Problems with XS Sights

[G23shooter]

Ok well I just got a set of XS sights for my 23. I pull the slide off, pop out the old sights and get ready to install the new ones.

Problem 1 the front sight does not fit into the hole in the slide. The instructions say you might have to do a bit of fine tunning on that so fine I can try that.

Move on to the rear sight, Problem 2. It will only go about half way into the dovetail then it acts like it hit a brick wall. Set screws are up, I made sure the dovetail had no debris in it. I am affraid to bang it in as I don't want to break the tritium vial. The instructions say you need to use the loc tite and set screws to hold it in place which would give me the idea that it should just slide right in with ver little resistance.

Anyone else ever deal with this??

[mserr]

you have to tap the rear sight in pretty hard with that black peice of plastic included as a buffer. The front site, i dont know what you mean, is it too big? or too small?

[G23shooter]

I got the front sight in. The piece that is on the front sight that fits into the hole on the slide was too big. I used some 600 grit on it and just worked it a bit at a time until it would fit.

So I need to use the Black plastic piece that looks like a crayon to get the rear sight in??

[mserr]

yes, if you read the instructions XS reccomends you install using that, not a sight pusher. Use that black plastic crayon looking thing as a buffer between the hammer or whatever you're using and the rear sight. Also, the rear sight is a special kind of steel, not plastic, so dont worry about damaging it. I had to tap mine in with a hammer pretty hard and it didnt mess em up. Also, if your front sight didnt go in, I think you may have bought the wrong sights.

[MICHSTORM]

IT SAYS IN THE INSTRUCTIONS TO FILE THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR SIGHT UNTIL IT WILL GO IN.

[mserr]

you still have to tap it in, its not gonna go in like butter. but the front sight should fit right in without any fitting at all. thats what leads me to believe he got the +1 sights, .45/10mm.

[G23shooter]

Got them all in. The front didn't need alot of fitting just a slight sand on both sides. It would go into the hole but it would not sit flat on the slide.

I got the rear in after using the "crayola" that they supply. I was just a bit scared to bang on the sight because I didn't want to take a chance breaking the vial.

Oh well all is good for now, waiting on my duracoat to re-finish the slide this weekend so I will have to take it all apart and do it again.

Thanks guys.

[G23shooter]

Originally posted by MICHSTORM
IT SAYS IN THE INSTRUCTIONS TO FILE THE BOTTOM OF THE REAR SIGHT UNTIL IT WILL GO IN.

Supplied Instructions:

FRONT SIGHT:
1.) Field Strip pistol and remove barrel from the slide.
2.) Remove front sight by pressing it out of the slide from the inside out. The plastic front sight may be salvaged by removing the wedge peg before pressing sight out of slide.
3.) Test fit sight into slot to verify sight will drop in. In rare cases tenon may require some fitting to drop easily into slot.
4.) Degrease bottom of sight and screw threads. Allow degreasing agent to completely evaporate before applying thread locking compound.
5.) Apply thread locking compound to bottom of sight and screw threads.
6.) Install sight and using supplied tool insert hex screw into sight bottom.
7.) Check to make sure sight is aligned straight. Tenon slot can be big enough to allow sight to twist when screw is seated.
8.) Hex screw should be tightened finger tight ONLY. Over torquing screw can strip threads.
9.) Wipe off excess compound with Q-tip and allow to cure for 1-2 hours before using. Full cure will occur after 24 hours.

REAR SIGHT:
1.) Slide sight into dovetail.
2.) Tighten set screws until they just touch the slide
3.) They are there only to temporarily hold the sight in place until the Sur-Loc sets.
4.) Apply 6 blobs of Sur-Loc. One on each side of the sight down the dovetail. Then apply one on top of the slide at each corner of the slide. Allow Sur-Loc to creep into gaps.
5.) Wait 2-3 min. before wiping excess off with Q-tip.
6.) Allow 2 hours for Sur-Loc to cure(80% 24hours for 100%)

SORRY WHERE DOES IT SAY TO FILE THE REAR SIGHT, turn the caps lock off.

Also as strange as may be the instructions make no mention of the black plastic piece either that you use to drive the rear sight in with.

[MICHSTORM]

Just put a set on my 35 and it said to file the bottom of rear sight.
Sorry if my cap locks offened you!!

[mserr]

I remember it says something about filing the rear sight, but only if you are having major problems getting it in, its optional.

[6shooter]

I didn't have to file mine but I did have to hit it pretty hard to get it in. I've had to move mine around some to get on target and I haven't broken it yet so it must be pretty tough.