How to Remove Glock Front Sight: Different Methods Explained

You might want to eventually remove the front sight on your Glock. Maybe you want to do this to replace a damaged sight or to install an upgraded night sight. If you don’t know how do night sights work, then start here. No matter the reason, you will first need to remove the old sight. So, how to remove Glock front sight like a professional? Fortunately, there are a few different ways this can be done.

Removing the screw-type sight

Most newer models of Glock pistols have a screw-sight style. This means that the sight is held in place by a screw. Essentially, all you have to do is to remove the screw and then remove the sight. This sounds simple because, in reality, it it really is! If you want to know how to remove Glock front sight^[1]https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/generalservices/documents/cpo/itb-updates/32110-10902/SWC357_Glocks_Questions_and_Answers.pdf, this is the section for you. The good thing is that it is really not much different than knowing How to remove front sights on AR15 A2! Here are the  steps:

1. Unload the weapon. This is always the most important step!
2. Remove the slide on your pistol.
3. On the front side, you can see the screw^[2]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw holding the sight in place. It is underneath the sight.
4. Undo the screw. You will either need a special tool or you will need to sand the socket that fits this screw.
5. Remove the old sight.
6. Once you’ve removed the old sight, you can install a new one using the same method.

To reiterate, this is the simplest method we’ll review since all you’ll need to do is to undo a screw to install a new sight. Don’t forget that you’ll need to install a sight that is compatible with your firearm. Unfortunately, not all sights will be compatible with your weapon. Some Glock Suppressor Sights just won’t fit! As we’ll discuss in more detail later on, there are different sights for Glock pistols which means you need a corresponding unit.

Some of you may think that the screw is too small to hold the sight. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you are wrong. This system is known for both its reliability and durability. Since many of the Glock suppressor sights for RMR allows Glock users to replace a sight within mere seconds, it seems to be the most popular method for changing the front sight on a Glock pistol.

Removing pin-secured or riveted sight

This second option is much more complicated, and as a result, is much less popular among Glock users.  Since these sights are very difficult to remove, you will need to use several tools. Knowing How to adjust Glock rear sights and remove them is very important! Always remember to take your time and don’t use too much force. This can lead to damaging the slide on your Glock^[3]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glock. Follow these steps to remove the pin-style sight.

1. Unload your weapon. Yes, this is mandatory and ALWAYS the most important step!
2. Remove the slide on your pistol.
3. Secure the slide in a vice that is layered with pieces of wood and fabric on the inside of the claws.
4. Use a puncher to remove the pin.
5. Remove the sight.
6. Insert a new one.

You’ll find this type of sight on older Glock models, but it is seemingly rare today.  The pin does offer simplicity, and even though removing the sight is easy, this still isn’t the most preferable method for securing a sight. As a result, these types of sights have been replaced with sights that are held in place with a screw. As we discussed previously, this is the most popular method as it is also the easiest option for removal and installation.

When you have to remove a rivet sight, you’re unfortunately going to need even more tools. Rivet sights are not designed to be easily removed so you will need to drill them out. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Unload your weapon! ALWAYS!
2. Remove the slide.
3. Secure it in the vice. Make sure the claws of the vice have pieces of wood and fabric to prevent scratching.
4. Use a drill to drill out the main section of the rivet. You’ll need to use a small drill bit that doesn’t touch the slide.
5. Punch out the rest of the rivet.
6. Remove the sight and replace it as needed.

Be extremely careful when drilling out the main section of the rivet. Take your time to make sure you don’t damage the slide, this goes for all Types of Sights! If possible, drill a small fraction of the rivet and punch the rest of it out. If the rivet is too tight and cannot be punched out after your initial drilling, you will need to drill the entire rivet. Take your time!  You should always start with the slowest speed and the smallest drill bit. You can slowly increase both as needed.

How to remove Glock front sight without tool

Regrettably, it’s not possible to remove any of the sights we’ve covered without a tool. You may be able to get around using a tool if you use a socket that is already sanded down and can fit the slide from the inside.  Your socket will have to have the same dimensions as the screw on the sight in order for this to work. Although this isn’t technically a “toolless” method, it does allow you to remove the sight without using the Glock sight removal socket.

However, if you have a Glock that has its sight glued down to the slide, you can try to remove it with your fingers. With a bit of luck, you might be able to unglue it and remove it completely. You can also try to hit it with a hammer, but if you decide to try this approach, be sure you protect the rest of the slide so that you don’t damage it.
Keep in mind that when you are installing a new sight, you will have to sand down the surface. You’ll need it to be squeaky clean so that the glue sticks to the surface. In reality, epoxy is a better option. It is much stronger than glue, and it will ensure your sight stays in place for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The final word

Still, wondering how to remove Glock front sight? We hope not given all of the different options we’ve reviewed today. Don’t forget! Remove screw-type sights on your Glock weapons with a socket tool. Just make sure you’re using a socket tool that is compatible with your screw! For other types of sights, punch out the pin or the rivet.  With a little bit of luck and patience, you can complete this task all by yourself! Best of luck!