How to Install Kimber Sights

Kimber 1911 handguns are match grade with smooth triggers and excellent craftsmanship. LAPD SWAT uses Kimber pistols, as do U.S. Marines assigned to Special Operations Command, and the U.S.A. Shooting Rapid Fire Pistol Team. Kimber pistols come with standard sights or optional night sights, but Kimber also produces a number of advanced aftermarket sights which you can install yourself. Once you have disassembled your gun and removed the old front and rear sights, installing the new ones is relatively simple.

Things You'll Need

  • Kimber sights
  • Meprolight universal sight installation tool
  • Fine file
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Instructions

  1. Rear Sight

    • 1

      Slip the rear sight onto the slide. Be sure that the dots on the rear sight face to the rear. The rear sight has a tab on the bottom that fits into the dovetail groove on the top rear of the slide. Only start sliding it into the groove by hand. Be sure to start it at the same side from which your old sight was removed.

    • 2

      Place the slide into the installation tool. The reference guide that comes with your installation tool indicates the desired support block position for specific pistol models. Insert the support block onto the two guide rods. Install the slide backwards into the pusher. The pusher ears should have clearance over the top of the slide. The ears push the sight into the dovetails. Tighten the clamp onto the slide firmly enough so that the slide will not move, but not so tight that it may damage your pistol.

    • 3

      Fully install the rear sight. Turn the pusher handle so that the rear sight moves into the dovetails and is centered on the top of the slide. It may be helpful to note the location of the old sight before removal so that the new sight can be installed at the same location.

    • 4

      Remove the installation tool from the slide. Loosen the clamp and remove the slide from the tool.

    Front Sight

    • 5

      Start the front sight into the dovetail. Press the front sight into the dovetail's groove sideways from the same direction as the old sight was removed. Refer to the chart that comes with the installation tool for specifics regarding your pistol model. You may have to file the new front sight slightly to fit it in your dovetails.

    • 6

      Insert the front end of the slide into the installation tool. Just as in Section 1, ensure proper clearance of the ears and placement of the pusher body. Tighten the clamp around the slide.

    • 7

      Turn the pusher to install the sight. Use the flat, outside vertical area of the pusher to install the sight, not the pusher's center. Turn the pusher until it slides the sight into the dovetail where it is centered on the slide.

    • 8

      Uninstall the sight tool and reassemble your pistol. Loosen the clamp and remove the slide from the tool. Assembly of pistols varies based on model. Follow the instructions in your owner's manual.