There are a lot of universal sight pushers out there that look promising. Apparently, the universal part worries me the most. And I'm not the only one.
There is a reason why a lot of gun owners still prefer the traditional hammer and punch method when it comes to pushing sights.
However, that's a thing of the past. If you have the cash to spare, there are tools out there that can work like a charm. With the best universal sight pusher in your arsenal, it won't take very long to properly fit a sight regardless of the type of gun and sight.
Why am I recommending a sight pusher that is universal? Well, think of it like this. Imagine you have a lot of different gun sights and guns in your arsenal.
Now, it wouldn't be a very practical approach to buy different sight pusher for different models. You don't want to burn a hole in your pocket and get different pusher tools for each of your sights.
The challenge here is to find the right universal sight pusher that can handle the adjustment required for most of your gun sights without damaging the sight or the gun. That is where I come in.
Here is a piece of advice from me. Always lube your handgun pusher tool before use. Now, in this article, I'm going to go over the top 5 sight pusher tool out there that you can easily expect to get quality performance.Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Wheeler Armorer's Handgun Sight Tool | 5 out of 5 | |
| NcSTAR Rear Sight Pusher Tool | 5 out of 5 | |
| Universal Handgun Sight Pusher Tool | 4.5 out of 5 | |
| Sylvan Universal Sight Pusher | 4 out of 5 | |
| Sight Master Pusher | 4.5 out of 5 |
Top 5 Best Universal Sight Pusher Reviews
You can either use a hammer, punch, Loctite, vice & file or get yourself a good sight pusher tool and save yourself some trouble further down the line. Check out our sight pusher tool reviews first and make a choice.
Installing sights properly is a tough process and requires patience. Keep in mind that it's not possible to find the perfect universal pusher for all gun models. Glocks are easy to work with, the rest, not so much.
To get it right, it is recommended that you try out a bunch of different sight installer tools first and also keep some brass and steel punches, just in case.1. Wheeler Engineering Armorer's Handgun Sight Tool
This handgun sight tool from Wheeler Engineering has a unique design that fully captures and supports slides safely without marring them. It has a heavy-duty construction, and with little maintenance, you can get a lot of service life out of this sight pusher. This makes it a great investment for any gun owner.
On the side, it has a large adjustment wheel that controls the front pusher block. You can use this pusher tool to easily adjust front or rear sights on any type of gun. In addition to that, it is rated to work on all semi-automatic handguns. This feature alone makes it one of the best sight pushers for handguns.
This one is a highly accurate sight pusher, and by utilizing the reference marks, you can make your adjustments in a precise manner. This tool is made with complicated and durable parts for maximum performance. However, it is easy enough for a novice to use, even without reading the instruction manual.
This pusher tool is pretty self-explanatory and works really well with Glock slides. The reversible sight prong can fully support and capture slide without breaking or causing any kind of deforming to it. Thanks to its large 4-post drive knob, you can remove, install, and adjust different sights, including front and reach dovetails.Pros:
Cons:
- Low wheeler pressure
2. NcSTAR Heavy Duty Universal Pistol Dovetailed Rear Sight Pusher Tool
Up next, we have a pretty decent pistol sight pusher called NcSTAR. This rear sight pusher tool from ATG works with 30-degree and 90-degree sight profiles (rear). You can also go with the ultimate tool kit version of this pusher tool that will give you more flexibility when installing and removing sights.
The frame of this tool is made using heavy-duty anodized aluminum, and the knobs, as well as the rest of the tools, are made using stainless steel. You can clamp and bolt this onto any work surface or vice. With this small but sturdy pusher tool, you can adjust, install, or remove rear sights in either direction.
The adjustable base allows you to properly adjust the height of your front and rear sights. Along with its two sets of side plastic inserts, it also comes with horizontal and vertical clamps. This allows you to secure various types and sizes of gun slides. In addition, there witness windows on both sides.
You can also replace the pusher handle with a socket tool or a 15mm wrench. It is also adjustable for ease of use. Last but not least, the carrying bag that it comes with is made using precision-cut foam. It's soft and flexible while providing protection even for the heaviest of tools.Pros:
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3. Universal Handgun Sight Pusher Tool
If you are into guns and firearms forums, you will quickly recognize this one. It is a DIY, machined cut site pusher that looks really plain but works better than most high-end pusher tools on the market. This simplicity alone makes it one of the best universal sight pusher tools for front or rear sights. It's also made in the USA.
It has a dovetail mounting type and works with most handguns out there. Another cool perk of this tools is its cost. It is amazingly affordable, and for those of you that are on a budget, this pusher tool will give you the best bang for your buck. It has a simple yet durable construction with no compromise in quality.
This sight pusher is made out of a solid block of 6061 aluminum. It isn't anodized or anything but let me tell you; this one is made to last. With proper maintenance, this thing will last you a lifetime. The unique design of this tool grips the slide from all four sides, providing a secure hold when you install the sight.
In short, this sight pusher is built like a tank. It is probably the only one of its kind that is both well machined and affordable. This is pusher tool is pretty intuitive to use, and the screws turn easily. The only downside that I can think of is that it tends to scratch things up pretty badly. Put some covers to protect your slide.Pros:
Cons:
4. Sylvan Universal Sight Push Tool Pusher for Handguns Pistols
The Gen 4 standard sight pusher from Sylvan Arms features some massive upgrades over its previous models. The original model was released back in 2014, and since then, Sylvan has made some noticeable changes. This tool got bigger to support a wide range of handguns and pistols.
It is currently the largest sight pusher tool from the manufacturer. Whether it is any make or model, this universal sight pusher can replace, push, remove, and adjust sight on any pistol. It's also probably the only tool on this list that works on snake eye type sights. In this price range, it is the most complete sight pusher kit out there.
The frame of the Gen 4 standard sight pusher is constructed using 9310 steel, and the blocks are made from 6061 Aluminum. In addition to that, the two distinct pusher blocks are CNC machined and very precise. One of them is for snake eye sights, and the other one is for standard sights.
Included in the box are a tool to remove the front sight of a Glock, a disassembly tool, and a padded carry case. Since it is a versatile tool, you can use it with several different types of firearms. Just make sure to pay attention to what you are doing. Remember to go slow and always read the instruction manual before using it.Pros:
Cons:
5. Sight Pusher Tool by Sight Master
The last tool in this list is a simple sight pusher brought to you by Fisher Solutions. The Sight Master is a small yet power pusher tool that is made in the USA. Right of the box, one thing you will really notice is how big the bolt and screw. In terms of size, these are way bigger than what you normally see on regular sight pushers.
As for its construction, it is more robust and beefier than a lot of sight tools on the market. With this pusher tool, removing rear sights becomes a lot easier. The size isn't just for show. It is there to accommodate most modern semi-automatic handguns on the market. This sight pusher is also fully adjustable.
Using this pusher tool, you can install, remove, or even adjust both front and rear sights. You can operate this tool via a socket set or a wrench. The Sight Master is designed in such a way so that you can get a lot more leverage out of this tool. Compared to traditional pusher tools, this one feels much easier to work with.
Once you get used to this tool, you will never use traditional hand tools again. This tool makes the whole process of removing tough rear sights a bliss. This tool comes with a two-sided hardened steel pusher. One is for 1911, Sig sights, and the other one is for Glock sights.Pros:
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Choosing The Best Sight Pusher | A Comprehensive Buyer's Guide
Anybody that has worked on handguns for any amount of time knows that replacing the rear sight on a handgun can be a royal pain the ass. Usually, they are a press fit dovetail, and you either have to use a punch and drive them out, or you have to have some type of vise type sight pusher tool to drive them out.
Additionally, when you're using a punch and a vise, it makes it really difficult to be out at the range and do fine-tune sight adjustments. So, I was pretty excited when I came across these universal sight pushers.
What Is A Universal Sight Pusher?
The difference between a normal sight pusher and a universal sight pusher is compatibility. The universal ones are usually designed with most modern handguns in mind. At the same time, the dedicated/regular ones will only work with a certain type of gun.
Even after installing sights on a handgun, oftentimes, adjustments are required. There are a lot of reasons for that, and that's why sight pushers are necessary. Now, you can take your handgun to a gun shop and wait weeks for them to adjust the sight for you.
Or you can do yourself. Now, if you have a lot of guns and sights, it's not very economical to purchase sight pushers for each of them. On the other hand, you can buy a universal sight installer and use that to install, remove, or even adjust all the sights in your arsenal.
Why Do You Need A Universal Sight Pusher?
If you have a new handgun and you just installed sights on, these tools make it really easy to take out to the range and adjust your sights on the go. Additionally, these tools make adjusting your sights and replacing your sights back on the shop a whole lot easier.
It lessens the chance of damaging your handgun or damaging your sights. Normally, sight tools like these are fairly expensive, especially universal ones that come with a bunch of different adaptions or adapters. These tools make it kind of easy to set sights up to your own handgun.
Compared to a model-specific device, a universal pusher tool will give you a lot more freedom. So far, so good. However, where you will really get stuck in finding the right one for your handgun. Fortunately for you, I've come with a shortlist of key factors to look for when you shop for a universal sight tool online.
Are All Sight Pushers the Same?
No. Even between two universal sight pushers, there will be some differences. Even though all of them serve the same purpose, functionality-wise, the tools will differ from each other.
You will see the market is loaded with sight pushers, all claiming to be the best. With so many varieties, there are some that will best suit your need. Now, the only thing you need to keep in mind that universal doesn't mean that it will work with every single model on the market.
However, they will be compatible with a certain category of guns and sights. For this reason, not all sight pushers are the same. When you buy one, even if it is a universal model, you will need to ensure the pusher tool is compatible with your gun and the sight that you want to install and adjust.
Universality
The goal of this article is to help you get the most out of your investment. So, I'll be blunt when I say this, but, in this world, there is nothing truly universal, especially when you are dealing with a subject as vast as firearms. That's why, even if you get a universal model, you need to ensure it works with your gun.
Even then, a little bit of future proofing can make a huge impact later on. That being said, if you have 3 or 4 different types of guns, going universal is the only way to go. On the other hand, if you are overly enthusiastic about guns, you should save some money and get different sight pushers for different models.
Height Adjustability
On a lot of universal sight pushers, you will notice a big when down at the bottom. This allows you to set the height. So, if you have a really tall slide, you can easily fit it. For example, Glocks have short slides. If your pusher tool has a height adjustment option, you can easily accommodate a bunch of different gun slides.
Sides
Additionally, on the sides, you will notice that there is some sort of gripping arms. On those arms, there will be replaceable pads. There, you will see two sets of differently shaped blocks. The flat sides work better on the Glock frames, and the angled side does a good job of holding the frames that have slightly strange shapes to the sides.
Grips
You will also notice that there is a top piece that you can bring down to really pinch your slide to make sure that it's not going anywhere at all. Overall, the purpose of this top piece is to hold the slide fairly well.
Pusher
The actual pusher should be large enough to hold suppressor sights with no problem at all. You should also look at the shape of the pusher. It should have no problem grabbing square sides or trapezoidal type sights without any problem at all.
Durability
Aluminum and stainless-steel are an excellent choice of material for a sight pusher. Anything less and you will be throwing your money on the water. When making any purchase, durability is a common concern.
Sight pushers are no exception when it comes to durability. Since they remove sights that are tightly in place, it requires a lot of pressure to remove those sights. Cheap grade materials will snap right off when removing sights at high strength.
This is the reason why you can't go with a cheaply made device. If you think of skimping on the cost, you will eventually end up spending more later on. This is the reason why it pays to go with a top-of-the-line sight pusher from a reputed brand even if it costs a bit.
Ease Of Access
The tool you choose should allow you to work effortlessly. You don't want to spend too much time figuring out how to operate the pusher tool. Make sure to read the instruction manual first.
Also, a certain feature like anchoring the frame to your workbench helps a lot during the removal and installation process. On a side note, some of the sight pushers come with accessories to accommodate different types of sights and gun models.
From the support of major models to extra materials to instruction, make sure the kit includes everything you need.
How To Install A Sight Pusher Without Marring The Slides?
There are some sight pushers out there that have a bad record of marring the slides of a gun. Especially the universal ones tend to mar the slide.
This can be prevented easily. All you need is a microfiber cloth. Before clamping the sight pusher down, put a microfiber cloth around the slide. Additionally, you can also use visiting cards instead of microfiber cloth.
Final Word
A final bit of advice from me would be to take your time when deciding. Make sure to get the best universal sight pusher on the market if you want to ensure the safety of your guns and sights. Don't go cheap. You don't want to end up putting scratches on the slide of your firearm.
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