Sight pushers are tools that can come in very handy for the gun enthusiast that wants to install, remove, or adjust a sight on their own, saving cash that would otherwise go toward professional installation or adjustments. But finding the best sight pusher can be a challenge, especially since the market is flooded with a variety of sight pushers with specific features and customizations. If you currently own a long gun, then the odds are, you already have some type of sight attachment. But for most gun enthusiasts, the prime attachment just isn’t enough. Many prefer to install a sight on their firearm, for increased shooting accuracy. But once you find the right type of sight, installation can be tricky.
I’ve created this buyer’s guide, to help you choose a universal sight pusher that’s truly universal and a tool you can use on a wide range of firearms to expertly install, remove, or adjust sights. I’ve also tested out several of the most popular models, narrowing it down to the top six that have what it takes, including that sought after universal design. Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that includes each model, their top features, rating, and other important information that will make choosing the perfect model for your gun collection a cinch.
Table of Contents
Universal Sight Pusher Comparison Chart
| Product | Material | Weight | Beginner Friendly | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvan Universal Sight Push Tool   Shop On Amazon! | Steel | 2.3 LBS | Yes | |
| NcSTAR Universal Sight Tool   Shop On Amazon! | Anodized Aluminum/ Steel | 4.35 LBS | Yes | |
| Kuber Universal Sight Pusher Tool   Shop On Amazon! | Aluminum | 1.51 LBS | No | |
| Aecktech Handgun Sight Pusher   Shop On Amazon! | Aluminum | 1.48 LBS | Yes | |
| RST Gen 4 Universal Sight Pusher   Shop On Amazon! | Steel/Plastic | 8.9 OZ | No | |
| W WIREGEAR Sight Pusher Tool   Shop On Amazon! | Aluminum/ Steel | 4.64 LBS | Yes | 4 |
Sylvan Universal Sight Pusher Tool
Our Rating:
This universal sight pusher by Sylvan Arms is loaded with some great upgrades, compared to sight pushers produced by this manufacturer in the past. This model was initially released in 2014. The new version is the manufacturer’s most advanced model to date. It features a beginner friendly design, and allows you to push, remove, adjust, and replace sights on any pistol make or model. This model has a frame that’s made out of 9310 steel, complete with 6061 aluminum blocks, in addition to a couple of CNC machined pusher blocks. One of the blocks is specialized and designed for ringer or snake eye style sights, while the other block features the standard design. This model also comes with its own carrying case so you can securely store it and keep the tool free from dirt and debris.
Pros
- Durable steel frame
- Easy to use
- Includes one block designed for snake eye style sights
- CNC machined pusher blocks
Cons
- Minimal padding
Conclusion
This model comes with a Glock disassembly tool, features a rugged steel frame, and is designed to adjust, uninstall, and install both rear and front dovetail sights. The manufacturer claims this is one of the most versatile sight pushers on the market, boasting it will work for 99% of handguns.
NcSTAR VTUFNR Vism Universal Sight Tool
Our Rating:
This universal sight tool is designed to install, adjust, or remove a rear or front sight on most models of semi-auto pistol slides. It comes with a couple of separate sight pusher blocks, each of which is designed specifically for rear or front dovetail sights. These blocks are made out of thick, durable steel. The top clamps and adjustable sides on the frame make it easy to check for proper block and sight alignment. This tool can be clamped or bolted to a work surface for improved stability during use. The frame is made out of heavy-duty blue anodized aluminum which adds to the durability of the sight pusher, while keeping the weight down.
Pros
- Frame is made out of blue anodized aluminum
- Includes two separate pusher blocks for front and rear dovetail sights
- Low price
- Can be bolted or clamped to work surface
Cons
- Cannot be used with clones or CZ
Conclusion
This model’s base platform is height adjustable, comes with blocks that can work for both rear and front dovetail sights, and includes a bottom space designed for some types of pocket pistol slides. These slides promote proper height alignment and can be used to hold the slide recoil lug spring level. The horizontal and vertical clamps feature non-marring plastic inserts that will not damage the finish of a firearm, while locking it securely in place. This low priced, top of the line sight pusher comes with everything you need to adjust, remove, or install a sight on a wide variety of handguns.
Kuber Handgun Universal Sight Pusher Tool
Our Rating:
This model will work with all Springfields and Glock models, in addition to almost every other type of handgun. Unlike competing models, this sight pusher features a grip design that allows the tool to grip all four sides of the slide, to ensure the slide is unable to move as the tool exerts thousands of pounds of force to remove or adjust a rear sight. This model doesn’t need extra block sets to grip the slide like most competing models do. The sight pusher is made out of heavy-duty 6061 aluminum, with a matte black finish and a durable design. If you have past experience using a sight pusher, then using this model will be a cinch. If you’ve never used one before, then you may want to pass this model by since it doesn’t include any instructions, leaving the user to figure out how to adjust and use the tool on their own.
Pros
- Frame is made out of 6061 aluminum
- Versatile
- Tool can grip all four sides of slide
- Low price
Cons
- Does not come with instructions.
Conclusion
This lightweight, heavy-duty sight pusher features an aluminum frame and a pusher block that’s made out of steel. The sight pusher has an intuitive design that makes it easy to remove, adjust, or install sights, quickly and efficiently, for those who have used a sight pusher in the past. This model is small, compact, lightweight, and designed to handle any type of rear sight installation or removal.
Aecktech Handgun Sight Pusher
Our Rating:
This latest sight pusher by Aecktech is compatible with almost every type of handgun slide. The sight pusher features a user-friendly design that will allow you to easily secure your firearm, thanks to the tool’s grip that supports every side of the slide, preventing it from moving as you exert pressure. This particular model doesn’t come with an extra block set to use to grip the slide, instead the simple design does an excellent job of keeping a firearm secure and stable as you adjust, remove, or install a sight. Unlike other models that claim to have a universal design, this model will work on firearms with slide mounter levers after the lever has been removed.
This tool is much lighter than it looks, due to a frame that’s made out of 6061 aluminum. However, despite the lighter weight, the sight pusher is impressively durable and features a solid design. It also comes with a pusher block that’s made out of steel, offering the type of solid construction you need to exert thousands of pounds of force during an installation.
Pros
- Made out of aluminum
- Easy to use
- Design grips each side of slide
- Low price
Cons
- Size of contact block can make it difficult to remove front dovetailed sights
Conclusion
While categorized as universal, keep in mind that the larger size of the pusher’s contact block can make it difficult to remove front dovetailed sights on some firearms. For some, this may be a deal breaker. Overall, the model performs as well as the manufacturer claims it does, thanks to the durable, yet basic design that makes the pusher more user friendly.
RST Rear Sight Tool Gen 4 Universal Field Sight Pusher
Our Rating:
This tool can handle installing, adjusting, and removing both front and rear sights on a wide range of handguns. In fact, the manufacturer also includes a compatibility chart, which you can check out before you buy, to ensure this model is compatible with your firearm. This model can easily handle rear sight adjustments when you’re out in the field, without having to disassemble the slide. Additionally, the toolless design doesn’t require Allen wrenches or keys to use. This model is sleek, compact, and designed with portability in mind. It’s so small that it’ll easily fit inside a range bag, pocket, or a tight spot in your gun case. Weighing in at just 8.9-ounces, this model is the perfect tool for the gun enthusiast who needs a model they can use at the range or in the field.
Pros
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
- Lightweight
- Pocket friendly
- Toolless design
Cons
- If you use the wrong adapter you can destroy a slide
Conclusion
Unfortunately, while this model is a great buy for the experienced sight pusher user, I don’t recommend it for beginners. Should you accidentally use the wrong adapter, there’s a strong chance of marring or totally ruining a slide. Because of this, I recommend this tool to experienced users only.
This kit comes with a pair of XD adapters, three pushing heads, and two guiding clips. The pushing heads feature a hardened steel construction, while the tool’s hard polymer adapters are designed to prevent scratches on the slide’s finish. This durable, pocket friendly sight pushing tool is a great choice for use out in the field and comes with everything you need to make on the fly adjustments, install or remove a sight, and get the job done in a matter of minutes.
W WIREGEAR Sight Pusher Tool
Our Rating:
This model by W Wiregear comes with a detailed scale that allows you to make precise sight adjustments. The sight prong can be placed in a horizontal position, which ensures accuracy during adjustments, each and every time. The tool itself is durable and made with steel components and an aluminum frame. The sight prong’s screws are incredibly tough and are not prone to stripping, an issue you’ll run into with low-quality models. This model is compatible with all types of semi-auto pistols, features a design that’s beginner friendly, and comes with everything you need to install, remove, and adjust a sight.
Pros
- Durable
- Allows for precise adjustments
- Easy to use
- Sight prong can be placed in a horizontal position
Cons
- Metal tips on clamping screws can scratch a slide
- Too heavy for use in the field
Conclusion
This beginner friendly sight pushing tool is reasonably priced and allows you to easily make precise adjustments on a sight, but the overall weight of the tool makes it a better choice for home or workshop use. The tool itself is durable, well-built, features an intuitive design and includes a user’s manual that’s very detailed, so even the newbie can install, adjust, or remove a sight, within a matter of minutes.
Universal Sight Pusher Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to changing the sight on a firearm, there are several ways you can do it. You can take it to a gunsmith, you can carefully chuck the slide in a vise and drift the sights out with a hammer and brass punch, or you can purchase a universal sight pusher. If you have more than one brand of firearm, then you don’t want to limit yourself to sight pushers that are made specifically for certain types. The best thing about a universal model is that you can use it on any type of firearm, for both dovetailed front sights and rear sights.
Universal sight pushers are simple tools, although there are specific features that you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re shopping around for one that’s compatible with your gun collection.
Below, I’ll go over many of the must-have features, how these tools work, and why you need one.
Upgrading a Sight
One of the first things a serious shooter will do to their handgun is upgrade the sight. Night sight upgrades will be very important to personal and home defense practitioners. The problem that many firearm owners have is conquering the interference-fit dovetail configuration that’s found on many popular handguns. Not having the proper installation and removal tools can make this job more difficult and your expensive firearm or sight set can be damaged, easily. A top-of-the-line sight pusher is designed to eliminate this problem and will work with most models of firearms.
Is the Sight Pusher Really Universal?
A universal model is designed to work with any type of sight or firearm. However, many models are not as universal as the manufacturer would like you to believe. In reality, you won’t find a tool that’s truly universal, especially when it comes to firearms. Because of this, you need to make sure the model you choose will work for the firearms you own and those you plan to purchase in the future. If you have a smaller gun collection, obviously, it’s going to be a lot easier to find a model that’s compatible, but if you have a massive collection, that’s where it’s going to get challenging.
Beginner-Friendly Design
If you’ve never installed a sight before, then a sight pusher that’s easy to use will be a priority. This tool is designed to make adjusting and installing a sight easier. If you’re having a hard time using it, you may end up caving and having a pro handle the job instead. The sight pusher’s anchoring ability will determine how easy or difficult the tool is to use. A model with excellent anchoring ability will allow you to make adjustments easily, providing a stable base you can work with.
Material
Models that are made out of aluminum or stainless steel will be more durable than lower priced sight pushers that are made out of plastic. In most cases, plastic sight pushers often break under pressure.
Extra Accessories
Models that are universal usually come with everything you need, such as extra materials and accessories that support major models of firearms. However, some lower priced pushers may only come with the basics, so you’ll need to purchase some materials separately.
Use
Most higher quality sight pushers are relatively easy to use. First, you’ll need to prepare the slide. To do, wrap it in a cloth to protect it. Next, you’ll place the slide between the blocks, aligning it with the sight. Securing and tightening the scope is the next step. The removal and installation process will depend on the type of firearm and the sight itself.
Performance
Firearms that are used for home defense, offer an expanded performance when they’re equipped with night sights. This is because, in most home defense scenarios, an intruder will break in during the night, in extreme low light conditions. If you’re not able to see your sights, you won’t be able to hit your target.
But what has prevented many firearm owners from transitioning their firearms from standard open sights to night sights is the complicated installation process. In pretty much every case, the factory rear sight will need to be pushed out with a sight pusher, and the new sight must be installed in the same manner.
Typically, this would mean a trip to the local gunsmith, or you’d have to buy a model-specific sight pusher. That’s where a top-of-the-line universal model comes in. Unfortunately, many models that are labeled as universal end up being frustrating tools to use effectively.
Fortunately, many of the newest models of universal sight pushers are dependable, versatile, and designed to work for most common firearm platforms. These tools are designed to make the task a breeze and many incorporate several features that address the hassles you’ve experienced when using universal models of the past. Their setups are simple enough that new gun owners can easily use them, when following the included instructions, so you should be able to get a new sight installed the first time around. Of course, it’s important to pay close attention to each model’s spec sheet and search for gun compatibility. Many manufacturers will clearly list which firearms the sight pusher will work for and some may also mention specific firearm models it shouldn’t be used on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Install Pistol Sights?
Having a sight installed by a professional will cost around $20 and will take approximately an hour. To adjust a sight, the pros use a laser bore sighting system. You may find that you still need to tweak the rear sight’s windage. In most cases, the process itself is rather simple, especially if you decide to take on the job yourself using a universal sight pusher.
Do Glock Sights Fit all Glocks?
Most types of upgraded sights for Glocks are sized to fit onto the rear dovetail and front sight post. So, most models will usually fit the rear and front cutouts.
Are Pistol Sight Pushers Universal?
Yes. Most universal sight pushers are designed to work with any type of firearm or sight. However, that’s not always the case, so you will come across these universal models that are not compatible with every type of sight or firearm.
What’s the Best Color for Gun Sights?
Green is often the color of choice. Most human eyes will pick up on green faster than any other color. Because of this, green is usually the color used for night sights.
Are Night Sights Necessary?
This is debatable. Some gun enthusiasts feel that a night sight isn’t as important as a good light source. This is because possible danger must be identified and illuminated. However, there will be times when white light will make you more vulnerable and visible in dangerous situations. In cases such as these, a night sight will be crucial.
What Distance Should You Sight a Pistol?
Twenty-five yards. Most handguns, such as nine-millimeter and other types of defensive grade calibers, will do well when they’re sighted at approximately twenty-five yards. You may want to sight the firearm at a shorter distance. A hunting revolver in a heavy caliber should be sighted at least fifty to one hundred yards.
Final Thoughts
The best universal sight pusher will be an invaluable tool to have in your gun cleaning kit. If you’re serious about your firearms, it’s definitely one tool you’ll want to keep on hand. The tool allows you to attach compatible scopes to your firearm of choice, and also gives you plenty of options to customize your firearm. This guide, and the products I’ve tested out, will help you choose a model that’s compatible with your firearm collection, so you can handle sight installation and adjustments yourself.
