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Having a problem removing the small retaining pin that holds the rear sight pin in place on a No. 4 Mk 2 (F) 7/53.
The small pin has very little movement down and none up. What is the trick for getting the retaining pin out? Is the pin tapered?
Any info on diameter of the pin would be helpful. What pin punch size is best?
Thx, Steve
I made small punch by grinding down the tip of a broken small diameter punch to a tapered point, then slightly flattening the tip. The pin comes out from the bottom. If I recall correctly, it is a tapered pin, so once you get it moving it comes out pretty easy. Been awhile. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
Before, I had used brass as well as a nylon drift (smallest diameter you can). Because these are somewhat malleable, when struck they conform to the groove the pin sits in, eventually enough to grab it. Takes patience. Don't bubba it. A finish nail can get it moving too. Carefully keep it in the groove so you don't visibly mar anything, or use a brass nail.
Also, in any case be sure to put a few drops of kroil on it first, especially if its the first time it's come out in decades.
Sight axis pin fixing pin should be approx 16 gauge (~1.2mm) and have regularly seen pins peened, twisted and distorted in this part of the world, normally on 'sporterized' models..... I normally try to drift as far as possible without contacting the axis pin using an 1/8" punch and then work the rest of the way out with pliers, before discarding and replacing entirely!
May I ask "Why ?"
I have never had to remove that pin in many years of collecting and shooting Lee Enfields, and, I don't think I have ever met anyone that ever has.
Is there just an urge to see how many pieces you can break the rifle down into, or, is there a problem with the sight ?