pm9 and xs big dots

[shfoster]

I have a set of xs big dots that I want to put on my PM9. I have the sights, so sending the slide to Kahr is not a viable option. I do have a sight pusher, but have a question. The existing sights are removed from left to right (toward the ejection port), is this correct? Also I hear that the old one are a bear to get off, I also have a Shield and they are a bugger as well. It is recommended for the shield, to put the slide in the freezer overnight, and because of the differences in contraction rates, the sights are easier to remove. Same with the PM9?
Any help appreciated. thanks in advance

[jocko]

u might get lucky, but nrmally kahrs are a bear to get off. a site pusher will do the job. The freezer thing sounds like a good option to try, sure not gonna hurt anything. U will like the big dots. Why not just go with the front big dot first,IMO the rear is really not needed to be changed...Its a fast acquisition site, so get used to POA shooting IMO to get even faster, not a target site either but a great defense site..

[TucsonMTB]

Maybe I have been lucky, but . . . the original sights on both of my PM40's were not too difficult to remove.

I don't think freezing the slide is going to help. What will help is soaking the dovetail area with a good penetrating oil. Overnight would be good.

Mine did NOT have any Locktite from the factory. If you see evidence that yours does, acetone will usually soften it enough to be useful.

Most of the professionals start by securing the slide in a large bench vise.

In my limited experience, protecting the sides of the slide with thin strips of wood has worked well for me. It protects but does not allow any movement when you hit the sight you want to remove. Yeah, place a punch against the base of the sight, being careful to protect the slide from scratching, and give it a good whack with a nice big hammer. Sure, start with light taps and if that does not move it work up to heavier blows. It will come out.

Brass or steel punches seem to work the best for removal. Nylon or wood are good for installation.

Oh, and while installing . . . be sure you file or sand enough material off the base of the new sight to allow pushing it at least half way with light pressure before you push or tap it into place. This is one place where it is OK to remove too much material. You can always Locktite the sight in place if it is too easy to move when you are finished. Most people do that anyway after the first range trip.

Oh, and . . . yes I have done this using a sight pusher. They work fine if the moving parts match the shape of your sight well. I have even filed a small block of steel to match the shape of a particularly delicate looking sight and used it in front of the punch and the sight pusher parts. You are going to need a certain amount of force no matter how your apply it, either with a sight pusher or a punch. So, be careful with whatever tool your choose.

Usual disclaimers: I am not a professional gun smith. This technique has worked for me, several times and twice on Kahrs, but your mileage may vary.

Best of luck, sir!:)

[340pd]

PIC's when done please?