Make sure your Gunsmith has the proper tools to install sights on your specific gun
By James Nicholas

 A customer sent us what was his brand new Smith & wesson M&P Shield. He told us that his local gunsmith attempted to install a set of of XS Big Dot Night sights on his pistol. The customer purchased the sights at retail plus the cost of the installation. As you can see from the pictures this is what the customer received for his 180.00 investment. The Gunsmith damaged both sides of the rear sight and dovetail. The only bit of good news was that even though the front sight was deformed the front dovetail was intact. Remember that when you are shopping for a gunsmith always ask if they have worked on your particular firearm, and if they have the proper tools. Make sure they stand behind their work. Ask if they will warranty the work and pay to fix it if they mess up. Fortunately the gunsmith did pay for new sights, but not repairing the slide. By the time we got the slide we had to abrasive blast it and feather in the damage caused by a heavy hammer and punch. Installing night sights requires finesse and a soft touch. After blending and refinishing the slide looked just like new and the customer got the work he deserved.