1903A3 Rear Sight Removal / Replacement

:sos:

I bought a straight stock Remington 1903A3, SN 3749XXX, and the barrel is marked RA 6-43. When I got it home, stripped it down and found that all the parts are stamped "R".

My issue is that the rear sight isn't in the best of condition. I located and purchased a replacement rear sight, but as I began preparing to remove the old sight, I came across three problems.

#1. The sight base locking screw as been staked with what appears to have been a chisel,
#2. The windage knob set screw was apparently staked with the same chisel, and
#3. Upon closer examination with a bright light, and a magnifying glass, I was able to determine that the base was staked again; by some unknown BFT.

Short of a blow torch, any suggestions on how to get the rear sight off? Though I will admit that I seriously considering a Dremel tool

The original Cartouche on the stock are present but about worn away. They are the Crossed Cannons Ordinance, the initials F J A,

The rifle has been through at least one refurb as there is a square Cartouche stamped "RIA EB" on the left side of the buttstock.

Thanks ahead of time.

a soft jawed vise, and a hammer with push rod, drive it left to right off, and right to left on..chances are you will destroy the old sight, you can adjust it all the way to the left to help keep it straight...

There is a sticky related to your question in this forum.

Thanks Sarge,

From what I saw, mine looks like the last picture in that post.

If it is just cosmetics I would leave it alone. As CID indicated, chances are you will ruin the sight taking it off.

I concur with Johnny Peppers. If the rear sight base (i.e., wings) is not damaged, then the sight should simply be repaired and not removed. The sight can be dismantled by removing the windage knob. The set screw in the windage knob need only be loosened a couple of turns. If it is staked too deeply, then use a file or cutter to remove the staking.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

I'd like to thank all for their comments and advice.