
Front Sight On An M1a1
Started by
57Fordman
, May 03 2004 01:04 AM
11 replies to this topic
#1
Posted 03 May 2004 - 01:04 AM
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
Could someone describe the procedure for removing and re-attaching the front sight?
Thanks, 57Fordman
#2
Posted 03 May 2004 - 07:53 AM
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.
#3
Posted 03 May 2004 - 09:24 AM
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
OR
...sent it to PK, he won't leave marks on the barrel
#4
Posted 03 May 2004 - 04:59 PM
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
Steve
#5
Posted 03 May 2004 - 09:00 PM
I've always found an oxygen / actylene torch works well, but makes a helluva mess...



#6
Posted 04 May 2004 - 11:39 AM
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?
#7
Posted 04 May 2004 - 12:29 PM
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.
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.
#8
Posted 04 May 2004 - 02:06 PM
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.
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.
#9
Posted 04 May 2004 - 05:53 PM
PK: Thanks for the info.
#10
Posted 04 May 2004 - 07:07 PM
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).

#11
Posted 04 May 2004 - 08:26 PM
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!

#12
Posted 05 May 2004 - 10:47 PM
I have a few NOS undrilled sights with new pins, e-mail me at philfordparts@yahoo.com