Front sight fix

[BAE984]

I had a new King's front sight staked into my Norinco 1911 about 4 months ago, and I noticed while dry firing today that's it's just barely loose, but I can tell it moves. Is this OK?

If not, am I better off having it soldered or just bite the bullet and get the slide dovetailed? I really don't want to go doing permanent alterations to it because it's in great condition as is, but it is a carry piece occasionally.

 

[Serendipity]

I recently staked a front sight on my 1911. I degreased everything and used 640 Loctite (sleeve retainer) in the hole, on the tenon, and on the base of the sight. Did whoever staked your sight use Loctite?

Could be that some wicking Loctite could be used and the sight restaked.

 

[DnPRK]

The correct method for staking a front sight in a 1911 is to first use a burr to make a countersink inside the slide. The countersink allows the sight tenon to spread like a rivet head as the sight is staked in place.

 

[1911Tuner]

A Stake is at Stake

DnPRK nailed it. Without the "well" the tenon is basically held in place by press fit...Friction.

 

[ribbonstone]

As these guys pointed out, it ISN'T ok to have a front sight that wiggles...not becasue of accuracy, but becasue that slide is fixing to toss that sight, Any movemnt in the front sight just gives it a running start at it's seat...will eventully snap the tenon and fly off.

They've outline the right procedure...make that countersink and swage the end of the tenon into that recess...tightly. Helps to totally clean the parts and apply the "forever" locktite (the stuff made not to be removed).