11 replies to this topic

[57Fordman]

Dear Group: I am new to the group and haven't researched the archives for this topic yet. Sorry if it is a repeat--I will look for it.
Could someone describe the procedure for removing and re-attaching the front sight?

Thanks, 57Fordman

[PK.]

If you want to re-use the sight, it should be removed with a special block and a puller. Similar to pulling a gear off a shaft. You need a special plug to protect the muzzle also. If it’s a one time operation, it would probably be cheaper to send to someone already equipped.

[Bob]

If it has a pin, knock it out with a rock and a punch. Then clamp the front sight in a vice and turn the barrel with a 14" pipe wrench while pulling the barrel out of the sight. Touch up the marks with black paint.

OR

...sent it to PK, he won't leave marks on the barrel

[Deputy 89C6]

If things don't work out exactly as you wish....I have a spare M1A1 ring sight that I'd sell for ten bucks + shipping.

Steve

[LSU Tiger]

I've always found an oxygen / actylene torch works well, but makes a helluva mess...

[hawksnest]

Picked up an unused (no hole drilled for the sight pin) Thompson front sight. Inside of sight is threaded. Will easily screw on a WWII G.I. smooth barrel, which is threaded for a compensator. No manufacturer's code. What do I have? How would a thompsonsmith know if the sight he is about to remove is threaded sight or pressed on sight?

[Bob]

Boy Phil, Ya got that right! Giddy to say the least.
10 more days till the Albany shoot....two days of nothing but machineguns



Too bad Oh-Hi-Ah is soo far to drive from....for a weekend.

[PK.]

Hawksnest,

I had seen, at one time, the sight you describe advertised. I believe it to be an after market part and although I have looked, I have not been able to find one. I don’t know who made them or when and also don’t think they are common at all. I finally gave up and made one.

An experienced eye will easily determine if the sight is threaded or pressed.

[hawksnest]

PK: Thanks for the info.

[Waffen Und Bier]

There is not a single gunsmithing problem that can't be solved with the appropriate application of a Dremel tool, JB Weld, and a black permanent marker (or so I've heard).

[Waffen Und Bier]

Naw, ya just cut the section of the receiver away that the barrel attaches to with a cut off wheel, put new barrel on, fill voids with JB Weld, grind excess with grinding wheel, color JB Weld with permanent marker. Good as new!

[Phil Askew]

I have a few NOS undrilled sights with new pins, e-mail me at philfordparts@yahoo.com