How are dovetails cut into 1911 slide for sights?

[Questor]

Can you tell me how the dovetails are cut into a 1911 slide to install a BoMar target sight? What kind of tools are used to do it? Can you point me to an article on how it's done?

Thanks.

[John R.]

They use a dovetail cutter in a milling machine.

[gunnut69]

There's an article in the 'American Gunsmith' magazine with all the details but I believe Brownells can supply instructions.. It is a fairly involved process and the model of slide does make a difference as does the exact variety of BoMar you are installing. If not it'd be worth while joining American Gunsmith and ordering the backk issue.

[kyote]

I guess there are several ways to mount the bomars on the rear of the slide of 1911.the one you all are taliking about is one way.the other is milling the dove tail off the bottom of the site trueing and squaring it.then milling out the rear area of the slide and welding the base of the site on.if done correct.it is in mine opinon the best way to mount them.never comes loose.looks really trick and mounts a lot lower to the slide for a better site picture and hold.

[gunnut69]

I really suppose I should have been more succinct. There are several varieties of B0mar rear sights. There are some that use the normal rear sight notch and others that require fairly extensive milling of the slide. There is even a version made to be welded onto the slide.. The milled in sight is quite nice but difficult to install, the welded in place easier to installl... Easiest is the high mount versions..