CSpiess

I am looking for a definitive answer on what type of sight cuts are used on the new Para models with factory fixed sights. I am looking at getting a Covert Black Hi-Cap LDA 9mm (DX189E) and will want to replace the rear sight with an adjustable of some sort. I do not want to pop the extra $$$ for the stainless limited just to get adjustable sights.

What is the rear sight cut? Does anyone know of a drop in adjustable replacement? Will an MMC work?

TIA

Gammon

I'm not sure about the newer PO guns, but my P-16 which is several years old uses the stock Colt spec dovetail for the rear sight. I believe most MFRs use this dovetail because of its universal application.
When I bought my P-16, I was also interested in an adjustable rear sight (Bomar) and tried to get a local gunsmith to do the job. He was swamped with work, and quoted me a six month wait.
Since I had my own front sight installation jig, I took matters into my own hands. Novak makes an excellent high visibilty rear sight that fits into the stock Colt/Para dovetail, and gives you a sight picture comparable to Bomar (I own and shoot both and have no preference) but requires the installation of a taller front sight. I installed a taller than stock front sight (.220) and the Novak fixed rear sight. Windage was adjusted by moving the reat sight in its dovetail, and elevation was adjusted by filing down the front sight. The entire process took about 45 minutes and fifty rounds. This may sound like a lot of work, but you only have to do it once. Bomars cost about $200 installed, this system costs less than $50; a little more if you have to pay someone to install the taller front sight.

PS Once I had the rear sight adjusted, I used green penetrating Loc Tite to lock it in place.

Jim Watson

The picture of a DX189E at
http://www.paraord.com/product/product.html?id=61
sure looks like it has a Novak rear sight.
If so, the MMC adjustable and the Caspian Tactical Adjustable will do.
http://www.caspianarms.com/html/slides/rearsights.html

But for a DEFINITIVE answer, best ask PO
http://www.paraord.com/pages/contact.html

JCM298

This is a post from the 1911 form. The poster, George Wedge, is a big shot with Para and is the man to answer your questions:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread. ... a&t=105190

G. Wedge G. Wedge

Join Date: May 2002
Location: Scarborough, Ont. Canada
Posts: 15
Para Sight Dovetail Dimensions
There seems to be a lot of wondering in regards to our Sight Dove Tail Dimensions, so we thought it might be a good idea to post them in the hopes that the moderator will make a sticky for all persons looking for this information.

Our Rear Sight Dovetail on all models is Standard 0.375" 30 degrees
Our Front Sight Dovetail on all models is Standard 0.250" 20 degrees

Since the original 1911 design called for a simple blade rear sight, and a staked front sight, there are no "standard" or "mil-spec" Sight Dovetail dimensions. The dimensions we are using are very common, and if the industry were to somehow select a "standard", these dimensions would be the logical choice since many Sight Manufacturers are already utilizing them.
__________________
gwedge@paraord.com
www.paraord.com


John

stimpsonjcat

Interesting, I just measured the crappy fiber optic sight that fell off the front of my P16.40 at roughly 0.195 or so. I called Para and they said it ought to be 0.185

I want to find Meprolights or similar 3-dots to go on my para. Anyone got any ideas?

For sure my front sight dovetail is no where near 0.250

James O Johnson

Para has their own sight cut dimensions. Most everyone else has standardized on the demensions that are most commonly found on Novak sights, at least nealy so. The exceptions being STI and Wilson but at least you can find some interesting relacements for those in the aftermarket. Not so with Para, but at least you can recut most of their slides to the Novak demensions and it works just fine.