2nd Gen Universal carbine help please.

[tunnug]

This is my first M1 carbine and if I knew then what I have found, I wouldn't have bought it.
It is in excellent condition (practically new), works good other than shooting about 30" above POA @ 100 yrds, the rear adjustable sight was down all the way, the front sight is the one that has a set screw instead of the cross pin.
It looks like my only option is to replace the front sight with a taller one unless anyone has a better solution, any advice or thoughts will be appreciated, thank you.

Information

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[Tired Retired]

First, welcome to the forum! Lots of great guys who are very knowledgeable and helpful here. Best carbine (and Milsurp) forum around!

Now, as far as your second generation universal...

You are probably right that your front sight is the problem. However, it is not an easy fix with your model. Since it is using the Universal-brand style of front sight (set screw), that probably means that your barrel is not milled to accept a USGI front sight. The USGI sight is held in place with a oblong key which wedges the front sight to a matching oblong hole milled into the top of the barrel. The key is held in place by the pin placed through the front sight.

Please inspect the top front section of your barrel for any marks or names. If you find a manufacture name stamped on the top (such as Inland or Underwood) then it is a USGI barrel. If you don't, it is a commercial barrel. You will have use a Commerical front sight. (It is more than likely a Universal barrel.)

Don't give up, you can always "add" to the top of the front sight to increase its height. If you are skilled, you can add a weld bead to build it up. Shoot the weapon and then file the weld down to the correct height. If you are unskilled (like me) you can also use JB Weld and do the same shooting and filing when it is dried.

I hope some of that helps...

[tunnug]

Thank you, I didn't know about the oblong key, I'll have to look closer.
I found this place while researching the Universal, most of what I found about it was here.
If I can't find a replacement I do have a wire feed and will try to add height.

[painter777]

Wonder if someone filed down the frt sight with the rear sight set for a farther range?

Here, this may save you some time.
I'd call first to be sure it's the one you need.
If ordering the Frt Sight, I'd also order a extra set screw. JMHO.

Universal Front Sight:
Front Sight


More Universal parts:
Numrich Gun Parts Corp. - The World's Largest Supplier of Firearms Parts and Accessories


More info found here by one of our hard working members:
Universal Firearms Corp.

HTH,
Charlie-painter777

[imarangemaster]

I suspect your front sight was trimmed as Painter 777 suggests. A new sight is an inexpensive probable fix. 4-5 Inches high at 100 yards is about dead on at 150 yards, which is what the 100/150 setting on originals was gauged on. It also lets you use a 6 o'clock hold on a SR-1, (100 yard target) for 10X.

[tunnug]

Thanks everyone, I'll have to call Numrich, The sight doesn't have any sign of being filed down but if it was refinished it'd be hard to tell.