BC - drifting front site

[Windrider]

After 20 years or so of wanting a 45/70 I caved and got a BC.  Took it to the range and plinked a bit on the 25 yard range. It shoots very nice  groups.

Problem is...
It shoots well to the left.  Far enough that you can't adjust the rear sight and bring it in line.  I verified by shooting two different manufactures and different bullet weights.  The left/right impact did not change, but there was a marked different between in the vertical impact between the 405gr black hills and the PMC 350gr   (That's pretty much the two ends of the power spectrum.)

The front dovetail is clearly off center and needs to be moved to center it.  I've 'tapped' the front dovetail with a punch, but it has resisted movement so far.  (I have resisted heating it thus far.)

Any pointers?

It's difficult for me to just start banging away on something that I've waited so long to get.

[quickdtoo]

Welcome to GBO!! This previous thread should help.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,121608.msg1098412841.html#msg1098412841

[Windrider]

Thanks for the pointers. 

After two blunted brass punches and applying a little heat plus PB blaster (penetrating oil) I've tried all of them.  I haven't even moved the sight yet.

I'll be calling them Monday morning to see about warranty work unless someone has a really good idea.

I guess this one won't be taking any deer this year.
 

[trotterlg]

There isn't a dovetailed sight in the free world that can't be drifted with a brass punch if the barrel is properly supported.  The barrel needs to be backed up very well with nice heavy hard wood and use a nice fat brass punch.  I put a piece of Oak on a concrete floor, it will move.  Larry

[Windrider]

All right, the front sight is only $31 to replace if I break it.

It's time to get out the persuaders (3 & 4lb hammers) and a delrin punch.

[trotterlg]

Let us know what it took to move it.  Larry

[sureshot2040]

hey pard
i know your pain
i have had a couple run in's with the bc front sight
my gunsmith told me that the front dovetail has a ever so slight taper to it
the sight is meant to be installed from the right side of the barrel and the taper gets tighter as it moves towards the left side
NOTE this is when you're looking down the barrel like you normally would sighting the gun
now if the boys at nef/h&r cut that dovetail on the minimum side of tolerances and the base of the front sight is on the high side of tolerance it is gonna be a pain moving that front sight because as you try to drive it to the left you are tightening the sight base more into the taper of the dovetail
were i you i would make dang sure that is the height of front sight you want to use (they offer three of em) before you beat it into place
this rambling is just my two on it and probably means nothing to anyone
sureshot

[Windrider]

I figured out earlier today it's a 595, so I'll be taking it out and ordering a 495.  I think I'll be adjusting the fit of the new one to makes sure it's not such a pain.

I was playing with the Jeep til it got hot outside, so I'll probably work on this tomorrow.

[quickdtoo]

Lyman makes the 17A sight in .404", .494" and .584", the .404" is the most popular, the .494" is what should be in a 45-70 BC from the factory, but they have a bad habit of putting the .584" in em instead.

Tim

Series 17A Target Front Sights

17 A Target Sights are machined from a solid piece of steel and are designed to be mounted in 3/8"dovetail slots. They are supplied with eight interchangeable inserts (see photo and description) that are locked in place with a threaded cap.

Sight Heights*

17 AHB .404"   17AMI .494"   17AUG .584"

*from bottom of dovetail to center of aperture.

(1 oz.) Series 17A Target Front Sight, with Insert Set.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lymanproducts/sights.htm

[Windrider]

Let me put it this way 'cause my memory isn't what it used to be.

I got the tall one.

I'm gettin' the middle of the road one.

 

[handirifle]

Since I didn't have a brass drift punch I used what I did have, a steel one.  When I laid the barrel down on w board, on the concrete floor, I placed the punch on the left side (seen from the rear of the rifle) and gave it a good whack.  It took two thumps of moderate pressure and it popped right loose.

Don't be afraid to use a steel drift punch.  Brass may well do it, but mine was very tight AND glued in with something.

[Windrider]

Since I didn't have a brass drift punch I used what I did have, a steel one.  When I laid the barrel down on w board, on the concrete floor, I placed the punch on the left side (seen from the rear of the rifle) and gave it a good whack.  It took two thumps of moderate pressure and it popped right loose.

Don't be afraid to use a steel drift punch.  Brass may well do it, but mine was very tight AND glued in with something.

If that's all it took, I would have never started this post.

I've used delrin, brass & steel, with heat too.  I've dented the board that the barrel is resting on more than one time.  I've hit the brass punch with a 4lb hammer hard enough that I couldn't keep hold of the punch and it squirted out of my grasp.  (My fingers still hurt from that one.)

I'm getting really frustrated.

This is ridiculous.  I can disassemble an A5 into it's component parts and put it back together easily, but I'm being defeated by a dovetail sight.  I've never been this frustrated by any firearm. 

[quickdtoo]

Perhaps the best choice would be to send it in to H&R for the replacement sight, it would be worth checking, their toll free number is (866)776-9292.

Tim

[handirifle]

Well it for sure isn't from lack of trying.  I agree with Quick,  Send it back.

[Windrider]

After much consideration and discussion with one of my buds who really likes rifles I think I'll just take it to a competent gunsmith and have him do the work.

Middle sized 17A in front and a Williams target sight in back.  Then, I'll start over with a pleasant buying experience.

I want to thank everyone for their help.  I think I'll go work on my Jeep for a while to reestablish my mechanical self confidence. 

Man, that was frustrating.  Yet, still tempted to go another round!