on the left side of the bolt. Replace the bolt and tighten the bottom screw. Begin rotating the T-handle to move the rear sight to the right side of the barrel. Center it as best you can in the dovetail. Use a cotton swab to remove any excess Loctite.

How do you reassemble a Glock?

Finally, reassemble the gun. For those unfamiliar with disassembly and reassembly, follow these simple steps.

• Place the barrel in the breech.
• Install the recoil spring.
• Slide the bolt onto the frame and pull back until you hear the click of the disassembly lever.

Glock firing and final adjustment

Allow the Loctite to cure for 24 hours before your shooting session. After 24 hours, test your firearm and adjust the zero. Bring the sight adjustment tool with you to the shooting range in case you need to fine-tune your zero. As it happens, I did such a precise job for my friend that his zeroing was perfect, so no further adjustments were necessary.

Would you like any other advice on installing sights? Some are trickier than others. Let me know!