A Rabbit Hole For Those Who Choose It

As we’ve discussed many previous times in this blog, it seems that there is no end to the number of rabbit holes one can fall into when collecting Glocks and Glock memorabilia. One such field of collecting involves early Glock-made rear sight tools.

This is an area where I am woefully under-educated. I would assume that there is some kind of tool that was made for sight installation at the factory, but I have not seen what tool they used. Even after initial production was complete, there had to be tools readily available to change between fixed and rear sights as we know the company swapped at least some models due to importation requirements during the early days.

At some point, a standardized model of rear sight pusher was produced (and if you search for images online, you’ll notice the crude finish comparatively). With the release of the large frame models 20/21 in 1991, it became necessary to enlarge the sight tool and, I believe, that is when the pictured version was introduced. The large frame tool looks just like it, but is slightly sized up to accommodate the larger slides.

I came across this one as it was included with a pistol I was purchasing. While I was aware that there were some early Glock-made sight tools out there, I had never taken the time to research or track any of them down (for practical use, I have an MGW made sight tool for Glock models that works marvelously and is built like a tank).

There are at least three early variations in these rear sight tools, not counting the difference in small/large frame versions. But the rear sight tools are only one aspect that can be explored/collected. There are also many versions of front sight tools (one interesting one pictured below), take down tools, parts trays, and full armorer’s kits and even armorer’s manuals can bring large dollars in today’s market.

Most of these items have long been discontinued but are floating around in dealer’s inventory or random Glock boxes all over the place. Many can be found on eBay, but that is likely the most expensive method of acquiring. Gun shows and flea markets are likely flush with early hidden gems.

Over the past year, I’ve spent considerable effort in trying to tabulate, categorize, and record various pistol variations and that task alone is incredibly daunting. When it comes to other memorabilia and collectibles, it is mind-boggling what has been produced and can be collected–you’d never even have to purchase a pistol!

So here’s my one other contribution to sight tools: a specialized tool for installing staked front sights that came in some early Glocks. The staked sights required a special crimper for installation that distorts the polymer in such a way as to hold the sight in place. These particular tools are, to my understanding, the later evolution of this tool as earlier examples or more like a set of pliers. These also came with instructions and packaged in a small version of a Glock hard plastic case. The packaging has greatly contributed to the potential collectability of this particular example.