How To Remove Glock Front Sight

Own a Glock pistol and need to replace or upgrade the front sight, this guide is for you. The front sight is a crucial component of your firearm that significantly impacts accuracy. Whether you want to switch to night sights, or fiber optic sights, or simply need a replacement, learning how to remove and install the front sight properly is essential. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of safely removing the Glock front sight and replacing it with a new one.

Step	Procedure
1	Gather the necessary tools: a Glock front sight tool or a small flathead screwdriver, a hammer, and a vice or sight pusher.
2	Ensure the firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Remove the slide from the frame of the Glock.
3	Position the slide in a vice or sight pusher to secure it in place. If using a vice, make sure to pad the jaws to protect the finish of the slide.
4	Examine the front sight for any retaining pins or screws. Some Glock models may have a small set screw that needs to be loosened before removing the sight. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
5	If your Glock does not have a retaining pin or screw, insert the front sight tool or flathead screwdriver into the small gap on the side of the front sight. Apply steady pressure in a counterclockwise direction to unscrew the sight.
6	If your Glock has a retaining pin or screw, use the appropriate tool to remove it. Once the pin or screw is removed.

Tools Required

Before you begin, gather the following tools:

• Glock Disassembly Tool or Armorer’s Tool
• Hammer
• Punch Set
• Bench Block (optional but helpful)
• Replacement Front Sight (compatible with your Glock model)
• Safety Precautions
• Safety is paramount when working with firearms. Before proceeding, ensure your Glock is unloaded. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber to confirm it’s empty. Always wear safety glasses and work in a well-ventilated area away from ammunition.

Field Stripping Your Glock

Before you can access the front sight, you’ll need to field strip your Glock. Follow these steps:

• Ensure the firearm is unloaded.
• Pull the slide back slightly and engage the slide stop.
• Rotate the takedown lever downward.
• Pull the slide forward and off the frame.

Removing the Slide

With your Glock field stripped, proceed to remove the slide:

• Hold the slide firmly with the barrel facing forward.
• Depress the firing pin safety located on the back of the slide.
• Pull the trigger while maintaining pressure on the firing pin safety.
• Slowly move the slide forward off the frame.

Dismantling the Slide Components

Once you have the slide separated, you can start dismantling the slide components:

• Place the slide on a bench block or a soft surface to avoid damaging the sights.
• Use the disassembly tool or a punch and hammer to remove the rear sight.
• Set the rear sight aside.
• Next, remove the extractor depressor plunger and extractor depressor plunger spring from the slide.
• Carefully take out the firing pin safety and firing pin safety spring.

Removing the Front Sight

Now that you have reached the front sight, follow these steps to remove it:

• Flip the slide and locate the front sight from the bottom.
• Use a punch and hammer to drive out the front sight’s retaining pin from left to right.
• Once the retaining pin is removed, you can easily slide the front sight out from the top of the slide.

Installing a New Front Sight

To install a new front sight, reverse the removal process:

• Slide the new front sight into the front sight slot on the slide.
• Align the sight properly to ensure it’s centered and straight.
• Insert the retaining pin from left to right to secure the sight in place.

Reassembling the Slide Components

With the front sight installed, reassemble the other slide components:

• Reinsert the firing pin safety and firing pin safety spring.
• Place the extractor depressor plunger and extractor depressor plunger spring back into position.

Reattaching the Slide

Now that the slide components are back in place, it’s time to reattach the slide to the frame:

• Hold the slide at a slight angle and align the rails with the frame.
• Slide the entire assembly back onto the frame.
• Pull the slide back slightly to engage the slide stop.
• Rotate the takedown lever upward to lock the slide back in place.

Function Test

Before using your Glock, perform a function test to ensure everything is working correctly:

• Reinsert an empty magazine into the pistol.
• Rack the slide to chamber a round.
• Ensure the trigger resets after each pull.
• Confirm the slide locks back when the magazine is empty.

Tips and Tricks

• If the front sight is difficult to remove, applying a drop of penetrating oil can help loosen it.
• Consider using a sight pusher tool for easier installation of the new front sight.
• Practice caution while removing and installing sights to avoid damaging the slide or sights.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to remove and replace the front sight on your Glock pistol. Properly maintaining and upgrading your firearm’s components is essential for accuracy and performance. Always prioritize safety when working with firearms and consider seeking professional help if you’re unsure about any step.