Modifying existing sights

[penguinofsleep]

Does anyone know if there is a smith, shop, or individual out there that can modify existing sights for a reasonable price? Not in any rush to get this done, but of the few things I want to change on this pistol, the sights are #1.

I have a pair of rear sights where I'd like the notch to be made deeper by a certain amount. I'd also like to re-profile the edges/shape of the rear sight itself. I don't imagine the re-profiling I want to be very difficult, but I don't trust myself with reshaping the depth of the rear notch to +/-.005" tolerances.

New sights are not an option as there are only 2 options to begin with - factory and 1 aftermarket (and I have both). I did find a good shop that can custom machine pretty much any sights you want to any specs but I'd like to know if I have other options.

[penguinofsleep]

Rear sights of a USP Expert. The have a different cut and height in the frame for the rear than other USP variants (except for the USP Elite).

[penguinofsleep]

Bump

[NewbieDave]

Do it yourself with some jeweler files... go slow and take a little at a time.


dpc

[SilentPea]

^ +1
Or, if you really don't want to touch it, Josh at Allegheny Gun Works can probably do what you're asking. He puts fiber optics into beretta (fixed to the slide) front sights, which is a similar task (but more complex IMO).

[Whiterabbit]

but I don't trust myself with reshaping the depth of the rear notch to +/-.005" tolerances..

I do. Get those jewelers files. In fact, get 2-3 sets. Get yourself a bench grinder too, even harbor freight is OK for what you're about to do.

Find the files that fit the groove. Pick one and grind off the file on the other edges to make "safe edges". Now you can file the notch without worrying about the sides.

Do the same for your profiling files.

As stated, go slow. 3-5 light passes, check, etc. dont make cuts till the file is seated on the surface to cut, is flat, etc. Use two hands. It's straightforward.

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tips:

get a piece of chalk and chalk up the files. the shavings fall right out and keep the files cutting well.

get an old piece of brass (I use 50bmg) and smash the neck flat. you can use this to clean files if need be by running it along the grooves. You probably won't need a file cleaner.

cold blue works fine to refinish your cut surfaces. But for a slick trick, after you are 100% finished, take your file and run it at 45 degrees give or take off the top edge of the front AND rear sight to cut through the blue and expose steel. Doesnt take much, till you can just see it without a loupe. a bit more than this is OK too. It will light up the top of your sights like a christmas tree (outside), making it much easier to shoot at distances well over 25 yards. if you are so inclined.