1903 rear sight collar removal

[ed skeels]

Before I attempt to remove the collar, can any one give me some tips on the removal of it?
I'm soaking it with kroil, but the removal of the "retaining pin" in the front, with out turning the collar into scrap, is my question.

Thanks

Ed

Information

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[browningautorifle]

If you read through this from CMP, Chuckindenver has instructed how... removing 1903 rear sight collar [Archive] - CMP Forums

[butlersrangers]

"Don't" - Unless you have to.

FWIW - I believe it was meant to stay on for the life of the barrel.

BTW - There is a small concealed 'round index pin' (parallel to the bore). It lies in a groove on the barrel exterior, just in front of the receiver. It serves as a 'key' to index and prevent the sight-collar from turning. It may be on the right or on the left (1 o'clock or 11 o'clock) position. It does not prevent forward movement of the collar, but, can jam things if messed with.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I sure wish this was posted before I had mine done the CID CMP post is very informative.
Had mine replaced and while not butchered a close look shows a bit of distortion on the edges where it was coaxed into place. The use of an old site base is the answer along with the Kroil .

[ed skeels]

Thank you all for the response.
Chuckindenver is with out a doubt the high master of wood gun knowledge.
Thanks BAR.
I am installing a new barrel (Criterion) so I don't have any choice on saving it.

Thanks
Ed

[Chuckindenver]

do yourself a favor. wire wheel brush the Parkerizing under were the rear sight base will go, or you will never get it on.. they usually fit tight enough that the pins dont need to be used, I stick on in on each side and dress them down so they look nice, cover with cold blue when finished

[Col. Colt]

Regardless of where he lists it - that tooling is THE Answer to remove/replace the 1902 rear sight base without problems or damage. I bought the exact same tooling to do my "USMC" Unertl build - well worth the money, makes a difficult task easy - and very easy to resell. If I didn't have the tooling, I would probably send it to Chuck in Denver to prevent damaging scarce and expensive parts - not to mention the frustration! CC

[Badger]

If any substantial amount of our 30,000+ members started posting re-direct links or ads in the research forums, the place would be a mess.

That's why the WTS/WTB Forums and Commerical Auction and Sales Forums exist.

Thanks to everyone for understanding the need to maintain some order and discipline on our site.

Regards,
Doug

[ed skeels]

Well, taking CID (chuck in Denver) process of using an old sight base as a means to remove the collar, and only having a new one, I made one out of flat stock and 1/2 dowel welded to the flat stock.

Getting ahead of myself here. Who ever installed the cross pin finished them off with a Dremel sized cut off wheel. It was the needle in the haystack deal trying to find the pin! Sorta looks like a woodpecker on crack went after it. CID would beat me with a ball bat if he saw it. I'll tig and file it back so it will survive.

But I did prevail and got it off. I really doubt if any fell off, damn they are on tight.

Thanks to all for their input, much appreciated.

Ed

[sixgunjack]

Does anyone know how i can contact chuck in denver, i want to purchase one of those collar installation tools.