Changing sights

**paulownian** · January 28th, 2007, 05:18 PM

I am changing sights on my XD-45. I have already replaced the ones on my XD-40 with no problem. The front sight on the XD-45 doesn't want to break free. I have soaked it over night with a break-free solution, I have used asmall amount of heat applied with a solder iron, but it will not budge. Can anyone suggest a method of removal OTHER THAN taking it to a gunsmith?

**aubie515** · January 28th, 2007, 06:05 PM

It is well documented that XD sights are a pain to remove and install. If I were you, I'd let a gunsmith deal with it. You will also need a sight pusher tool and they run around $400. I am going to send my night sights to AJames on xdtalk to install them in my XD45.

**Warners Surplus** · January 28th, 2007, 06:24 PM

If you don't wantto take it to a gun smith, you will need a soft jaw vice,brass drift and a hammer.

We have a $400.00 night sight vice in the shop and I always hated Kimber sights because they were sooo tight.

Well I installed a set on an XD45 the other day and actually BROKE the welds on the sight vice.

what I'm triing to say is,Youd be better of with a $20.00 gunsmith bill!!

Rich W.

**paulownian** · January 29th, 2007, 10:22 AM

Thanks, ya'll; I believe I'll send it back to Springfield, then.

**steve762** · January 31st, 2007, 11:20 PM

I actually removed mine from my xd .45 the other week and wound up cutting it in half with a dremel cutting wheel. It worked out ok but destroys the sights. Be really careful (or pay a smith).

Or you can use the SIG p22x front sight pusher tool. I'm waiting for mine in the mail (should get it friday) and will use it to install the tritium sights.

**paulownian** · February 1st, 2007, 12:17 AM

I was going to purchase a tool to change mine, but it cost almost $100. Springfield Armory wants $45. just to change the front sight - my local "blacksmith" wants $25, but I have no confidence in him. I have to find someone else who can do this for a fair price and has the background to do it right. If anyone knows of a good 'smith in the York area, please let me know.