Author Topic: Sight screw removal? (Read 659 times)

craig_c · « **on:** January 10, 2011, 03:43:14 AM »

I need to remove the front sight ramp screw on the end of my 44 mag barrel. The slot in the screw has somehow been filed off leaving no way to remove it. I want to install open sights back on this barrel just wondering the best way to attempt removal.
Thanks Craig

PowPow · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2011, 04:00:33 AM »

Be patient for the better solutions that might come along, but here is how I have done this on other things:

drill into the screw head with a bit slightly smaller than the size of the screw head, but larger than the threaded shaft.
(but first, tap the screw head with a pointed punch in the center of the screw to act as a guide to keep the drill from sliding).
drill only deep enough to make the screw head separate from the threaded shaft.
the front sight will lift off and there will be enough threaded shaft sticking up to grab with pliers and unscrew.

Old Grizz · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2011, 04:07:00 AM »

That method works, done it a number of times. Just be real carefull when drilling.

Goodluck

craig_c · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2011, 04:33:19 AM »

I guess I should have been more specific, The sight was already removed when I aquired the barrel. It had a screw installed in the hole but no screw slot. I have a set of small files I thought about filing a slot back into the screw head but looks like screw is slightly countersunk.
Craig

PowPow · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2011, 04:45:52 AM »

Sounds like one of those studs they put in when there is no sight.

See if anyone on your "circle of borrowing" has an "easy out" kit in the size you need. Basically you drill a small hole in the center of the stud. Then a sort of reverse drill bit grabs the inside of the small hole and allows you to unscrew it.

Another option is to try and "scratch" a slot into the stud with a utility knife blade and unscrew it. you could try this, then look for the easy out.

craig_c · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:08:47 AM »

Thanks you ,I will give that a try, I think it must have had sights at one time as the rear sight holes have sloted screws in them.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:22:36 AM »

That's gonna be tough specially if it's the smaller 3-48 screw, good luck.

Tim

yukondog · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:30:30 AM »

If you can't fine a easy out they have them at auto stores, and you might heat the end of the barrel with hair dryer and spray with penetrating oil after you drill the hole and let it set awile.

PowPow · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:45:31 AM »

In lieu of a very small easy out, drill a very small shallow hole that the square headed tip of a common nail or small flat blade screw driver might grab.
The hair dryer is a good idea; it would be step 1.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2011, 05:49:30 AM »

It will may require more heat than a hair dryer will provide if the screw was installed with thread locker, specially if they used a headed screw then cut it off.

Tim

craig_c · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:11:28 AM »

I tried a few recommendiations, seems to be a hardened screw, I know my limitations. Looks like my best option is a gunsmith need another hole drilled & tapped anyway. Have a set of sights from a Rem 700 that look like they will work nice on the 44 Mag barrel.
Thanks to all, Craig

reclusej · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:18:01 AM »

I think there is a left twist drill bit you can buy. Drill and turn
at the same time. Maybe something to look into.Good luck.
reclusej

bigbird09 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2011, 07:29:32 AM »

If its even with the barrel then this trick may not work, but you could always take a dremel and try to grind a new slot into the screw and try to get it out that way. Also before the easy out I would try a left hand drill bit, with any luck it will catch as you are drilling and pull whats left out. If that fails then you already have a hole started for an easy out.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2011, 08:20:32 AM »

sounds like a head start on a shorty

gcrank1 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2011, 01:44:28 PM »

Those little screws are iffy for someone who hasnt been there and developed some skills and tools. That said, how did we 'get there'?......well, most of us who are 'there' have messed up some things atryin'. Not that the suggestions are arong, they are not, but this is thin ice that I dont like even though Im 'there'. Tread lightly......

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 11, 2011, 01:28:53 AM »

Sounds like a nice time to make a "shorty " Bob the end to you favorite length , crown the end drill a new sight screw hole and enjoy. The 44 will not notice the difference in length and will probably shoot better with a new crown. Ask Pete what his opinion on Handi shorties are

Macphoto · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2011, 06:05:11 AM »

Had a similar problem with a barrel that had been refinished, screw slots polished away. I drilled a small hole that a jewelers screwdriver would jam into, but only after I touched the screw head with a soldering iron to loosen whatever threadlocker that might be there. Turned right out.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2011, 06:22:54 AM »

I should mention here that if you are going to try any of these good suggestions that you do the drilling in, at least, a drill press with a solidly mounted vise on the table. To try this with a hand drill and bench vise is mostly folly (unless one is very skilled or very lucky; or both).
There really isnt any reason not to use the existing hole or even the next oversize for your sight mounting, that is, if you dont want to shorten the barrel anyway.

craig_c · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2011, 06:35:32 AM »

That is my problem, lack of proper tools, soo I will leave it to the pros. I do plan to keep the barrel as is @ 22 inches also plan on see thru mounts. Just have too see how it all works out.
Craig

gcrank1 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2011, 06:53:07 AM »

FWIW, I really hate see-through mounts.
They get your head up way too high, and your cheek off the comb of the stock, when scopin'.
Also, with the scope center (crosshairs) that high above bore line you are messed up for closeup shots.
But do what you want, its your gun.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2011, 10:37:40 AM »

Quote from: craig_c on January 11, 2011, 06:35:32 AM

That is my problem, lack of proper tools, soo I will leave it to the pros. I do plan to keep the barrel as is @ 22 inches also plan on see thru mounts. Just have too see how it all works out.
Craig

i hate see throughs

i can find the target much faster with a 10x scope..if it fits the stock properly
than i can with ILL-FITTING sights hidden under a scope
or a low powered ill fitting scope

plan on see thru mounts......have the worst of both worlds