Get new sights! Any half assed smith with a mill and a cutter and do that.

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

Slide Stuff

A quick survey of GunBroker suggests an actual USGI Colt-marked slide might bring as much as $400, even if not 'pristine'.

A 'Colt' NM-type slide, maybe a bit less ($300?).

And just for comparison, a stainless Series 80 slide, around $200.

Big Fix

New sights? Including skilled, reputable gunsmithing/machining, probably around $200 or a bit more, once all is said and done.

Little Fix

Testor's-brand Flat White scale-modeler's enamel (or a touch-up bottle of 'refrigerator paint')? Less than $5...

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Several companies make front shotgun sights of various configurations, all of which are intended to be basically glued on top of an existing bead.

One such firm is XS Sight Systems, makers of the (in)famous 'Big Dot', whose products are available at Brownells.

Looking at the pic, it appears the 'Plain Barrel' version on the right might be adaptable to a 1911 slide with a tiny front sight (particularly if made 'tinier' with some careful file work).

Of course, you'd need to either modify your rear sight, or get another one more compatible with the 'Big Dot'.

The good news is, Brownells (and/or XS Sight Systems) have a few of those as well − and some of them are actually made for the 1911.

HTH

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Louis, tell me about your 1911. If it is in original condition and reasonably good shape, you do NOT want to separate the original slide and frame. Once you do that, you have turned a $800 - $1000 gun into a $400 "parts gun". Plus, depending on the vintage, it may take considerable gunsmithing to fit the slide to the frame and get it to work right.

It's no biggie to improve the sights on a 1911. I've got a Combat Commander with faded-out Wilson night sights that I did a little paint job on, and they work great even with my lousy eyes.

Bring your gun up here to my place sometime and let's see what we can do with it.