1911 GI sight upgrade options

[Mossy Man]

what kind of sights are available for 1911s with standard staked front sights and GI rear dovetails?

Or, how hard is it to have one converted over to novak style?

[JDay]

You should be able to have a competent smith make the Novak cuts.

[cindynles]

Harrison makes a very nice rear sight that fits the GI cut.

https://shop.harrisoncustom.com/hd-003-retro-rear-sight

[L4D]

10-8 makes one for the rear GI dovetail.

For the front... Trying to stake a new sight in sucks. Even with the front staking tool. I got it but I did not like my work.
I eventually sent it to Novak just for the front.

The 10-8 is nice because it still has a flat front if you ever needed to rack it against a flat surface.

[redcliff]

what kind of sights are available for 1911s with standard staked front sights and GI rear dovetails?

Or, how hard is it to have one converted over to novak style?

Novak has fast turn-around and will do the milling properly. Their prices are usually no higher than a local smith and you will probably get a better job done. They can also fit the sights of your choice at the same time.

[TheExiled]

I have a set of Trijicon's on my RIA GI project gun, I was intimidated at first but it turned out pretty simple to do

[beretta929mm]

You can paint the front sight white.

[tacticalcity]

You can paint the front sight white.

Or Neon Orange.

Pretty sure Trijicon makes a set of night sights for the GI 1911. They look good and work good. No reason to butcher your slide for Novaks. If you want a more fancy looking 1911, buy one. Keep the GI looking GI, the Trijicons do that.

[not-fishing]

I've been thinking along the same lines. (for IDPA )



Midway sells the sight, get a Strobel Front Sight Installation and Removal Tool 1911 and a new front

[LovingTheYear1911]

If you're handy and not scared you can do it without any special tools , just a hammer, dremel and punch. I did my gi sights in 15 minutes or less. Very easy to do.

For the front, you may need a dremel to grind out the stake. And use the punch for the new stake.

[TheExiled]

You can paint the front sight white.

But that doesn't solve the issue of the GI sights being absolutely minute.

[beretta929mm]

This is done to retain that look and feel of a GI pattern 1911.

[TheExiled]

This is done to retain that look and feel of a GI pattern 1911.

I think since OP asked about Novak cuts, he doesn't care much about that

[Mossy Man]

i'm only looking to upgrade because people complain about the front sight coming off if it's staked instead of dovetailed, and durability of the rear sights.

i think i actually have the Colt high-profile GI rear sights. They look like GI sights but they have three dots

[John Joseph]

I haven't had a problem with the staked front sight. The Army didn't see a problem either.
In fact the only problems I've heard are with Gold Cups auto shedding their front sight after a steady diet of 230 grain ball.