removing staked front site for colt government 70series

Removal of the front sight on a Series 70 GM is very easy, assuming one does not intend to try to save the sight for reuse. Removing the sight tends to destroy the piece that is staked, properly called the "tenon".

Here is the normal way to remove this sight:
1. clamp slide in padded vise, sights up
2. protect area around front sight on slide with layer of tape
3. place vice grip pliers around sides of front sight
4. rock sight front to back while pulling upward. This will loosen staking, and allow tenon to pull out of hole in slide.
5. tenon may break off in hole. IF this happens, drive tenon INWARD with punch until free of hole in slide.
 
I would just add that if you use a dremel and a small burr on the inside of the slide and remove the "staking" first it will make pulling the sight out much easier. Also rocking the sight may cause the tenon to break. I would recommend that after removing the inner staked part that you use a taped nail or drift punch, screwdriver etc as a fulcrum, grip the sight blade with the vise grips and lever it straight out. George
 
thanks for the help and quick reply, what kind of sights should I replace it with I would like something that is similar in profile as the novaks.
 
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