correct direction for installing dovetail sights - The Firearms Forum

wpshooter · 12-18-2011, 08:19 AM

Is there any STANDARD direction (i.e. from right to left or left to right) for installing dovetail sights on firearms or does this procedure vary depending on the particular firearm on which the sight is being installed or removed ?

For instance on some of the old Remington model 514 rifles that I have, the front sight apparently needs to be installed from right to left as viewed from rear of rifle or must be removed from left to right as viewed from the rear of rifle.

Thanks.

JLA · 12-18-2011, 08:23 AM

removal from right to left and install in reverse. Thats textbook gunsmithing.

Helix_FR · 12-18-2011, 09:00 AM

The text book is right to left. Some guns it does not matter. Colt 1911 for instance does not nor does Kimber or STI. Anything Novak cut does not matter either. If its made by Sig, Springfield XD, Glock Rears, Kahr, SW M&P and some of the Ruger P series, the sights always push out to the left (if your facing the back of the gun) and install left to right. If you try it any other way, you'll break your sight or your pusher.

JLA · 12-18-2011, 09:37 AM

Prolly should add that right to left is in reference to the muzzle pointing away.

Thanks for reminding me Helix.

12-18-2011, 08:19 AM	#1
wpshooter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 249	correct direction for installing dovetail sights Is there any STANDARD direction (i.e. from right to left or left to right) for installing dovetail sights on firearms or does this procedure vary depending on the particular firearm on which the sight is being installed or removed ? For instance on some of the old Remington model 514 rifles that I have, the front sight apparently needs to be installed from right to left as viewed from rear of rifle or must be removed from left to right as viewed from the rear of rifle. Thanks. --> Last edited by wpshooter; 12-18-2011 at 08:20 AM..

12-18-2011, 08:23 AM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: correct direction for installing dovetail sights removal from right to left and install in reverse. Thats textbook gunsmithing. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-18-2011, 09:00 AM	#3
Helix_FR TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Imperial, MO Posts: 3,624	Re: correct direction for installing dovetail sights The text book is right to left. Some guns it does not matter. Colt 1911 for instance does not nor does Kimber or STI. Anything Novak cut does not matter either. If its made by Sig, Springfield XD, Glock Rears, Kahr, SW M&P and some of the Ruger P series, the sights always push out to the left (if your facing the back of the gun) and install left to right. If you try it any other way, you'll break your sight or your pusher. __________________ Only cowards shoot with their eyes closed.... helixgunsmith.com

12-18-2011, 09:37 AM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: correct direction for installing dovetail sights Prolly should add that right to left is in reference to the muzzle pointing away. Thanks for reminding me Helix. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!