Czech 98/22 question

[BEAR]

Some months ago I purchased a Czech 98/22. All serial numbers match except the rear sight, which is Turkish and the bolt which contains the Turkish "Crescent Moon" stamp.
I wish to replace the rear sight so I need to remove the sight blade on the front sight.
Does this press off L to R or the other way, or either way?
After the blade is removed will the rear sight clear the front sight base?
Thanks in advance
BEAR

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.

[Calif-Steve]

The rear sight base is soldered on. Not meant to come off, but the arsenal could do it. But you knew that, I hope. What are you looking to do?

[BEAR]

Yes, I know they are soldered on but the solder can be heated, loosened and removed. I plan to replace it with a lange vizier sight. My concern is clearing the the front sight base. Any thoughts?

[vintage hunter]

I'm not 100% sure but I believe the front sight base will have to come off. Maybe you could measure the barrel diameter just ahead of the rear sight and the distance from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the front sight base and get a better idea. Other than non matching numbers is there any other reason to change the rear sight? The Turks bought 98/22's by the thousands and it's likely the way it left service.
The Turk marked bolt and sight are a part of the rifles history.

[BEAR]

Yep, I just lined up the lange vizier sight band with the front barrel and sight base and the diameter is too small. That means I would either have to cut off the front sight base then have it rewelded, therefore destroying the the original finish or I use a Dremel and cut two slots in the sight bands to slip by the front sight base then solder it down and hope it holds. Neither option appeals to me so I will leave it unmolested.
Thank you for your responses.
BEAR

[Calif-Steve]

You are looking for a GEW98? I see them at the big gunshows all of the time.

[BEAR]

Yeah I tried that. Up here in the Northwest the 98s I see are crapwood and sewer pipes at high prices and decent ones at astronomical prices. This was an excellent specimen 98/22 for an outstanding price that I hoped to change the sight to give it a ersatz 98 look for a WW1 display with US, British, Russian and German combat rifles. French rifles are not found in my circles. Oh well back to the drawing board.