Want to make a quick adjustment to your sights or swap them out for a different pair? The Real Avid Master Sight Pusher is the best tool I’ve used for this so far. Today, we are going over how to use it when replacing the sights on your handgun.
Handgun optics might be the latest craze in the firearm world, but plenty of shooters still swear by traditional iron sights. No matter how good an optic is, iron sights remain the most dependable sighting system on a firearm.
That’s why many shooters keep them as a co-witness or backup in case an optic fails. Upgrading to glow-in-the-dark sights is also a smart choice for defensive use.
In the past, I’ve used a few different sight pushers, but this one is by far the heaviest-duty and simplest to use.
Real Avid Master Sight Pusher
Real Avid is probably my favorite brand of firearm tools. For me, it’s also a perk that they are red, which happens to be the same color as Milwaukee tools. In the power tool world, it’s hard to beat Milwaukee, but let’s not get sidetracked. If you need a specific tool for a firearm, Real Avid makes it.
The Master Sight Pusher is made to work on most Glock-style handguns and makes replacing and adjusting sights a simple task.
Built from sturdy steel and aluminum, it has an adjustable design that securely clamps onto slides of various handgun models. And while it’s a heavy-duty sight pusher, it doesn’t require being mounted to a bench. You can keep it in your range bag or on a shelf.
The ergonomic handle provides comfortable leverage, which is needed for making those precise adjustments or complete replacement of your sights. If you have ever tried using a hammer, a punch, and a vice for this, you know how irritating this method is.
A significant advantage of the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher is its universal compatibility. I use it a lot for Glock handguns, but it also accommodates most other popular handgun brands.
Key Specs
- Construction: Durable steel and aluminum
- Compatibility: Universal handgun use
- Features: Ergonomic grip, precision adjustments
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Dimensions: 8.5″ x 4″ x 5″
- Price: About $150
Step-By-Step: Using the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher
I decided to replace the sights on my Glock 48 with some Tritium TruGlo night sights. These sights are made in the US and have a 12-year warranty. For the price, I think these are some of the best sights you can get.
Here is a step-by-step guide to using the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher. Make sure the handgun is unloaded before you begin.
1. Secure Your Handgun Slide
First, fieldstrip your handgun and separate the slide from the frame. Remove the barrel and recoil spring once the slide is off.
Next, position the slide securely in the tool’s padded clamp area. The Real Avid Master Sight Pusher features adjustable side plates that secure the slide, preventing unwanted movement during the sight-changing process. These are four bolts located on the sides (two on each side). I get them close but don’t tighten them all the way just yet.
2. Align the Sight Pusher
Just about the whole sight pusher moves on two vertical springs. Push down on the handle until the metal sight pushers are aligned with the groove that holds the sight in place. Once they are in the right position, turn the two bolts that keep the pusher from moving back up.
Now you can make sure the bolts on the side are tight and the round slide press is tight. The slide press is the black adjustable dial that screws down on top of the slide on the front.
3. Remove Old Sight
Turn the ergonomic handle slowly and steadily to push the factory sight out of its dovetail slot. Apply even pressure until the sight slides completely out. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Make sure the sight pusher is aligned with the groove and not hitting the edge of your slide.
4. Install New Sight
At this point, I found it easier to loosen all the bolts just a little. Doing this allows the slide to push out of the back just far enough to access the groove for the sight. Push the sight into the groove until it feels tight.
Now you can re-tighten all the bolts as they were before. Turn the handle in the opposite direction and the pusher will begin pushing the sight back onto the slide.
Changing the front sight is simple. Just use a sight tool from Real Avid and unscrew it like a bolt from the bottom of the sight.
Once installed, confirm the alignment of your new sights visually and, if possible, with calipers to make sure it is even on both sides. Minor adjustments can be made by gently moving the sight until it meets your accuracy standards.
Selecting Aftermarket Sights for Glock Handguns
Choosing aftermarket sights involves several considerations to make sure they perform as you want and are compatible with your gun.
Quality
Select sights made from high-quality, rugged materials like steel or robust polymers. High-quality sights withstand regular use and harsh environmental conditions. I would recommend using a name brand so you know they will hold up over time.
Low-Light Capability
Glow-in-the-dark, fiber optic, or tritium sights significantly improve visibility in low-light conditions. If you want to upgrade to something for nighttime use, I recommend one of these types. Tritium sights, in particular, provide long-lasting illumination without external charging.
Profile Fit and Compatibility
Low-profile sights are ideal for concealed carry, preventing snagging on clothing. Higher sights, including suppressor-height sights, are necessary if you plan to use them alongside a handgun optic or silencer.
Make sure the sights are compatible with the gun you plan to use them on, because all sights are different. Most sights made for Glock pistols will fit most Glocks, but sights made for other brands of guns will only fit those models specified.
Brand Reputation and Pricing
Popular aftermarket sight brands for Glock handguns include Trijicon, TruGlo, Ameriglo, XS Sights, and others. Each brand provides distinct benefits depending on your shooting style and requirements.
Another thing to consider is price. Balancing cost and quality gets tricky at times. Good sights are an investment in your firearm’s reliability and performance. Spend wisely to avoid frequent replacements.
Additional Considerations
Changing out a pair of sights sounds hard if you haven’t done it before. This is one of those things that is hard if you don’t have the right tools. But with the right tool, it’s an easy project to tackle. It took me about 10 minutes to change out the front and back sight with the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher.
Whether upgrading to glow-in-the-dark sights for tactical advantage or simply customizing your Glock to your liking, changing the sights or adjusting them doesn’t have to be hard. Get the right tools for the job, and life is much easier.
