Some projects are easy no matter what; some projects are only easy when you have the right tool for the job.
Changing your irons is the latter!
If you’re here, you’re most likely tired of the boring, old iron sights on your gun and looking for an upgrade. But you want to do it the easiest way possible.
Luckily, we like things to be easy, too. So, let’s talk sight pushers!
What tools are good? What is worth the money?
We’ve tested most of the popular models on the market and have a few recommendations for you!
By the end of this article, you’ll be fully versed on what sight pushers are, why you probably want one in your gun toolbox, and which ones are worth your money.
THE QUICK LIST
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Easiest to Use
Table of Contents
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Best Sight Pushing Tools
1. Wheeler Engineering Armorer’s Handgun Sight Tool
The most expensive and arguably the best, Wheeler is pretty well known for making some really quality products.
But they kicked it up a notch when it came to this sight tool. Right out of the box, the main thing that stands out is how well made and how nice it is.
The machining is simply perfect, the anodizing is slick, and everything fits together perfectly.
It’s clear that their tolerances and quality control are incredibly strict.
What that translates into for you is a pusher that is easy to use, smooth, and gives you a high level of precision.
It also lets you lock the slide into place using 4 screws on the sides and one large screw with a retaining cup on the top.
This allows the slide to be very secure.
However, it isn’t the most simple to use. Everything being highly adjustable means everything needs to be adjusted.
The pusher bit itself, while reversible, is held in place by two screws that need to be completely removed for the bit to be changed over.
And coming in at about $160 street price — this isn’t a cheap piece of hardware.
If you’re planning on replacing or adjusting a lot of sights or plan on using your gun for precision-oriented shooting like bullseye competition, this is the pusher for you.
For everyone else, this might be a little overkill.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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2. Real Avid Master Sight Pusher
I’ve been a big fan of Real Avid’s for a while now, and I’m really pleased with their sight pusher tool.
Real Avid, to me, is a great “everyman” type of toolmaker.
It won’t be the cheapest, it won’t be the sexiest, but it will offer great features without overwhelming you.
While not as buttery smooth as the Wheeler, Real Avid’s sight pusher is easy to use and smooth to operate.
Almost all of the knobs are large and allow a good grip, even if your hands aren’t clean.
The base is massive, the entire unit is heavy, and it’s got a big handle on top, allowing you to use it even without a vise.
(I strongly recommend a vise if you can, though — it makes it easier.)
Like the Wheeler, it has four large screws on the sides to lock your slide in place — but the upper screw and cup are easier to adjust than Wheeler’s, making it just a bit nicer.
Something I really like about it is that the upper unit is springloaded. This makes lifting the pusher off of your slide pretty easy to check and eyeball your clearances.
You also have screws to lock it down if you want, but they’re optional in operation.
One downside, though, is those screws. They are right up against the handle and don’t give you a lot of room to freely twist them.
Kind of annoying but not game-changing at all.
The pusher bit is also by far the easiest to use. Run the pusher to the left all the way, and the bit will flip over. Hold it steady and run the bit to the right, and you’re ready to use it.
Nothing ever needs disassembly, and nothing can ever get lost.
Plus, it comes in at a price that, while a bit high, delivers 100% of the value if you tend to use it at least a few times.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
What do you think of the Real Avid Master Sight Pusher? Rate it below!
3. Kuber Sight Pusher
Technically ours is the Sight Tool Gen 3, but it’s a design that is manufactured by the same company under a host of brand names.
The Kuber is the best price I saw when writing this.
If you need a pusher but want to spend as little as possible, here it is.
It’s not super user-friendly; it absolutely requires a vise, and you have to constantly fiddle with a large Allen key.
But it is much cheaper than the others, smooth to use, and does a great job of pushing sights around.
While I would never recommend this for a user who needs to do a handful of sights, this is solid for doing one or two.
To lock a slide in place, you need to release the bottom plate first. Then to secure the slide side-to-side, you only have two screws that require the Allen key to use. If you want to switch the bit, you need to disassemble the unit entirely.
While every step offers fewer options and requires more work, it is still very user-friendly.
There isn’t much to misunderstand; everything runs smoothly, and it’s very well made.
I would hate to have to make many adjustments using the Kuber, but if I was just getting through 1-3, this is a huge value tool.
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Do I Really Need One?
Sure, but only if you need to adjust your rear sight to correct the aim of the pistol or want to replace your rear sight with something else.
If your gun isn’t on target to the left or right, your rear sight needs to move.
You can do this with a punch and hammer, but it’s harder and a lot less precise.
Over-adjustment is almost certainly going to occur and require multiple adjustments.
If you want to upgrade your sights to night sights or change the type of rear sight you have to make it suit your needs better, a sight pusher is the way to go.
Again, it’s possible to use a punch and hammer — but it’s harder.
You could take your slide to a gunsmith, but that quickly becomes expensive and doesn’t always guarantee the best results that suit your shooting.
How We Choose the Best Sight Pushers
The entire team at Pew Pew Tactical had a hand in contributing to this post. Most of us have tinkered and worked on our guns, and the ones with Glocks, especially, have gone through the arduous task of replacing sights.
So, we know a thing or two about goes into a good sight pusher.
We constantly test gear and regularly update articles as new models become available, so if you’re favorite isn’t here, check back soon!
FAQs
What is a sight pusher?
A sight pusher is a tool that pushes your iron sight left and right.
Is a sight pusher necesary?
It's not required, but it makes adjusting your sights or replacing them a lot easier.
Final Thoughts
While I don’t change as many sights as a gunsmith does, I do change them fairly often, working here at PPT. For me, the Wheeler is the best tool.
But if I were to recommend a sight pusher for the above-average shooter, I think the Real Avid would be the one I picked. It’s simple, very user-friendly, and saves you a few bucks at the checkout.
Budget options are budget options, but even for being cheap — the Kuber is impressively well-made.
What are your go-to tools? How many sights have you changed with a hammer and punch? Let us know in the comments! For some great upgrade options, take a look at the Best Night Sights and Best Glock 19 Sights (And Other Models).
15 Leave a Reply
I can agree that the Wheeler is probably the best tool listed here. Seems to work with most. I highly recommend that you look at the compatibility (read INcompatibility) charts for all of these. For example, the Real Avid (easy to use, built like a tank, etc) looks wonderful, BUT... you are out of luck if you want to work on Sig 365's, Sig 320s, Sig P322's Buckmark 22 pistols, Ruger Mark IV's, Springfield XD's line and Beretta 92s. And virtually anything with a slide mounted safety and/or decocker.. No kidding, I read the disclaimers! Seems that most of my firearms can't use the Real Avid. So if you are a Glock guy, your good to go, if you are a 1911 guy... you're good to go. The rest? Read the disclaimers or call the company. NOW.... the lowest priced unit offered up for review WILL work on almost any slide, BUT... reviewers warn that the Kudor unit is fine for one or two pistols before the plastic pusher parts start to deform. And the reviewers can't seem to find replacement parts. But it's still 10 bucks cheaper than having your gunsmith install them. Just remember that if you can't find replacment parts, then you don't have a sight pusher. you have a paperweight. So... with the Wheeler now selling for $115 on Amazon, and the Real Avid is selling for $140, Wheeler's got the edge on versatility and price. For a once or twice use? Consider the Kudor, but be advised.... they clearly state: "You'll need a vice to hold this". Hope this helps someone out there.
I have the "Kuber" unit. Have used it three times. Yep, there are a lot of screws to contend with.
Does it work? Yes, you intend to use itbut the actual block that pushes the sights gets so dug up in the area that contacts the sights from the screws that move the block, that after three jobs you need a new block to keep from messing up your new sights. What's the answer? Harder block? put the screw contact point higher on the block?
Try finding "Kuber" for a replacement part. Good luck with that. If you intend to use it more than twice on 30 degree sight sides I suggest you look anywhere else. "KUBER" LOL! Ghost company.
CZ 75 for all the photos? Nice!!
the 'unbranded' Kuber sight pusher is $32 on amazon
it's listed as "Aolamegs Universal Sight Pusher Tool"
I'm not nuts about Wheeler tools. All my tools are factory or from Brownells except some items I will use once a year like this.
Will the real avid do front and rear sights?
Ultimately, I decided to go with the MGW Range Master Compact Universal Sight Tool, Brownells #584-000-048. It gives me most of the features of the Sight Pro tool for about one-third less money. I'm not a gunsmith so it made sense to shave a little off the price. I have not seen or used the Wheeler tool. There are many Red Chinese copies of the Wheeler on Amazon in exactly the same color.
Yea even the Wheeler is made in China. The MGW pusher is the only way to go if you want precision cnc machined in the USA sight tools. Made by gun owners and shooters who use them every day. Built like a tank and used by professionals from sight manufactures, guns shops, Gunsmiths, Law Enforcment and Military Armorers around the world. MGW tools are worth every penny for a reason.
How 'bout the Maryland Gun Works (MGW) "Sight-Pro" Universal Sight Installation Tool? (Brownells #584-000-005.) Costs about ~$300. Uses both flat and 30 degree angled pusher blocks. Requires make/model specific sight "shoes" (sold separately, of course) for precision fit. Very pricey but looks like the king of the hill to me. Would like to see head-to-head comparison of MGW and Wheeler products.
Thanks for the article, was just the information I was looking for. I like Real Avid products, but for this I'm going with the Wheeler. Looking at the Real Avid on Amazon, they include a HUGE list of very common pistols that DO NOT work with their pusher. Basically, if you have anything other than a Glock, the Real Avid is not for you.
Has anyone came across a sight pusher that allows one to install some of the taller sights for co-witness and suppressor sights. The one I bought didn't have enough room to install these newer taller sights.
THE WHEELER WILL DO IT!
Article seems focused on only rear sights. Would any of these work for changing out dovetailed front sights like on a S&W M&P Shield?
Hi -I have moved and changed out my front sights on my M and P 2.0 many times using the Wheeler sight pusher. You can move front and rear sights on any handgun with this tool.....
I need to swap out 2 sets of sights on 2 pistols, and am wondering if I buy one of these and try to do it myself to be a chad, or I go to the gunstore and beg them to do it for me...
It's surprisingly easy to do yourself. If you only have two and aren't planning on doing more than that, I would recommend the cheaper sight tool. If you're going to do more in the future or you want to really pimp out the workshop -- Wheeler's sight pusher is awesome.