Dovetailing front hipower sight?

[zfields]

Mods, feel free to move this, wasnt sure if this was a gunsmithing forum question or not.

I have a FN hi-power isreali import. This is not a firearm I plan on getting rid of, since it is the same as my birth year which I think is pretty neat. However, I cant stand the sights on this thing.

I'm thinking of having the front dovetailed to accept either a 1911 or glock sized sight, along with the rear sight cut wider to fit. Would either of these style sights create a major issue with the POA or POI of the gun? Im thinking these two just due to the huge aftermarket and lower price of the sights.


Is this just a bad idea? The gun is in rough cosmetic shape, but shoots fine.

[chuck762]

Glock front sight bolts on. You could get a ser of sights for the MKIII browning but I don't know if the rear dovetail is the same.
1911 sights will probably offer the greatest choices,
You might have to experiment with sight height to get the correct POA/POI unless someone has already done it and knows what works.
I can give you the heights off my MKIII if it helps.

It's not a bad idea if you plan on keeping it but it may ruin any collector value if it has any and you won't recoup the cost if you sell it.
Some people hate the idea of modifying some guns but hey, it's yours so if you want to go for it.
I have been swapping sights some on my handguns just due to my aging eyesight and the need for something that is easier to see.

[zfields]

Thanks, I posted the question on a couple of hi-power boards also, just trying to get a wide range of ideas/answers before I get someone to bring a mill to it.

How much difference is in the MKIII sight compared to the low profile military sights? Any measurement would help. Im wondering if the dovetail was cut to the same depth in relationship to the bore, if it would match the POA / POI. This is not something Ive messed with.

I highly doubt I will ever sell this. Ive wanted a Hi-power since the first time I picked one up, and was never able to afford one. Add in the year of its production, Worst case It will become a ugly safe queen. i treat my guns like my guitars, pick em up, beat em up, and stash them, and never sell them.

[chuck762]

Front sight is .155 from the top of the slide.
Rear is .130

The best measurement I can get from the barrel bushing to the top edge of the slide is .125. Hard to be exact due to the front sight being in the way.

[zfields]

thanks.

Im going to reblue a couple wear areas off the main frame while I decide. Ive never seen rust on the trigger pad before...somehow it had a little.

[jyo]

People have been putting improved sights on Hi Powers forever---Check with Cylinder & Slide---they have much experience with the P35.

[zfields]

Im aware that people change sights, im looking specificaly at changing them to a 1911 sized sight, and how that would effect the sight in.