front sight question

[gatorwade]

Great forum. after reading all the threads, reading the books and hitting the gun shows, finally came home with a '44 Underwood. With old eyes 1" to 2" groups ar 50 yards is all I get at best. Just right for truck gun on the farm however and sweet to shoot. But the front sight is loose, moves slightly fore and aft. Its a Type 1 unmarked sight. Can I fix this with a little locktite or is it time for tools?

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[emmagee1917]

If it's orig. , I'd leave it alone. Fore and aft movement will not affect grouping like side to side. If a mixmaster rebuild , I'd fix it. Check to see if your key is moving or the sight itself. The green "wicking" locktight may fix it and hold. If the key is stable and the sight moves , the notch in the key may be worn or the sight ring may be cracked ( they're usually a press fit therefor not easy to move most times ) . Anyway , all three pieces are common and cheep. You might also check that the bbl is USGI and not a commercial that may be out of spec on the OD , giving you a loose fit .
Chris

[Bubba-7]

I don't think Locktight is necessary. Put a pounted punch on the key and hit it with a hammer front and back. The key is soft metal and will expand and should tighten up. Many carbine manufacturer's hit the barrel in front of the back of the key with a flat chistle and some also staked the front of the sight left and right of the key. if you have any questions you can PM me.

[gatorwade]

Bubba 7's suggestion to expand the key with a pointed punch worked. It's a Type ! key with a flat chisel staking at the rear of the key. The sight ring wasn't cracked. The barrel is an Underwood 2-44 with flaming bomb and P. The rifle has the bayonet lug and later Type 3 rear sight and it has been gone through including a cleaned up stock. Just right for a carbine noobie. Now back to the range in search of a sub 1" group at 50 yards. This fun little weapon has rekindled my interest in short range target shooting. Also looking for the next one. Thanks to all the generously shared arcane knowledge from contributors to this forum.Gatorwade.