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After a detailed condition inspection my rifle has only one concern so far.
One of the front sight protectors has been bent inward a bit. It is noticeable but does not affect the function of the rifle in any way.
Is it acceptable to gently tap it back into position with a hammer and punch or perhaps bend it with a clamp assist?
I have seen this on two models IIRC.
It was a problem, only when the rifle was used for hunting, coyote etc. and a quick sight picture was needed.
Complaints were that the bent sight guard blade would be mistaken for the front sight blade. Happened several times.
I would not try to fix it myself by hammering or otherwise forcing the guard.
Only as a last resort, if I was out in the desert with no other fix available.
On one particular all matching exc. cond. #5MK1 I had a very reliable gunsmith heat and correct the guard.
I would not let just any gunsmith do this.
That is was my solution to the problem. I don't know if it was correct or if there is a better way. But it worked for us.
We used to get these bent/damaged F/S protectors by the bucket load, usually caused by sliding around on the floor of Bedford QL and RL trucks with steel ribbing front to rear or cack-handed clown just dropping them! Whatever you do, DO NOT try to straighten them out with a hammer and drift without heating to deep cherry red because they're prone to just snap off where the ring meets the bed. Get it deep cherry red and it'll bend back to shape easily with a small hammer and a brass drift.
We used to replace the actual broken-off ring part using square section bar of the same x-sectional area. Another was to use a square section and similar diameter spring steel lock washer. It's a long time ago but I seem to remember that they were 5/8" i/d square section lock washers from the Ferret wheel station. But you get my drift!
Thanks again Captain. This is a very minor bend and I'm glad I asked because in no way would I bother to apply heat to fix this and my original ideas would most likely result in damage. I'd sure feel some clever standing at my vice with a hammer in one hand and a broken front sight on the floor!