Anyone have any tricks for removing a Shield front sight? Trying to swap the stock white dot out and the thing is in there TIGHT. 1/4" steel punch wrapped in tape and my 4 oz hammer are not moving it at all. Bigger hammer? Heat?

I’ve never had an M&P of any sort where a large hammer and steel punch didn’t do the trick.  In fact, that’s my usual method of removing OEM M&P sights.

I’d try heat next, just because it’s quick.

Then I’d soak the front sight and slide in Kroil then try a hammer again.

ETA:  are you holding the slide in a padded vise?

My gunsmith had to cut it out.

Since you asked for me... (kidding)

Most definitely SOAK in penetrating oil overnight.

If you have sight & slide tool you'll be 100% ahead of the game.  Not expensive on Amazon - Ebay these days.

But you most certainly can remove the S&W sights with CAREFUL use of a vise and punch.  Go SLOW.  Focus the force on the point you want.  Don't go & just wail away.

Watch the rear sights - I've seen that small springs under the sights on M&P's launch a bunch if not ready for it.

It's been a long while, but I'm pretty sure the Shield is similar .  Anyone who has done it more recently confirm or deny?

Bigger_Hammer

I replaced one on a 2.0 and used my sight tool. It is a great investment and not that pricey. They can be had for around $50 and I have done a bunch of my guns.

Cheap universal tool worked fine on the rear, it's the front that's an absolute bear. I'll try heat, oil, and a bigger hammer.

Just to update a bigger hammer and Kroil worked. Fit the new front so it would go in about 1/3 by hand. My backup plan was to cut the sight in half, fortunately did not have to do that.

@jhon that’s how you do it!

Glad you got it out!  I tried to drift the front sight on mine over a bit, hit it a bunch, gave up