Kimber Compact Alum - DFW Refinishing & Nightsight Question

[PUCKER]

Hello guys - looking for some input. My favorite pistol, a Kimber Compact Aluminum, is getting some wear marks on the black finish. I think it's time for a refinish job.

Also, the factory sights (plain black, no dots) are just not doing it for me, I'd at least like some white dots - and I really think that night sights would be a good upgrade as well. In my experience/opinion, it's not the easiest to acquire target on a black/dark silhouette when plinking, especially at a rapid pace, even so, the Kimber is an AWESOME shot (it's the gun, not me, I swear! ). I was quoted $100 (maybe a tad more) for Trijicon plus $25 or so for install at DFW Gun Range, does this sound acceptable?

I'm in the middle of the DFW Area, so any input on dealers/smiths nearby that you'd recommend for this are greatly appreciated, thank you!

[Blinking Dog]

The price sounds about right for those sights and the installation charge. A lot of places will do the install for free if you buy the sights from them, so you could try to negotiate for it.

I can't comment on the quality of the work at D/FW Gun Range. Sight installation isn't all that hard but you never know. I shoot at that range sometimes and am a bit skeptical about the young guys who are behind the counter most of the time. Hopefully neither of them are the gunsmith.

[cowboymd]

I ordered the sights for my Kimber, got them delivered for $87. Installation cost sounds about right for what I paid.

[PUCKER]

Thank you for your input. Originally, the guys behind the counter at DFW mentioned that install was free if you bought them there, but he said he better check with the gunsmith on the Kimber, as they might have to be fitted (filed), he checked and sure enough, said it takes 25-30 minutes and they have to be fitted.

[Ag87]

I think the night sights are a great enhancement. You will be glad you added them.

[Excaliber]

I've had a couple of sets of sights installed by the gunsmith at DFW guns. The work was professional and well done.

You'll be relieved to know that the gunsmith is not one of the young guys behind the counter.

[Blinking Dog]

You'll be relieved to know that the gunsmith is not one of the young guys behind the counter.

Whew. Nothing against young guys...I used to be one myself. One of them seems to have an enormous chip on his shoulder and isn't familiar with the concept of customer service. The other guy is nice enough but hasn't ever rung me up the same way twice for the same thing. Any one else have the same observation?

[PUCKER]

I have noticed vast differences in customer service by various employees there - from the extremes of "Am I invisible?" to "I'm getting excellent service."

[Mike from Texas]

May be a little bit of a drive for you but I deal almost exclusively with Euless Guns and Ammo in Euless. Todd or Ed will fix you up.

[The Annoyed Man]

May be a little bit of a drive for you but I deal almost exclusively with Euless Guns and Ammo in Euless. Todd or Ed will fix you up.

Ditto. Todd just fixed a sick trigger on one of my rifles. He's a stand up guy. He's also done all my 1911 work.

[PUCKER]

Thank you guys, Euless Guns and Ammo is not too far at all from me.

[RECIT]

I have a Springfield GI with the plain jane low black sights. I was quoted about the same for the price of the sights, but around $100 for the install. He said milling and filing was necessary to install any other type of sight on my 1911. Is this true or is this gun smith blowing smoke? I am opting to leave the sights alone for near $200 price after install. Its not my night stand or carry gun so I have time to acquire targets at the range. What do you guys think?

[Excaliber]

I have a Springfield GI with the plain jane low black sights. I was quoted about the same for the price of the sights, but around $100 for the install. He said milling and filing was necessary to install any other type of sight on my 1911. Is this true or is this gun smith blowing smoke? I am opting to leave the sights alone for near $200 price after install. Its not my night stand or carry gun so I have time to acquire targets at the range. What do you guys think?

For some sights that require a milled slot for the front sight that's true. However, there are sight sets made to fit the existing slide cuts for the 1911 Government model. Check out this set by Trijicon. It uses a staked front sight that directly replaces the original and doesn't require a milling cut. The slide on the Springfield GI is already milled for the rear sight.

[RECIT]

Not bad at all. Sights seem so expensive for what you get. I mean the physical size of them not the benefit. I am going to practice with my standard low sights for now as I am not even sure if I am going to keep that 1911. I was not blown away by it, being my first 1911. I think I might trade up to a nicer model with some of the features I am looking for. Everyone swears by the 1911, but I am still striving to find the attraction. Thank you Excalibur for the link.