Installing sights on an XD

[gvr4mike]

Guys,

I am trying to install a set of night sights on my Springfield XD 45 and need some help. I have the MGW XD specific sight pusher but am having trouble removing the factory sights. It doesn't seem to matter what direction I "push" them...they simply wont budge. So here is the question: what direction should I be pushing them off?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

[kcstott]

Typically left to right to remove right to left to install.

[bocephus223]

Any pictures? I would like to do this to my XD. Maybe a dumb question, but should the caliber matter?

[gvr4mike]

From what view?

Typically left to right to remove right to left to install.

Looking from the business end or the breach/striker end?

Thanks,

Mike

[gvr4mike]

Any pictures? I would like to do this to my XD. Maybe a dumb question, but should the caliber matter?

I dont think caliber would matter. Perhaps someone with more knowledge can comment.

I will take pics if I get a chance,

Mike

[kendog4570]

I just did a sight job this evening on one. XD sights are some of the toughest to remove. A real bi*ch. Sight pushers wont even begin to move them. Run a relief cut through the sights with an endmill and tap them out.

[kcstott]

Breach end.
And yes they are pressed in damn tight

[TWheeler45]

Had night sights put in my XD45 about 3-4 months ago. Whatever Springfield is doing with them, it makes them awful to get out. Finally had a gunsmith I know just send it out to have the old sights milled out. He says he doesn't even mess with trying to push out XD sights anymore, he just has them cut out.

[j.hors]

If you are in or near San Diego there is a gun shop called California Police Equipment, the gunsmith there removed the sights on my xd40. Not the cheapest but he got them off in only a couple minutes. $20 to remove $40 to remove and install new sights.

[kcstott]

All that needs to be done to make them nearly non removable is to make the sight .002" larger then the slot and press them in.

.002" is a near permanent press fit. .0005" is a good press fit that still allows the parts to come apart with little effort.

[XDMHMMWV]

The sights are removed from right to left looking down the sights.
From the accounts I have read, the sights are very difficult to remove.

I have a rear XDm sight coming in the mail to put on my Dad's XD45.

I'll give it the college try before I send it off to a pro.
This guy is very good, and inexpensive if you don't mind sending it off.

http://www.shop.xd-hs2000.com/category.sc;jsessionid=99460575544FBDA273F75611A3F7C918.qscstrfrnt01?categoryId=15

[Clownpuncher]

Here is where I got mine done. Best money I ever spent. He only charges $20 if you already have your own sights. Great work and quick turn around. All you have to do is send him your slide.

http://www.xd-hs2000.com/xd-hs2000/Welcome.html

[tomfrey]

My first XD I used a MGW after trying a punch, a punch ground to fit, that did absolutely nothing. With the MGW I used an extension on the handle (it was NOT recommended to do that) and the sight broke loose in a matter of seconds. The front was even easier. The MGW was not mine, but the next 2 xd's I did I ended up grinding off the rears with a dremel cut off wheel, and got the fronts off with a generic sight pusher. I ruined that pusher attempting to get the rears off.

[gvr4mike]

Thanks for all of the advice. I will post back this weekend after I give them another go.

Mike