How "bad" are the older Hi-Power sights?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How "bad" are the older Hi-Power sights?

Posted: 9/15/2015 5:15:37 PM EDT

I used to have a Sistema 1911 with the original, GI-style sights - the narrow front rounded blade and the small rear sight. Couldn't stand it. The older Hi-Powers have that same narrow front blade, so I'm leaning toward a newer one with the Mk. II or III sights. Older ones from CDI are cheaper, though. I know this is subjective, but how bad are the older style sights, and how much of an improvement are the new ones?

Posted: 9/15/2015 7:28:58 PM EDT

[#1]

They suck.

The rear might be a bit better than old GI 1911 sights but not by much and the front is basically the same small rounded sight.
As an added negative, most BHP's with the old, small sights also have the old, small thumb safety.

Obviously you could have them cut for dovetail sights, but the bet says pay a bit more up front for a MKIII and save yourself some hassle and probably some money in the long run.

Posted: 9/15/2015 7:33:14 PM EDT

[#2]

Suck out loud. Pretty much as bad as 1911 sights.

Posted: 9/16/2015 6:34:50 AM EDT

[#3]

FPNI, I actually widened the slot just a bit on one and it seemed to not suck as bad. One day Novaks will come into play.

Posted: 9/16/2015 11:08:38 AM EDT

[#4]

Useless for anyone over the age of 25. I replaced them on my FEG.

Posted: 9/16/2015 11:48:51 AM EDT

[#5]

I'm definitely over 25. Thanks for the input, everyone. Confirmed what I thought.

Posted: 9/16/2015 1:11:57 PM EDT

[#6]

What sights?

Posted: 9/16/2015 6:19:32 PM EDT

[#7]

I like 'em. I shoot well with them and they are unobtrusive. Good enough for me for pistol sights.

Posted: 9/18/2015 9:12:22 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
FPNI, I actually widened the slot just a bit on one and it seemed to not suck as bad. One day Novaks will come into play.

View Quote

Me too and with the same results. It is easily accomplished with a "safe edge" file, I forget the correct name for that type of file. You can get a fairly thin one suitable for the purpose from Brownell's for not a lot of money.

For me Mk II sights aren't quite as good as Novak, but still very usable. Mk III seem better to me and almost as good as Novaks.

If you do get one of the older guns, and hate the sights, you can send the slide by itself off to Novaks and they will install their sights for a reasonable price and have it back to you in a couple of weeks or so.

Posted: 10/17/2015 6:35:30 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:
What sights?

View Quote

Exactly.

The sights on my 1982 BHP are almost imperceptible. Still a very accurate gun though.

Posted: 10/18/2015 6:31:08 PM EDT

[#10]

Oh I've just been waiting for the front sight to fall off so I have a reason to improve. Mine are still very usable and will likely remain so for a very long time as for now the cost doesn't justify the means.

Posted: 10/18/2015 7:04:43 PM EDT

[#11]

If you're awesome enough to carry a BHP, you don't need sights.

My BHP was repatriated from France.
Note condition of muzzle.
Only dropped once.

The factory grips with the finger-shelf on both sides were horrible too.
They had to go immediately.

Be careful removing the magazine disconnect.
You might scratch it.

The pin moves a lot easier if you use an AUTOMATIC CENTER PUNCH to get it started.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - How "bad" are the older Hi-Power sights?

Handguns » Browning

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