So I changed the front sight on my Kimber and....

[Target1911]

....I was reluctant to do it.

I did some trading for a XS 24/7 standard dot front sight. I then decided to change it myself. (yes I am a rocket scientist...NOT)

So I take my Kimber Custom Target II, my brass punch and tried to drift out the sight. The punch flaked off, chipped, and then bent. Hmmm, NOW what do I do???? I get a stronger punch. It worked. 2 good whacks and it popped out.

Since I dont want to destroy my new sight, I get my brass punch again. I trim it down and straighten it out. I managed to get the new one in and aligned (the best I could) without any damage or serious problems.

So now it is time for the range trip to adjust the sights with the help of my adjustable rear.
I say to my self....THIS is going to be interesting.......

Yesterday after work I go to the Range. I load a couple of mags. Send my target down range to about 25'. Take a firm stance and get my best grip with both thumbs forward. Take aim. Touch my finger to the trigger. Take in a breath, exhale. Pull the trigger.
BANG!! oops....its a 45, I mean....BOOOOM!
I cant believe my eyes......my shot is POINT OF AIM.
I take a second, a third and so on. WOW!!! 8 shots and 1 ragged hole.

I shot 3 different loads to total about 100rds and I did NOT need to make a single adjustment to my sights.


I'm not sure about the rest of you but I just find the energy to ask for any better than that. Not to mention, this was my first attempt to change open sights on ANY gun.

Hmmmm....what can I do next......

[Vic303]

Well done!

[HighVelocity]

"what can I do next"

There's nothing you can't do with a big enough hammer and a bench vise.

[Target1911]

"what can I do next"

There's nothing you can't do with a big enough hammer and a bench vise.

OK ok....let me say it this way.....What can I SAFELY do next WITHOUT causing to much damage.


OH YEAH......I must say I owe many thanks to HighVelocity for talking (on the phone) me through this.

[HighVelocity]

You're quite welcome.

Seriously though... I'll bet your Kimber is about due for some new springs and a good detail strip cleaning. A reduced power hammer spring will also lighten the trigger pull a bit. I suggest the 19lb Ed Brown spring over the 17lb Wilson spring since you'll probably carry it a lot.
If you're feeling really brave, you can start replacing all the MIM parts with good tool steel parts from Brown, Wilson, EGW, Fusion, etc.
Since you've already replaced the slide stop, grip safety and mainspring housing, all that's left is the mag catch, hammer, sear, disconnector, firing pin stop, ejector and extractor.
Of course, since your gun already runs 100%, leaving it alone is an option.

[KC5AV]

After all that, you'd have to be pretty close to enough spare parts to just build a 2nd gun.

[NcongruNt]

I had the same experience when I installed Mojo sights on my 91/30. I was all set with my little hex key to do some adjustin' and found out that it was dead on fresh from the install.

[Target1911]

I really dont want to carry it all the time. That is why I am looking for something like the Kimber Compact.After I find what I want for carry, I will be doing what I can to GAME this one. I would rather not experiment much with one I will carry.
I am very happy to say that it DOES run 100%. I will be looking into the Hammer spring tho. I have NOTHING against making my trigger better.

[Rokyudai]

OH YEAH......I must say I owe many thanks to HighVelocity for talking (on the phone) me through this.

I get this visual similar to the tv commercial where a guy is in his kitchen with a knife getting ready to operate on himself. He is on the phone with a surgeon. "Shouldn't you be doing this?!" he says!

I'm glad the procedure was successful. You definitely get a from me.

[PUCKER]

Good read on your Kimber. I've been noodling around putting night sights on mine.

You mention wanting to carry the compact - I've got a Kimber Compact Aluminum....LOVE it! Hands-down my favorite pistol. Everyone who shoots it comes away with a smile...even ladies. It's a nice piece, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

[DoubleJ]

"Make the incsision between the 3rd and 4th abdominal muscle. listen, I gotta go, you'll be fine."
best commercial evar!

you know, between the Kobra Karry guy, and you, I'm pretty sure we have a 1911 custom shop 'roun hurr!

[bpet]

....I was reluctant to do it.
....

So I take my Kimber Custom Target II, my brass punch and tried to drift out the sight. The punch flaked off, chipped, and then bent. Hmmm, NOW what do I do???? I get a stronger punch. It worked. 2 good whacks and it popped out.

Since I dont want to destroy my new sight, I get my brass punch again. I trim it down and straighten it out. I managed to get the new one in and aligned (the best I could) without any damage or serious problems.
.......

I cant believe my eyes......my shot is POINT OF AIM.

.......
Hmmmm....what can I do next......

You can loam me that lucky brass punch!

Nice job, congrats.

[Target1911]

MY biggest worry was the punch slipping and smacking the side of the sight and busting the vile. I also had to sand down the base of the sight a little so I could install it.

This is a job I will do for myself in the future if/when the need arises.

I have ALWAYS preferred to do my own work.

[longtooth]

"what can I do next"

There's nothing you can't do with a big enough hammer and a bench vise.

OK ok....let me say it this way.....What can I SAFELY do next WITHOUT causing to much damage.


OH YEAH......I must say I owe many thanks to HighVelocity for talking (on the phone) me through this.

For sure I have said thank you to him several times. I bought/Traded for a set of sites from him & he put them on my slide. Just as you said. Dead on.
THanks again HV & glad we finally got to meet at the dable during the TSRA show.

[Charger]

what can I do next

Years of wrenching on cars has taught me that the answer to that question is "anything you're willing to patiently research and buy appropriate tools for"
Nice going!