Printable View
I have a 1898 rifle that was cut down to carbine length and is missing a hand guard. i ordered a new replacement hand guard from an outfit in Georgia and it appears to fit. I need to remove the knurled knob on the right side of the sight (that adjusts elevation) to fit the hand guard over the sight. I have unscrewed it as far as it goes but it does not come out. Does anyone know if this is normal or if I can remove it by just unscrewing it? Does anyone have any ideas?
Given enough Liquid Wrench and time....the screw comes out!
Actually, it shouldn't. There's a pin that keeps it from getting lost. You've not done something right. You put the handguard on, then you put the sight on, simple as that. I should add that you put the handguard on by taking the rifle out of the stock and sliding it up the barrel, not by forcing it down over top of the barrel. If it survives that without cracking, you've been lucky, don't do it again.
Thanks for the advice. I haven't put the handguard on yet as I'm still staining it to the right color. I'll follow your advice for taking the stock off prior to putting the hand guard on.
Glad to hear that. I have seen a fellow put an original on the way you were planning to, he got away with it, but was risking quite a bit with originals sometimes bringing $150. If you'd like to get your sight knob back the way it should be, a 1903 binding knob will work, and only the most seasoned collector would know. Remove the little screw from the slide, then there's a pin that you tap out from the rear on the right side of the slide. This pin is what retains the knob, you might have messed up the threads on the end of your knob, or broke this pin. Here's a link to a good priced 03 knob, free shipping too: US Military Springfield 1903 Rear Sight Binding Knob | eBay