M&P Sight Install

I wanted to do a quick DIY of installing front and rear sights on an M&P. Both the full size and compact take the same sights. While the Shield takes a different, smaller sight, the installation is the same. This particular installation is for XS Big Dots but all sights should be fairly the same

The XS sights came with practically everything you need install the sight. In the package:

• Front Big Dot Tritium sight
• Rear white stripe sight
• Plastic non-marring punch
• Locktite
• Allen key for new set screw

What you need that is not included:

• Non-marring hammer
• Steel/brass punch
• Allen key for set screw on factory sights
• Steel file
• Bench vise with soft jaws (optional)

Installation was really simple and took less than an hour going slowly. This was my first attempt at this and I believe almost anyone could do it. While the vice with soft jaws is optional it is highly recommended that way you don't mark up your slide and you have two hands free.The steps are as follows:

1. Ensure firearm is unloaded, safe and field strip the firearm.
2. Clamp the slide into the vise. i did not have soft jaws, so I just used cardboard. This should go without saying, but do not over clamp the slide as you could damage it. It just needs to be tight enough to hold it still. 
   
3. We will start with the rear sight. There is a set screw that needs to be loosened. Once removed, used the metal punch to lightly tap the base of the rear sight toward the ejection port side.
   
   
4. Go slowly as there is a spring loaded plunger under the sight. If you go to fast it will go flying out and well, you will be crawling around on hands and knees looking for it.
   
5. The front sight it next. While there is no set screw, mine was thoroughly pressed in. It took some serious hits with my hammer to get it to move. You can drift it out either way, just make sure you use the metal punch and you are hitting at the base. Also as it starts to move, make sure it moves evenly. It can cant a little bit which will cause it to bind.
6. Once both sights are out, take a minute to clean up the surfaces of any dirt, chemicals, etc. i used rubbing alcohol on q-tips to do this.
7. To install the front sight, apply the provided locktite to the slide and base of the new sight. 
   
8. Push the sight about 1/3 of the way into the slide. If the sight doesn't go in that far, remove and run it over a metal file a few times, then try to fit again. Repeat until it the sight fits 1/3 of the way on.
   
9. Once its in place, you the plastic non-marring punch to drive the sight into place Luckily, it was really easy to center the front sight as the edges of the sight and the machining lines on the slide line up.
   
10. The rear goes on even easier. Just slide on the rear, making sure to push down the plunger. Mine was able to slide all the way on without a need for a punch. Once you think it is centered, then tighten down the rear set screw.
    
11. Now the set screw will not hold the rear sight on alone. Just make sure it appears straight. 
    
12. At this point you will need to test fire the weapon and make any windage adjustments as needed. Once you find your zero, apply locktite to each side of the rear sight. If later on you need to adjust, just use the non marring punch and hammer to drift left or right. 
    
13. While not required, I know you are gonna find a dark room and try out the tritium.
    

And that is pretty much it. It was a pretty simple install in my opinion. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask below. For a review of these sights, please see my post XS Big Dots