Author Topic: Iron sight issue (Read 315 times)

Moe · « **on:** March 10, 2004, 01:36:55 PM »

Guys, trying to remove iron sight from a factory barrel. One of the screw slots is stripped out and can't remove the screw...is this now an issue for a gunsmith/machine shop? Any suggestions?
Thanks

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2004, 01:51:46 PM »

I had it happen to me once. I have experience with machine shop work, so I drilled the screw head off and removed sight and then took pliers and removed the screw stud from the barrel. The key is to have a drill bit a little bigger than the screw but not the head. Center punch the screw head then drill into the head and when you reach the stud portion of the screw, the head will pop off and you will be able to remove the sight and get to the stud portion of the screw. Also you can try a left hand drill bit, if it bites right it will remove the screw. If you do not feel confident in your drilling skills, take it to you gunsmith. Hope this helps. :grin:

Duffy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2004, 05:11:22 AM »

Is there ANY screw slot left? What I have done is either make or buy a screwdriver bit that fit's what little is left very tight or the best as possable. Clean out the slot and put a little dab of valve grinding compound on the bit. If you have access to a drill press mount the bit in the chuck and secure the bbl to the table. Lower the bit into the screw (press NOT running) and use the downward pressure to hold it into the screw while turning the chuck by hand. If you don't have a press just use a regular driver handle and go carefully. Make sure everything is square! The valve compound helps the bit bite into the screw and you may heat the bbl a bit with a hair dryer too. Just be careful not to get the compound on the bluing and if you do Wash it off don't rub, just use a very little dab. This has bailed me out a few times but if it's really gone then do as Redhawk suggested.

Moe · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2004, 10:56:26 AM »

There was some screw left but the slot was not very deep. Plus the sides of the sight limited my access to the head. Decided to go to a machine shop I have used for work a few times and they had it out in a few minutes. Mostly due to a better, firmer support than a had. The drill press was a good idea, I'll remember that in the future.

Thanks