Firearm Sight Adjustment and Installation Tool

Abstract

A firearm sight adjustment and installation tool is described. The tool serves to facilitate and expedite the accurate adjustment and/or installation of sights on the slides of a firearm, whenever the sights allow this adjustment. The tool includes a plate, a plate with nuts, tightening screws, a spacer block, at least one adapter, a drift screw, an interchangeable pushing element and quick reference featured on one of the plates. With the tool and little expertise, an individual may manually adjust both the front and rear sights of a firearm to increase the accuracy of the firearm without additional tools.

Claims

1. A device to facilitate the installation of a sight of a firearm comprising: a first plate, said first plate equipped with a center nut; a second plate, said second plate equipped with a top nut, and a bottom nut; wherein said first nut and said second nut are welded into position over a second top hole and a second bottom hole of said second plate respectively; a center hole disposed at a center of said second plate, said center hole equipped with threading; wherein said first plate is disposed parallel to said second plate, within the same plane; a guiding plate; a spacer block; a first adapter; a second adapter; wherein said first adapter is in communication with said first plate; wherein said second adapter is in communication with said spacer block; wherein said spacer block is disposed against an interior portion of said second plate; a first tightening screw, said first tightening screw disposed such that it first extends through a first top hole in said first plate, then through said guiding plate bushing, then extending through a second top hole in said second plate, then threading to said top nut; a second tightening screw, said second tightening screw disposed such that it first extends through a first bottom hole of said first plate, then through said first adapter, then through said second adapter, then through said spacer block, then through a second bottom hole of said second plate, then threading to said bottom nut; a drift screw, said drift screw equipped with a pushing element, said pushing element in communication with a drift screw tip; wherein said drift screw is in communication with said guiding plate; wherein said drift screw, first tightening screw, and second tightening screw are threaded; wherein said drift screw is disposed such that it is not coaxial to said wherein said drift screw is configured to traverse through said first plate, held in position via said threading; wherein said drift screw is equipped with an interchangeable pushing element at a first end, and a knob at a second end; wherein said drift screw is configured to screw towards said first plate, binding said interchangeable pushing element against the sight of the firearm, altering the position of the sight; wherein said top nut and said bottom nut are welded to said second plate; wherein said top nut is coaxial to said first top hole disposed in said first plate and said second top hole disposed in said second plate; wherein said bottom nut is coaxial to said first bottom hole disposed in said first plate and said second bottom hole disposed in said second plate; wherein said first adapter and said second adapter are equipped with adapter clasps; wherein said first adapter and said second adapter are equipped with an adapter accommodation; wherein said first adapter and said second adapter are made of hard thermoplastic; wherein said first adapter and said second adapter are made via metal injection molding; a magnet; wherein said magnet is disposed on a rear of said spacer block; wherein said magnet is configured to maintain the position of the spacer block against the first plate; wherein said spacer block is equipped with an open bottom; wherein said first adapter and said second adapter are equipped with an open bottom; wherein said open bottoms facilitate the removal of said first adapter, said second adapter, and said spacer block without disassembly of said first tightening screw and said second tightening screw from said first plate and said second plate; protrusions, said protrusions disposed on a rear of said spacer block, a rear of said first adapter, and a rear of said second adapter; wherein said protrusions facilitate the alignment of said spacer block, said first adapter, and said second adapter in position against said first plate and said second plate respectively; a guiding plate bushing, said guiding plate bushing disposed on said guiding plate; wherein said guiding plate is in communication with said drift screw via said guiding plate bushing; wherein said guiding plate bushing prevents the rotation of said guiding plate during rotation of said drift screw; a tightening screw interface, said tightening screw interface disposed on said guiding plate; and wherein said tightening screw interface is closed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a device for the adjustment and installation of sights of handguns in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a left side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 exhibits a view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention having a dial indicator, as seen from the front.

[0021] FIG. 4 displays a close-up view of the guiding plate of the present invention without spacer block, showing the guiding plate in detail.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a sectioned illustrative representation of a device for the adjustment of sights of handguns as in FIG. 1 assembled on a handgun.

[0023] FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention unequipped with a spacer block or guiding plate.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention from the front, showing the present invention in use during a sight installation to a handgun.

[0025] FIG. 8a is an illustrative representation of a tightening screw in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 8b is an illustrative representation of a drift screw with interchangeable pushing element in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a handgun slide featuring a front and a rear sight.

[0028] FIG. 10 is an illustrative flow chart of the procedure of use for a device for the adjustment of sights of handguns in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 11 exhibits alternate embodiments of the interchangeable pushing element of the present invention as shown from the front and side.

[0030] FIG. 12 displays a front view of the present invention shown in use during a sight removal from a handgun.

[0031] FIG. 13 depicts the side of the present invention, detailing the quick reference of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention configured for sight adjustment without the spacer block or adapters in position.

[0033] FIG. 15 displays a close-up, rear view of the spacer block of the present invention, detailing the magnet.

[0034] FIG. 16 displays a close-up, front view and rear view of the at least one adapter of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 17 exhibits an example of the present invention stored away in a packaging for transport and/or sale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide through understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In other instances, well known processes, steps, and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0037] The schematic flow chart included is generally set forth as a logical flow chart diagram. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the present method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method.

[0038] Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connector may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method proceeds, may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.

[0039] Starting in FIG. 1, the embodiment of a device for the adjustment of sights of handguns is depicted. This embodiment is composed of several components which include: a plate 10, plate with nuts 11, a guiding plate 200, a guiding plate bushing 210, a tightening screw 12, drift screw 13, a spacer block 230, at least one adapter 220, and an interchangeable pushing element 14. The plate 10 is of elongated rectangular shape, featuring rounded corners 19 in the extremes. These rounded corners make the piece more pleasant to hand manipulation, and they avoid tearing the interior of plastic or fabric bags during transportation. Anyone skilled in the art would know that a similar effect can be achieved by chamfering. It is envisioned that the present invention is configured to store in a slim-fitting case such as a zip bag, or other dense plastic bag or box. An example of a packaging 37 of the present invention can be seen in FIG. 17.

[0040] The guiding plate 200 of the present invention can be seen in detail in FIG. 4. The guiding plate 200 is preferably equipped with a guiding plate bushing 210 disposed at a bottom of the guiding plate 200. Additionally, a tightening screw interface 320 is disposed at a top of the guiding plate 200, and is configured to interface with the tightening screw 12 during use, maintaining the alignment of the guiding plate 200 in the desired position. Alternate embodiments of the guiding plate 200 of the present invention may not be equipped with a guiding plate bushing 210, and instead are equipped with a tightening screw interface 320 that is closed such that it forms a closed circle around the tightening screw 12 when assembled. Additionally, the guiding plate 200 is configured to limit the upward movement of the interchangeable pushing element 14 by resting on the top tightening screw 12.

[0041] The adapters 220 of the present invention are unique in that they enable the device of the present invention to function with a wide variety of handgun makes and models comprising a wide assortment of sizes. Many handguns are equipped with mechanical or cosmetic protrusions at or near the sight, which would otherwise cause the slide of the handgun to be insufficiently held in position between the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 of the present invention. As such, adapters 220 are employed to provide additional spacing via an adapter accommodation 290, as seen in FIG. 16. The adapter accommodation 290 is preferably disposed on the adapter front 270. The adapters 220 are preferably held in position via at least one adapter clasp 260, which facilitates the clipping of the adapters 220 to the plate 10, plate with nuts 11, and/or the spacer block 230. The at least one adapter clasp 260 of the present invention are preferably flexible such that they may be forced outwards by hand to affix the at least one adapter clasp 260 to the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 (or the spacer block 230 during sight installation or removal). The spacer block 230 and adapters 220 are preferably equipped with an open bottom 300 as shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, which enables the spacer block 230 and/or attached adapters 220, to be removed from the device without the need to disassemble the tool. Protrusions 310 are disposed on the spacer block 230, as well as on the adapter 220 to facilitate the alignment of the spacer block 230 and/or the spacers against the plate 10 and/or plate with nuts 11.

[0042] The adapters 220 of the present invention not only allow for the ‘masking tape-free’ use of the present invention, but also enable use of the present invention on slides with steps (such as the slide found on the Springfield TM XD), tapers (such as those found on the Springfield TM XDM), slide-mounted safeties (such as those found on the Beretta 92), or other special cases, including the H&K TM VP9, which features a tapered slide and slide cocking protrusions. This is achieved by varying the shape of the surface of the adapter 220 that contacts the slide of the handgun, shown as the adapter accommodation 290 in FIG. 16. The adapters 220 of the present invention are preferably fashioned of a hard thermoplastic, such as polyamide. However, alternative plastics may be employed, including nylon, polypropylene, ABS plastic, and other similar plastics. Additionally, portions of the adapters 220 may be fashioned of soft, moldable metals such as zinc alloys, aluminum, and/or bronze. Similarly, metal injection molding (MIM) metals may alternatively be employed in the manufacturing of the adapters 220.

[0043] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plate 10 further features a top hole 16, a center hole 17, and a bottom hole 18. The top hole 16 and the bottom hole 18 are meant for the tightening screws 12 to pass through. The center hole 17 allows the drift screw 13 to pass through when the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 are resting one on top of another. An added functionality of the center hole 17 is to weaken the plate 10 and make it more prone to bending. The at least one adapter 220 is preferably disposed between the plate 10 and the plate with nuts 11 to provide a correct fit for the firearm in need of sight adjustment, as well as to protect the slide of the firearm from damage during adjustment or installation. This allows the user of the embodiment to better control the tightening of the embodiment to the slide 36a, and be more aware of the force applied with the drift screw 13 to the interchangeable pushing element 14 such that it does not create an indentation in the rear sight 35a. Anyone skilled in the art would know that this feature can be calibrated by varying the thickness of the plate 10. In certain embodiments, the center hole 17 is omitted.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of steel. In certain embodiments, plate 10 is made out of aluminum. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of brass. In other certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of plastic. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 is made out of a combination of materials mentioned thereof.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating. In other certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish such as Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the plate 10 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating. In certain embodiments, the flat surface that contacts with the slide 20 of plate 10 has a plastic over-coating or molding.

[0046] Continuing in FIG. 2, the plate with nuts 11 is of an elongated rectangular shape, featuring rounded corners 19 in the extremes. These rounded corners 19 make the piece more pleasant to hand manipulation and they avoid tearing the interior of plastic or fabric bags during transportation. Anyone skilled in the art would know that a similar effect can be achieved by chamfering. It should be noted that the spacer block 230 of the present invention need only be in position as shown in FIG. 2 in cases where the sight is being installed to, or removed from, the firearm slide. It should be understood that the spacer block 230 affords the present invention with additional space between the plate 10 and the plate with nuts 11 such that the sight may be removed from, or installed to the firearm slide without binding against either the plate 10 or the plate with nuts 11 during use.

[0047] The plate with nuts 11 further features a top hole 16, a center hole 17 and a bottom hole 18. The top hole 16 and the bottom hole 18 are meant for the tightening screws 12 to pass through. The center hole 17 allows the drift screw 13 to pass through. On the opposite side of the top hole 16, the top nut 24 is welded in place. The top nut 24 is coaxial to the top hole 16. On the opposite side of the center hole 17, the center nut 26 is welded in place. The center hexagonal nut is coaxial to the top hole 16. On the opposite side of the bottom hole 18, the bottom nut 27 is welded in place. The center nut 26 is coaxial to the center hole 17. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the center hole 17 and the center nut 26 are not coaxial. In certain embodiments, the center nut 26 is taller or not equal size or type to the top nut 24 and the bottom nut 27.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the top nut 24, the center nut 26 and the bottom nut 27 are integral part of the plate with nuts 11. The illustrated weld 28 is performed by the MAG method. In certain embodiments, the weld 28 is performed by the TIG method. In certain embodiments the weld 28 is performed by the resistance method. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of steel. In certain embodiments, plate with nuts 11 is made out of aluminum. In certain embodiments, the plate 11 is made out of brass. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of plastic. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 is made out of a combination of materials mentioned thereof In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the plate with nuts 11 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating. In certain embodiments, the flat surface that contacts with the slide 20 of plate with nuts 11 has a plastic over molding.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, the tightening screw 12 is comprised by a shaft 41 with a threaded portion 40. The threaded portion 40 is sufficient as to allow the use of the embodiment in a thin slide 36a but not enough as to the user to be capable of crushing his or her fingers between the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11. At the top of the shaft 41 there is the step 42. This is an integral part of the shaft 41 and prevents the knob 39 from being sheared off from the tightening screw 12. The shaft 41 and the knob 39 are integral parts, but in certain embodiments, these are separate items.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the tightening screw 12 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8b, the drift screw 13 is comprised by a shaft 45 with a threaded portion 44. The threaded portion 44 is sufficient as to allow the interchangeable pushing element 14 to reach fronts sights 51. The top of the shaft 45, there is a knob 43. The shaft 45 and the knob 43 are integral parts, but in certain embodiments, these are separate items. The shaft 45 includes a threaded hole 46 where the interchangeable pushing element 14 is inserted. In certain embodiments, the threaded portion 44 is long enough as to clear completely the slide 36a side to side.

[0052] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like phosphating. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like bluing. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like paint. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like PVD. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Zinc plating. In certain embodiments, the drift screw 13 has a rust and wear resistant surface finish like Chrome plating.

[0053] Continuing in FIG. 8b, the interchangeable pushing element 14 is composed by a threaded portion 50, a unthreaded portion 48 and a domed face 47, or an interchangeable extension thereof, as shown in FIG. 11, detailing alternate pushing heads or tips configured to interface with the domed face 47. It should be understood that the domed face 47 of the present invention is the drift screw tip to which the interchangeable pushing element 14 is preferably affixed. Some alternate embodiments of the interchangeable pushing element 14 are not equipped with a domed face, as shown in FIG. 11. The domed face 47 allows the accommodation of the pushing element 14 to various sight profiles like sight 35b. The step 49 between the unthreaded portion 48 and the threaded portion 50 creates a lock in the rotation of the interchangeable pushing element 14 during use.

[0054] The material choice of the interchangeable pushing element 14 can allow this embodiment to deform or bend to avoid indentations in the sight of the firearm. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is brass. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is soft steel. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is hardened steel. In certain embodiments, the material for the interchangeable pushing element 14 is plastic. Anyone skilled in the art would know that by changing the shape of the unthreaded portion 48, the bending and mushing characteristics of the interchangeable pushing element 14 can be altered.

[0055] The quick reference 23 is composed of several shapes that represent part of the sight adjustment process. As seen in FIG. 13, a rear sight 35a is represented by a square 30 with a notch on top 31. In certain embodiments, other elements may be added to the basic shape to further clarify its representation. A triangle 29 represents the pushing action of the interchangeable pushing element 14 on the left side of a rear sight 35a. The arrow 32 situated on top of the notch 31 is a process flow representation. The circle with irregular outline 33 is situated on top of the arrow 32 represents the impact point of a projectile on a target. The arrow 34 situated on the right of the circle with irregular outline 31 represents the impact point of the bullet moving to the right. Overall, the quick reference 23 is read as follows: “When a rear sight 30 is pushed on the left side 29, it causes (arrow) 32 the impact point 33 to move to the right 34”.

[0056] In the preferred embodiment, the quick reference 23 is situated on the plate with nuts 11 between the center nut 26 and the bottom nut 27. In certain embodiments, the quick reference 23 is situated on the plate 10 between the center hole 17 and the bottom hole 18. In certain embodiments, the quick reference 23 is omitted. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is laser engraved. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is silk-screen printed. In certain embodiments the quick reference 23 is a sticker.

[0057] As represented on FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 are individual independent parts assembled in a parallel manner, oriented and connected by two tightening screws 12. Between the plates, a slide from a handgun 36a or 36b can be inserted and then be grabbed at the clamping area featured on both plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 thereof.

[0058] Jumping to FIG. 14, a sight adjustment embodiment is clamped to a slide 36a that hasn't been removed from the frame 62. To prevent the slide 36a from closing, the slide 36a is secured by the slide catch 38. The embodiment is positioned on the slide 36a so the interchangeable pushing element 14 pushes in the lowest-centermost portion of the rear sight dovetail 25.

[0059] Moving forward to FIG. 5, the dimensions of the embodiment are such that it allows for the accommodation of the beaver tail 39 from the frame 62 and the rear sight 35a between the tightening screws 12. Enough clearance is provided as to allow the accommodation of big beaver tails 39 and very tall rear sights 35a such as those meant for suppressor use. At FIG. 6, a design feature of the embodiment is highlighted. Some handguns feature very wide rear sights 35b. Due to this, the interchangeable pushing element 14 requires an area in which to retract, this being the center hole 17 from the plate with nuts 11. Additionally, the spacer block 230 provides for additional lateral space if needed.

[0060] The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be stored in a package having the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 resting one on top of another. The accompanying tightening screws 12 and drift screw 13 with interchangeable pushing element 14 are situated in an interlacing manner next to the plates to minimize bulk. As known by anyone skilled in the art, the packaging 37 can be substituted for any different types of bags, varying in style and construction materials.

[0061] To conclude, the FIG. 10 schematic flow chart will now be explained. Once the requirement of the adjustment of a rear sight 35a is determined, the user must proceed to withdraw the embodiment components from storage and assemble the basic structure of the present invention 100, to form an embodiment of the present invention. Construction of the present invention includes the following steps: [0062] First, the user arranges the plate 10 and the plate with nuts 11 such that they are parallel, the plate 10 mirroring the plate with nuts 11. Next, the user affixes an adapter 230 to the plate 10 and/or the plate with nuts 11 via adapter clasps 260. The adapter clasps 260 are disposed on the adapter rear 280. An adapter accommodation 290, configured to receive a protrusion or extension of the sight such that it fits securely within the device of the present invention, is preferably oriented upwards, towards the drift screw 13. The user inserts the spacer block 230 in position (if needed) against an interior portion of the plate such that it faces the plate with nuts 11. If the spacer block 230 is employed, the adapter rear 280 is connected to the front of the spacer block 230 via adapter clasps 260. If the spacer block 230 is employed, the spacer block 230 is preferably held in position against the plate 10 or the plate with nuts 11 via a magnet 250. Then, the user inserts a first tightening screw 12 into a top hole 16 of the plate 11, passing through the first adapter 220, second adapter 220, spacer block 230, and finally emerging from the plate with nuts after threading through a nut of the plate with nuts. Then, the user inserts a second tightening screw 12 into a bottom hole 18 of the plate 11, passing through the plate 10, then the guiding plate bushing 210, and finally emerging from the plate with nuts 11 after threading through a bottom nut 27 of the plate with nuts 11.
Afterwards, the user must decide the orientation of the embodiment, or the direction in which the device is to be assembled is determined 102, as judging by how he or she needs to correct his or her impacts, the user will determine if his or her case is the one described by the quick reference 23, or the opposite case not shown on the quick reference 23. Then, the slide is pulled back and secured with the slide release and masking tape on the slide where the tool is going to sit is placed. Ideally, masking tape is not needed if adapters 220 and an interchangeable pushing element 14 made of soft material are used. 101 Masking tape is placed where the interchangeable pushing element 14 is to push on the sight. Masking tape is omitted if adapters are used instead, and the interchangeable pushing element 14 is made of a soft material. 104 The device is secured to the back of slide and the tightening screws 12 are pre-tightened 103 to allow the correct positioning of the embodiment to the slide 36a, as the drift screw 13 of the device is equipped with an interchangeable pushing element 14. 106 Once the correct positioning of the embodiment is obtained, the device is further tightened to the slide of the firearm 105, until the plate 10 and plate with nuts 11 start bending. The user then proceeds to adjust the sight by tightening the drift screw 13 as much as the user requires, to the point where it contacts the sight, pushing the sight. 108 Afterwards, the embodiment is removed from the slide of the handgun and all masking tape is removed (if used), the user may proceed to test fire the gun. 107 After the test fire, the user must evaluate if his or her shots land where they were intended 109. If not 110, the user will have to evaluate his or her adjustment again 102. If indeed the sights are accurately aligned 111, the user can proceed to disassemble the embodiment and place it in storage for later use 112.

[0063] In short, the method of use of the present invention is as follows:

[0064] For installing sights, the slide of the handgun should be disassembled from the frame of the firearm, and the barrel and recoil spring removed. For more convenient use of the present invention, securing the slide on a vice is recommended. The present invention is configured with an adapter 220 on the plate with nuts 11 and the spacer block 230 with (or without) an adapter 220 attached to the plate 10. Masking tape may alternatively be employed if adapters 220 are not present, or are not needed. The present invention is then clamped to the rear part of the slide of the firearm, and is then aligned using the interchangeable pushing element 14. Once the firearm is properly aligned, the drift screw 13 is tightened, and the sight can be removed from the slide by actuating the drift screw 13.

[0065] To install a sight, the present invention is detached from the slide. The adapter has to be popped off from the plate with nuts and the spacer block removed from the plate. After, the spacer block has to be attached to the plate with nuts, and the adapter has to be attached to the plate (if required).

[0066] To align the tool to the slide, the drift screw is extended as much as to clear the spacer block. Then the tool is attached to the slide, and the interchangeable pushing element 14 must touch the base of the dovetail 25 and be more or less centered on it. The new sight is rested on top the spacer block 230 and aligned by hand in position. Using the drift screw 13, the sight is inserted in slowly by tightening the drift screw 13.

[0067] For front sights, the process is very similar, but these additional steps must be taken:

[0068] a. The drift screw 13 may not be able to reach the front sight effectively, needing it to be assembled angled.

[0069] b. The spacer block 230 with the adapter 220 may need to be sided down as to allow the front sight to pass through.

[0070] c. The guiding plate 200 can be detached from the guiding plate bushing 210 and re-oriented as to the interchangeable pushing element 14 in order to achieve better contact with the sight if needed.

[0071] The process for adjusting (not removing or installing sights) is similar to the one used for sight installations, with the following differences:

[0072] 1. For rear sight adjustments, there is no need to disassemble the slide from the gun.

[0073] 2. The tool is assembled without the spacer block and using the short tightening screws.

[0074] 3. Depending on the direction in which the point of impact (or center of the sight) needs to be moved, the tool can be assembled one way or the other.

[0075] It should be noted that the present invention may be equipped with a dial indicator 240 as shown in FIG. 3 in alternate embodiments. Such alternate embodiments equipped with the dial indicator 240 can achieve greater precision and accuracy when installing and adjusting a firearm sight via the present invention.

[0076] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0077] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.