No.1 Mk3 rear sight leaf replacement

[newcastle]

Any tips on how to put the leaf back on. The spring leaf underneath it is just at the point where it forces the rear sight to slide either forward or backwards just enough so the pin won;t go through. is this just a continual process or is there a recognized method I'm failing to spot?

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[jmoore]

You may find having a second person to assist will help. Also, a tapered line-up pin punch can make things easier. Strong thumbs help too!

[RJW NZ]

jmoore is right, get a nail punch, put it in the opposite side from the pin, the shape is just right to lever the hole to center and then tap the pin in place. Keep tapping and the nail punch will drift out as you drive the pin through.

[Brian Dick]

A little trick I use is to get a C-clamp big enough to go from bottom to top. Make a small wood block that fits on the top of the leaf and into the groove at the front where the pin goes through, pad the bottom of the stock with a piece of leather then line everything up and just tighten the clamp until the leaf comes down into place against the sight spring tension. Line up the hole with a punch and drift in the pin. Works every time without the fight.

[Peter Laidler]

They are a sod I know................ I used to put the rifle in the vice, with wood cramps of course, then stand the sight leaf vertical, press it down against the tension of that bloody spring then push the DRIFT, Armourers, large into the hole, align it and hope.......................

[newcastle]

Thank you folks.
hHppy 4th to you all. Even if it is celerating swiping our tea.
PS Brian. Thanks for the 50's Longbranch - terrfic rifle.
charlie