Front sight removal

[Devil Dog]

I need to install the bands to restore '03a3 sporter. I have tried to drive the pin on the blade and the pin on the base. I have good punches. Niether pin will move. The old bands may have been cut off. Any hints? Which pin should be easier....blade or base?
Thanks.
DD

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

if you cant remove the pins..
wrap ductape ahead and behind the sight base, then with a drimel tool and a cutting wheel, cut a notch on the bottom side of the base, try not to go all the way through,
remove the tape ahead of the base{muzzle end} and smak it a couple times with a dead blow, or brass hammer,.
it will come off, then you can remove the bands, replacement sight bases are common and cheap for the A3, i have more then a few myself.

[Badger]

I'm not sure if this is helpful or not, but with thanks to Bob S, here's an excellent article from 2007 a in the Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders (click here)

Springfield 03A3 Rear Sight Removal and Replacement (click here)

Regards,
Badger

[Chuckindenver]

nice peice, however, its for the rear sight and not the front..

[John Beard]

I need to install the bands to restore '03a3 sporter. I have tried to drive the pin on the blade and the pin on the base. I have good punches. Niether pin will move. The old bands may have been cut off. Any hints? Which pin should be easier....blade or base?
Thanks.
DD

I've had better luck removing the blade pin. But, it takes a very small drift punch to fit it.

J.B.

[Chuckindenver]

to add to Johns statement, you can use a small nail for a replacement pin when its replaced, as the old one will likely be buggered, after removal.
easy to find. and easy to trim.

[Emri]

I've had better luck removing the blade pin. But, it takes a very small drift punch to fit it.

J.B.

Try a "starter" punch first. They are heavier and only used to "start" the pin moving. Usually, once you get the pin to start moving, it becomes easier to move with the "drift" punch. If the pin is real tight and you start with a drift punch, there is a good chance of bending or breaking the punch.
I grind my own from broken punches since the end is so small. I even made one to fit the small pin in the rear sight slide.

FWIW,

Emri