How to Adjust My Sights on an H&K 40

The Heckler & Koch (H&K) line of pistols come chambered in a variety of calibers, most notably 9mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. The H&K line of pistols come with adjustable sights that allow the shooter to precisely adjust--or "zero"--the sights for their specific needs. The technique for adjusting the sights on H&K pistols is the same regardless of the caliber. While the rear sight is adjustable for windage (left-to-right), the front side can only be adjusted for elevation by removing it and replacing it with a front sight that is shorter or taller.

Things You'll Need

  • Brass mallet
  • Drift punch
  • Replacement front sight
  • Paper target
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Instructions

  1. Adjusting the Rear Sight

    • 1

      Post the paper target downrange at your local shooting range at a distance of 7 yards.

    • 2

      Fire five rounds at the center of the target and note where they impact. If the shots are too far to the left or to the right, you will need to adjust the rear sight for windage.

    • 3

      Remove the magazine from the gun and pull the slide back to visually verify that it is unloaded.

    • 4

      Tap the rear sight in the direction that you would like the pistol to shoot. For instance, if your pistol is shooting too much to the left, you will need to tap your rear sight to the right. Be sure to do this in small increments to avoid overadjusting.

    Changing the Front Sight

    • 5

      Post a paper target at your local gun range at a distance of 7 yards.

    • 6

      Fire five shots slowly at the center of the target and take notice of where they hit. If they are too high or too low, you will need to exchange your front sight. If the shots are too high, you will need a higher front sight. If the shots are too low, you will need a shorter front sight.

    • 7

      Remove the magazine from the gun and pull the slide back to visually verify that it is unloaded.

    • 8

      Tap the front sight all the way off the slide of the gun using the drifting punch and mallet.