P-120 Rear Sight Very Loose

[easteros232]

I picked up my P-120 from my ffl yesterday and I was very impressed initially with the quality of the pistol but after 150 rounds the rear sights are extremely loose. I can move them side to side in the dovetail with my fingers. What's my best course of action? Should I take it to a gunsmith, try to fix it myself, or send it back to TriStar? Has anyone else had this issue?
It sure does look sexy I just want it to work! 

http://imgur.com/zBlGJ1o

[wdbutcher]

I think I would call Tristar to see what what they can do for you. Their phone # is 816-421-1400. I'm sure a gunsmith can easily fix this problem, but you shouldn't have to pay someone to fix a problem with a new pistol. You could probably fix this yourself with some red locktite, but again, you shouldn't have to "fix" a new pistol. Let us know how you come out.
BTW, That's a very nice looking P-120! Welcome to the forum from Nebraska.

[himurax13]

I would call tristar first. Mine was on pretty tight. I replaced my sights with the nightsights from an SP01.

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[Brian Ahearn]

slide the sight out apply some red loctite center it and tighten the screws. wait 24 hours and shoot problem fixed. See ya later I am going to the range to start off my day.

[easteros232]

Screw? What Screw?

[wdbutcher]

I think Brian is thinking about the novak style rear sight on a T-120, which has two set screws. The rear sight on your P-120 doesn't have set screws. I think that using the red locktite will be the fastest fix. It won't damage your P-120 if it doesn't work, that way you won't have any warranty issues with Tristar if you need to send it back. I would call Tristar first to see what they have to say.

[easteros232]

Is red loctite removable? Because I want to leave the option of installing night sights. I've been looking around the internet and some people say to use green loctite because it will seep around the rear sight without taking it out of the dovetail. What compound should I use because I would like to avoid not having the pistol and having to ship it back and forth.

[wdbutcher]

Loctite is basically like glue. Red is a lot tougher than blue. Red is usually used for a permanent hold. The blue may work better for you if you plan on replacing your rear sight in the future. I've never heard of green loctite, but it may work great for your application.
Since you can move your rear sight by hand, I would slide your sight to one side, apply some loctite inm the beaver tail, then slide the sight the opposite direction and apply some loctite to the other side of the beaver tail. You need to be sure that the areas you apply the loctite is clean and free of oil. Also, you want to be sure that your sight is where you want to to be in the beaver tail when you finish, clean up any excess loctite, then let it set according to the manufacturer's instructions. Blue loctite will not damage your P-120 in anyway, so I wouldn't be afraid to use it and you'll still be able to replace you rear sight in the future if you like. Good luck.

[easteros232]

Spoke with the guys at Tristar and they suggested trying to shim it using a sliver of a soda can, which sounds kinda bubba to me and from the looks of it I don't know if there is even enough space for that. They kind of skirted the question of loctite and the warranty. Thoughts on the shim?

[Brian Ahearn]

Remove sight dimple the bottom or bottom edge with a punch or chisel and loctite it and tap back in let set 24 hours.I was thinking of the other sight sorry,did not have enough coffee before posting this morning.

[wdbutcher]

Spoke with the guys at Tristar and they suggested trying to shim it using a sliver of a soda can, which sounds kinda bubba to me and from the looks of it I don't know if there is even enough space for that. They kind of skirted the question of loctite and the warranty. Thoughts on the shim?

The Tristar tech's suggestion does seem pretty low tech. I think they could have at least offered to send you a different rear sight. That may not have made any difference, but it would have been a nice gesture.
I think that if the was enough slack to insert a shim, the rear sight would have already fallen out when you least expected it. I know that's what would have happened to me
I think Brian has the solution to your problem if loctite alone won't hold the sight in place.

[easteros232]

I managed to use the beer can shim method and it seems like it worked. I hammered out the rear sight and then placed 2 slices of a beer can in the middle of the dovetail then hammered the sight back in. It seems rock solid but I'll see how it holds up at the range.