Removing 1879 trapdoor rear sight leaf spring

[jmoore]

How do you remove the slotless screws retaining the rear sight? Have a broken sight leaf spring that needs replacing. Don't want to cut a slot if possible.

Thanks!

[TerryS]

The tool is called a "collet". Its a ring thats split in several places, fits over the screw head, is tightened by a nut that screws down and tightens the clamp. I you have a Dremel tool, you can look at the bit holder. It would have to be the exact size.

[jmoore]

That thought quickly sprang to mind, however it looks like a tight fit between the sight base ears. Do you reckon that's the original method of installation?

Will mod some tooling to suit, shortly. Probably get a cheap "pin vise" and bore the jaws to size.