Gunsmithing 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

[SteelW0LF]

I bought a barebones Rock Island Armory 1911A1. I love the gun, it shoots excellent for how cheap the gun is and gets great reviews..... But I dont care for the plain jane small sights.

I dont do much weapon modification to my handguns and really have no idea what type of mounting system I need to look for. Parts sellers seem to sell sights that mount several different ways, and in several different sizes. And I dont know which I need.

I'm looking to get some Fiber Optic sights... Preferably where the rear sight is adjustable to zero. I've never been a fan of having to use a drift punch to set my sights.

Any help with what I should be looking for sellers calling sights that would fit this gun would be much appreciated.

thanks.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

novak makes really nice sights i have their tritiums on my kimber and their fiber optics on my glock 19

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

i like the XS stuff.....its the shit.

i have shot with a bunch of these guys and they are all about cutomer service.....all GTG

http://xssights.com/

 

[SteelW0LF]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

So for the Novaks... I'm guessing I select "Colt Government Model" then I have to get my front sight machined for a dovetail?

Just checking because I'ld hate to order the wrong thing and not have it fit or work right.

 

[Bruiser_Joe]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

you'd have to have your slide modified to take a tritium or fiberoptic front sight.

 

[SteelW0LF]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Ok.

Thanks alot for the help. Never got into handgun modifications much so was not sure what I was looking for.

I'll call around to some smiths and see who can do the modifications and such.

Thanks guys!

 

[DMann]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Heinie Ledge.

 

[Onemoretime]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Here's mine: http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthre...531#Post1398531

I went with the Heine Ledge with the straight eights.

 

[s4b1106]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

I second the X/S sights. I am wearing them on both my duty 1911 and the Glock I carried prior to the Colt. They aren't the best sight if you want to make nice ragged holes with a bunch of bullets, but I think that they are one of, if not the fastest combat sight out there. Plus, they are a GREAT bunch of guys to work with! I have been installing them on officers guns for about 5 years now, and most all of the guys that get them love 'em. They also work well if you are of the age that your arms are getting too short, if ya catch my drift.

 

[6.5x61Super]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

..Novak Tritiums

 

[biner626]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Look for something that you can install yourself. I believe Meprolight or Trijicon makes a sight that can be installed on your pistol without much modification to the slide. Look for stake on narrow tennon front sight. I dont know of any out there that offer an adjustable rear sight that will fit your rear dovetail. Check this link to see what you think. once they get adjusted you will like these. http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=31894/Product/TRITIUM_HANDGUN_SIGHTS
Now if you do the install yourself, you will need a Dremel to remove the front sight. You dont want to screw this up so take it to a gunsmith to have it installed. If you wallow out the recess with the Dremel the front sight will come off at some point (maybe). The rear site you can install yourself.

 

[Bugs Bunny]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Many folks use the Novaks, I had them on a couple Colts, I personally like the Bomar setup that came with my Special Combat Govt, same as used on the Gold Cup Trophy - I do think some of the Target Kimbers & Springs used them as well.

Drawback - the corners are sharp & should be radiused (at least on this Colt)

Wilson Combat can probably cut your slide for the front & rear sights and do a nice job regardless which style you choose.

I wasnt fastest last Sat at a local IDPA match, but made most accurate.

 

[Doc1911]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Novak's are excellent sights and it is all I own for a 'fixed sight.' Unless things have changed, Bo-Mars are difficult to come by, however, Nighthawk Custom has some adjustables that IMO are even better than the Bo-Mars. I have both types and prefer the NHCs (rounded corners, etc).

NHC Adjustable:

Novaks:

Others like the 10-8 sights:

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: 1911A1 Aftermarket sights....what type?

Excellent photos, Doc1911. You saved me the task of taking a photo of my 10-8.

10-8 is a great sight! Note the radius at the base of slot, instead of square-cut. I prefer a front night sight, but not on rear.

ktdLS7