Posted: 12/11/2006 7:56:38 AM EDT
| Just bought my second XD, a .40 Tactical and want to replace the sights to some F/O's. I have replaced several sets of Glock sights using the old punch and hammer routine with no problems but have heard the XD's are a lot tougher to change. Is this true or are they about the same? Just wanted to get some opinions before I started beating on it. I've also heard the tip of putting the slide in a freezer first. Does this work? |
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If you try to change the sights on your XD by yourself I only wish you Good Luck cuz you'll need it. Over at the XD Forum this is a very popular topic of discussion and the bottomline 95% of the time ends up the same...#$*&##.##$***.***#@$%&^.###. Freezing the slide proves useless because the sights themselves end up with the same temp as the slide so you've accomplished nothing. I sent my slide down to a fella in Alabama who installed my new TRUGLO's for 20 bucks (and that INCLUDED return shipping). Got his name and reference from others on the XD Forum and he is highly competent, affordable, and quick (total of 8 days from mail out to mail in). Sorry, but off the top of my head (as I type this) I cannot recall his name (I think it was AJames or something like that). Anyway, I shake my head (side to side) for anyone that thinks they can change out the OEM sights on their XD. Oh sure, some have, but that's an extremely small minority. |
I went to this website and it says free installation when you buy night sights. Does anyone know if this includes if you are buying online and having to mail your slide to him? I'll contact them after the holidays but if anyone has already done this I'd apprecate hearing your experiences. 
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Yes. And the price includes return shipping also. |
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I did my own and it was a pain in the arse. The hammer and punch method cause a couple of slight scratches and I will not be trying that again. The next time, I will push it out with my mill. I will put the slide into my mill vise and then push a rod against the column. This should put lots and lots of pressure on it and then I will tap the sight with a small punch to let vibration do its work. The slide would have to be top down to protect it from bending! I may apply some heat to break any chemical bonds between the sight and the slide, but not a lot. I just bought a xd 45, so I will be working on it soon! |
Wow! Definately good to know. Looks like I know what I'll be doing with my XD here shortly. Thanks! |
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Just an update. I couldn't get the James guy in the link above to answer my emails. I did it myself. Front sight pushed right out, rear sight would not budge even with a 8# maul hammer. I did as some others have mentioned which was take a small cut-off disc and split the rear sight down the middle until there is only like a 1/16" holding it together, fold it together with a pair of pliers and pull it out. Not too bad actually. No scratches and new sights pushed right in. |
| It's a Meprolight sight tool. You can get them through Brownells but they ain't cheap. Definitely not worth the money unless you are planning to change out a lot of sights. |
 www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=109&t=419023 My issues with XD-HS2000 are resolved. |