Which Tool To Use To Determine Centered Rear Sight

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Also, has anyone tried these sights? Different than 3 dot, but they seem to make sense, maybe better?
 
I usually measure and mark center of the slide for the front sight with a pencil like Troy said. The rear I just get it close and go from there....I'm no pistol expert mind, I really only got into them a couple years ago.
 
I use my wife’s sewing tape measure that goes to mm. Generally, I don’t have to tweak too much once I see the paper.
 
Hi All-

I am going to install new sights on my Canik TP9 SF, but I don't know which tool to buy to ensure the rear sight is centered. Can you please suggest?
Eyeball is generally plenty good enough. If you feel you really need a tool a dial or digital caliper would work.
 
Thanks all, digital caliper ordered, as it was only $10 , and I am sure I can use it for other things.
 
Thanks everybody for your feedback. As far as I am concerned pistols are not longer range PDWs (5-20 yds, according to my instructor and the logic makes sense), so a pencil, tape or caliper would probably work similarly well. However I am OCD about my weapons, so I chose the caliper. Again, the feedback I have received on this site proves it to be one of the most reliable shooting resources on the web. Not sure why, but I am seeing a vast difference. Glad I found you guys/girls.
 
Also, has anyone tried these sights? Different than 3 dot, but they seem to make sense, maybe better?
Not better, but not much worst than 3-dot...at least with 3-dot sights, I can paint over the rear dots

The sights are based on African Express sights designed to be used on Big Game rifles. The difference between use on a handgun and a rifle is that the rifle has more support points ( 3vs.1) to help with the alignment of the sights to the shooter's eye. Lacking those additional alignment points, the "open" rear sight blade of the XS lack both vertical and horizontal feedback for the shooter.

The XS sights look faster to use because there is less to line up. That same factor is what makes them less accurate at longer distances. If the shooter is correctly trained in the use of their sights, they aren't giving up any speed to the XS sights at closer distances either.

The foregoing is based on testing in action pistol competition...because they'll use anything that would give them a speed/accuracy advantage
 
Center is the smart place to start upon installation...then adjust from there.
That makes sense. But in that situation, getting it perfectly centered isn't important because you're going to check the POA/POI once you get it to the range and it will either shoot to POA as it is or will need adjustment. Either way, working for a perfect center in the beginning is pointless.

So my advice is eyeball it--it doesn't matter even a tiny bit if it's not perfectly centered. Then take it to the range and see if it shoots to point of aim. If it does, it is positioned correctly. If it doesn't, adjust it until it does and then it is positioned correctly.
 
Not better, but not much worst than 3-dot...at least with 3-dot sights, I can paint over the rear dots

The sights are based on African Express sights designed to be used on Big Game rifles. The difference between use on a handgun and a rifle is that the rifle has more support points ( 3vs.1) to help with the alignment of the sights to the shooter's eye. Lacking those additional alignment points, the "open" rear sight blade of the XS lack both vertical and horizontal feedback for the shooter.

The XS sights look faster to use because there is less to line up. That same factor is what makes them less accurate at longer distances. If the shooter is correctly trained in the use of their sights, they aren't giving up any speed to the XS sights at closer distances either.

The foregoing is based on testing in action pistol competition...because they'll use anything that would give them a speed/accuracy advantage

"Lacking those additional alignment points, the "open" rear sight blade of the XS lack both vertical and horizontal feedback for the shooter."

I knew something was missing, but couldn't identify it. Thanks for doing that for me. I went with the Truglo 3 dot again, as they work well for me on my VP9, as I can shoot long if needed.
 
Be very very careful "tapping" in or out of Night sights. If you break the tritium tube you will be screwed and create a nuclear event.:oops:

The best way of course is to use a "sight" pusher tool but those re expensive if you can not borrow one.

Some guns it is near impossible to tap out the sights,

Just eye ball it
 
This is not a pistol sight, but the principle is the same.

fsxFOW8.jpg

White fingernail polish. Let dry, then draw a line, corresponding to the edge, or the center of the rear sight. Go to range and shoot, drift sight using the line as a reference point. If you don't have to drift your rear sight, if it is perfectly centered on target, go buy a lotto ticket because you are on a lucky streak!

Afterwards, use finger nail polish remover and a Q Tip or cotton ball to remove.

I have tried tape, and it falls off. This has been the most durable way of marking sight positions, without permanent markings, that I have come across. I use it all the time. And when the zero changes, for example dove tail change, or use on a different rifle, I dissolve the finger nail polish and remark as necessary.

9sUW6uE.jpg
 
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