Postwar Elevation Knob/Pinion Repair

[Algernon]

I have three worn postwar elevation knob/pinions that are not servicable. Can these be repaired or reconditioned for regular use? Any information or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

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.

[mikebaker1129]

The short answer is yes , if you can locate the parts you need to repair them .I have found that most of the time the "Tooth" on the elevation drum is worn or the drum is cracked.
Both of which require replacing it with a serviceable drum.Serviceable drums have been somewhat elusive to me thus far .
Anyone know where to find some serviceable drums ?

[Bill Ricca]

Pinion Drums are almost impossible to find.

I have approximately 150 sets of replacements parts, all needing drums and I have been looking since the early 1970's. Found none. The most likely reason is they were all used up by the military. It is the weak point in the Pinion Assembly, it breaks.

[JohnF]

Pinion Drums are almost impossible to find.

Amen, Bill. I'm still looking also.

Had some lined up, but the guy passed away before I could finalize.

I had over a 100 spindles, drums, and retaining washers, but I'm down to about 15 at this point and still looking. About the only drums I know of that may be found will come from the Danish parts that were brought into the US, most were marked PB or VAR. The Danes did have a part number for the drum, spindle, and retaining washer and the tool set to repair the elevation assembly.

[Bill Ricca]

Yes, John, the only drums I have ever seen were all Danish.

[Reaper6]

I know this is an old thread, but I've searched for info on elevation knob/pinion repair parts and couldn't find anything. Hopefully there's been some development in this area since this thread was originally posted. I'm looking for the elevation knob retaining washer (part number: 7312727), does anyone know a source? I'd been willing to buy reproduction ones if originals are no longer available.

[Col. Colt]

What does Springfield Armory Inc. use on their rifles? Still using up GI stocks or do they have them made by Wayne Machine on Taiwan? Perhaps someone could approach Wayne Machine, or even better, a US maker with CNC equipment? I have both Danish and US tools for the Pinion assembly and am looking for two of the internal flat springs currently - it would be nice to have the parts to make repairs, as the tools are available from time to time. CC

[Reaper6]

SAI has at times used snap rings on their sights, though I'm not sure what they're currently using. I emailed Wayne Machine and asked if they had any of the retaining washers, but haven't heard back.

[LavaTech]

Since un-serviceable/damaged/replaced pinion assemblies were supposed to be sent to RIA for final disposition, I'd guess that Rock Island was where the majority of loose drums should have wound up at some point. Perhaps they're still there to this day?

[Reaper6]

Update: Wayne Machine Inc will sell the repair parts, dog retainer, spring, etc. For the retainer the minimum order is 1000 pieces at .34 ea, anyone want to to start a group buy?