Author Topic: Sights have got to go! Help (Read 596 times)

carolcann · « **on:** October 01, 2003, 09:46:03 AM »

First dumb question: I want to switch the factory sights on my contender barrels to a scope mount. Can it easily be done?

I don't see how the barrel can be drilled & tapped without a machine operation - that's IF i can get the standard sights off the barrel.

These are not the target-style sights, BTW. Standard box-type sight base now.

How can I do this best, and what scope base will fit the existing holes?

help :oops:

drichi · « **Reply #1 on:** October 01, 2003, 11:17:11 AM »

All factoy t/c barrels have 4 holes under the rear sight for scope mounting. you have to remove the rear sight to see them. there is a large number of manufacturers that make mounts and rings to fit. the weaver mount and burris signiture rings are among the best in my own opinion.

quicksdraw45 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 01, 2003, 01:37:46 PM »

This is from memory so if it is wrong I am sure there is someone around to correct me.
Use a 3/32 punch and a small hammer to gently drift out the hinge pin on the rear sight(also known as a split pin,roll pin or tension pin) , This will expose the 2 screws that hold the sight on .
I then use the weaver mount 92A ? and burris zee signiture rings.

flyfisher · « **Reply #3 on:** October 01, 2003, 03:30:07 PM »

Watch those two screws that hold the rear sight on...I recently had a barrel that gave a bit of a problem. Lok-tite was used on the two screws straight from the factory. Could have ruined the screw heads trying to take them off. Took it to my local gun dealer buddy and had him remove them by placing the barrel in a vise and turning the screw driver with a drill press.

I prefer the Leupold dual dove tail base and rings. They are very strong and look beautiful on my barrels.

coltfan · « **Reply #4 on:** October 01, 2003, 03:52:40 PM »

While I don't remember the sequence for removing the rear sight, I do remember that there are four tapped hole for mounting a scope base under the sight. I second quicksdraw's recommendation for the Weaver Model 92A base and the Burris signature zee rings with the pos-align inserts. Great for do-it-yourself scope mounting.

Bullseye · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2003, 05:49:38 PM »

Quickdraw is correct if it is the old style sights. If it is the new style sights, all you have to do is take the elevation adjustment screw out and lift the sight blade up (don't loose the spring). You will then see the screws that hold the sight to the barrel.

I also like the Leupold Dual Dovetail mounts. I seem to be the only one who has had lots of problems with Weaver style rings coming loose on the base. I also prefer the Torx head screws on the Leopold bases.

carolcann · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2003, 02:10:13 PM »

Must be the old sight style. I need to drift the pin out first.
thx. Its a new 357 Maximum 14" which I'm hoping will make a good deer gun out to 60 yards or so.

From a stand with a rest and big red-dot sight, unless I go get a new glass scope?

MoustacheMike · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2003, 05:04:56 PM »

New sights or old, remove the elevation screw and spring first. This relieves the spring pressure on the sight leaf.

With the old sights the forward screw is partially blocked by the leaf pivot point. On the newer sights both screws are easily accessable.

MM

Jagdzeit · « **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2003, 02:26:00 AM »

Just to add a little tip to what everyone else has already posted.

Like Flyfisher, if you come across a screw that has been loc-tited and are having a hard time removing it. Before you make a mess of it, HEAT will break down the loc-tite. Only about 200 degrees is needed to break it down. Either a heat gun or a pot of boiling water for a few minutes will do the job.
Hope this tip saves some of you some time, aggravation and money.

Stay Safe,
Franz