New sights for a SA Mil Spec

**sig83** · January 5th, 2010, 01:14 PM

I am interested in having some low profile snag free type novak night sites installed on my SA Mil Spec 1911. I understand that work to the slide is required. My question is, when I find a gunsmith to do the work, do I only leave him with the slide or do they require the entire handgun? My only experience to date is sending a complete firearm back to the manufacturer for work. Obviously I dont want to hand over my gun to a stranger, but I am sure I would get a receipt of some sort to prove the gun is not in my possession at that time.

**cdi** · January 5th, 2010, 05:55 PM

You only need to leave the slide unless you want the gun fired by the gunsmith to regulate the new sights.

I can dovetail the front of your slide and make the proper cut for a Novak rear sight if your pistol does not have one.

Can also test fire in the shop.

Sean

**Xringshooter** · January 6th, 2010, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by sig83

My only experience to date is sending a complete firearm back to the manufacturer for work. Obviously I dont want to hand over my gun to a stranger, but I am sure I would get a receipt of some sort to prove the gun is not in my possession at that time.

You sent you gun back to the manufacturer, I guess they aren't strangers

. A gunsmith is in business to make money, if they do/did something poorly or wrong, their name along with the complaint would get spread far and wide and he could wind up out of business. And yes, the 'smith will give you a receipt, he will enter it into his repair book, and probably give you an estimate on how much the repair will cost.

However, don't hesitate to ask these questions if you are trying to find a 'smith to do the work:

Is this a modification that you can do?
Do you have references that I can talk toor picturs of some of your work?
Do you have an estimate on how long it will take?
What are your hourly labor charges?
What are your hourly machine work charges?
Is this a modification that you have a set price for?
What happens if I'm dissatisfied with the work performed?

You want to select a gunsmith just like you would an auto mechanic, doctor, dentist, barber, hairdresser, haberdasher, tailor, etc.