PX4 Sight Replacement

[smartminion]

Hi All -

New to the forums - thanks for all the shared info - very helpful. And, nice to see so many PX4 fans!

I've got a PX4 Storm Subcompact I've been using as my EDC for years. Just recently got some trijicon sights I need put on it. I've heard the MGW #314 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1007109532/mgw-rear-sight-tool-beretta-8000-cougar-px4-storm) tool is the way to go. Looks like it's discontinued though. Does anyone have any recommendations on alternatives? I'm a novice at smithing but my go-to gunsmith said with the right tool I can probably do it myself.

I've also got an M&P Shield 9mm and plan on doing a trigger swap on that one which would require removing the rear sight. So, a pusher tool that could handle both would be great.

Any recommendations/advice appreciated!
Best -
John

[Canyonrat]

Find a different gunsmith. One who knows that Beretta sights in general and specifically the PX4 are very difficult to remove. Most likely a hammer and punch removal. And one who has a pro-level front sight tool for installation with a shoe that fits the slide model. Read reviews, find someone good. Based on my experience with a Px4 Compact. No idea on the S&W.

[ranger]

I have great results with the NcStar sight tool https://www.amazon.com/ATG-Universal-Pistol-Dovetailed-Pusher/dp/B07DMZDD6V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2ILPOKDZ2T78W&keywords=ncstar+sight+pusher&qid=1550352646&s=gateway&sprefix=ncstar%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Used it with great success on multiple S&W M&P 2.0s, 1.0s and Glocks.

There are multiple posting about issues changing sights on PX4. I would send mine to Langdon Tactical.

[gato naranja]

The PX4 is absurdly easy to field strip and detail strip, but the sights... I personally will no longer do a thing with them beyond an almost microscopic adjustment, and then only if they budge at all. IMO, it is well worth finding someone who has replaced a set of PX4 sights a couple of times (successfully) and pay them for their trouble.

If there is any NSFW language in a man, changing out sights on the average PX4 will have him repeating most of it more than once before the job is finished.

gn

[revchuck38]

I'll add to the "send it to Langdon" chorus. He's installed sights on two of my Px4s and it's done correctly, with no marring of any parts. I had to drift one a hair to zero it, and it took a 1 lb. hammer and a steel drift (a brass one just mushroomed) to do it.

[That Guy]

Eh, I don't know about all that. I think you guys are exaggerating the difficulty of replacing the factory sights. I mean, I changed the front sight on my PX4 full size myself - so how hard can it be? :p Sure, it was tight. But a hammer and a punch got it out just fine.

Of course I don't have the option to send my pistol to a Beretta guru like Langdon Tactical, so I was pretty much forced to do the work myself. You guys have more options.

[Gray01]

This gentleman indicates that the APX requires the Beretta sight pusher or damage will result: https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?22141-Beretta-APX&p=845473&viewfull=1#post845473

The PX4 might be similar.

[3-7-77]

I used a universal sight pusher for my PX4c without any issues. I wouldn’t have attempted it with punches though.

[Weaponeer]

Find a different gunsmith. One who knows that Beretta sights in general and specifically the PX4 are very difficult to remove. Most likely a hammer and punch removal. And one who has a pro-level front sight tool for installation with a shoe that fits the slide model. Read reviews, find someone good. Based on my experience with a Px4 Compact. No idea on the S&W.

^This! I had a full size and had Trijicons put in. My friend put the same sights on his Storm a week later but used a different gunsmith and when he got it back his slide was damaged.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jwperry]

I ruined a set of sights when trying to install on my PX4 compact. I hammered the sh!t out of the set on my PX4 full size. They look horrible but luckily are installed straight.

I've now bought the MGW Rangemaster Pro for future sight installs.

[beenalongtime]

I've had no issues on the full size (9 and 40), Inox compact, or Subcompacts of the PX4. On a normal PX4 compact, HOWEVER, I ended up replacing the slide after bending the safety/decocker section of the slide and over at Beretta forum (down at the moment for maintenance), there is a thread where someone broke that part. I've heard someone question if the sights are placed in the slide before being coated/painted and wonder if that is why they are worse. (this was using the tool the OP was asking about)
Local gunsmith, said (after putting them on another gun), cut the back off, and don't ever try to waste time pushing those out. (factory three dot can be bought reasonably)

I picked up my tool, used via Ebay, and then bought another guns shoe for it. Can the OP pick up the tool for another gun they have and call MGW for the sight shoe?

Other gunsmiths (Josh at Allegany), use one of the pro tools (3x the cost).

[smartminion]

Hey guys -

Appreciate all the feedback and perspectives. I'm not in a huge rush so I'll keep researching and considering have-a-professional-do-it vs diy. I've been trying to do more basic operations myself (especially on my AR). But, I don't anticipate replacing sights often so buying the proper tools and learning from mistakes just may not make sense.

Thanks again-
John

[medmo]

I have a Px4 SC that I have upgraded converting it to a “Sub Compact Carry.” Basically, all of the features of the EL Compact Carry including the AmeriGlo sights. I used an aluminum punch I shaped to fit the front sight and dovetail. It requires patience, attention, and a sturdy vise with wood between the jaws and slide. I had to reshape the aluminum punch a few times (belt sander) during the process as it became peened from the force. The aluminum will mar the sights but can be easily removed with 10 mins of scrubbing using a brush and CLP after installation. I also had to address the replacement sights with sanding removing some material to fit in the slide dovetails. With patience and care it can be done with a hammer and punch.

Here is my PF thread showing the upgrades and mods to my Px4 SC making it a “Sub Compact Carry”:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?30215-The-Px4-Sub-Compact-is-becoming-my-DA-SA-Glock-26-27