Front Sight Blade Loose in Dovetail

[Sheppsan]

My 1949 No4 Mk2 was shooting low so ordered and swapped out .045 blade for a .015. Rifle is now zeroed as it should be; however, the new blade (RFI manufacture) is loose in the dovetail before the screw is tightened. Original sight blade was a nice tight fit, so I am just a little concerned about windage if the screw backs off. What would be a correct fix for this. Contacted my supplier--Springfield Sporters--and all his blades of this height are RFI. Appreciate any suggestions.

Sheppsan

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[CINDERS]

There are a couple of types for the 4's a solid base and a split base.
You can get one of these tools off flea bay for a modest cost does the F P locking screw the F P removal and the sight screw or slot to size an appropriate sized allen key like I did originally.

[Peter Laidler]

The foresight blade should be a sliding fit in the slot...... that's the reason why the screw is used - to tighten it up! The reverse slot screw used to hold the foresight blade won't come loose if you tighten it like it should be tightened.

[Sheppsan]

Appreciate the input. Guess I will try putting a good torque on the screw and see how she does

Thanks, Sheppsan

[Peter Laidler]

Make sure that you use the correct slotted screwdriver and NOT the snipe nosed pliers on your leatherman! Otherwise you're bound to butcher the reverse screwdriver head

Incidentally, with the split screwed block, the actual blade should have a solid base for obvious reasons

[Sheppsan]

Thanks for the additional input. I do have a driver that will work, and the base is solid, just loose.

Thanks, Sheppsan

[Brian Dick]

If it's RFI manufacture, it's probably an SMLE front sight blade. Did you specify a No.4 front sight blade? They will interchange…… sometimes. I've got lots of nos No.4 front sight blades if in need.

[Sheppsan]

I did specify A no4 but it could be wrong. Have no real experience telling one from the other. Could always use another if you have correct one available.

Thanks, Sheppsan

[Brian Dick]

bdlltd@bellsouth.net - 803-637-5784