Stubborn 1903A1 sight blade pin

[André]

I have a rebuild 'A1 which is shooting 5-6" too high at 100 meters with the 100 yd peep hole. I procured a higher replacement blade and pin but the original pin doesn't want to move (L to R, of course), despite having soaked ramp + blade in penetrating oil for 2 days. I also tried to heat the ramp with an air dryer but, no way... Suggestions welcome.

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.

[browningautorifle]

Sometimes your drift and hammer are too dainty and that will beat up a pin rather than move it. It's just a cross pin.

[Allen Humphrey]

Trying to tap the pin out can be a pain due to the flex in the barrel. Most of the energy of the hammer just vibrates the barrel when the pin is stuck. Get a second set of hands to hold something solid on the other side of the barrel, opposite where the hammer blow is being applied. Even a good size block of wood can work if the helper can push it solidly against the sight. Once it moves a little it will probably come right out.

[browningautorifle]

I use a set of lead blocks from a Lee ingot mould as a pounding block. No bounce then.

[Randy A]

I take them off to remove the blade/pin, tapping on them while on the rifle transfers the enegry through everything else that you don't want, base screw, dovetail, barrel key etc.

[browningautorifle]

I take them off to remove the blade/pin, tapping on them while on the rifle transfers the enegry through everything else that you don't want, base screw, dovetail, barrel key etc.

He's trying to get the pin out so he can do that.

[LJUTIC]

Loosen the set screw in front of the sight then remove the dove tailed insert that holds the blade. Put the dove tailed insert in a vice then tap out the .050 diameter pin that holds the blade in.

[browningautorifle]

He's probably got it already and this thread will go on for weeks...

[André]

It's alright now. I looked for advice and was told than my home-made drift punch was too long and sprang back under the hammer. The pin was then started with a center punch and further taken out with a short drift. There was some rust on the pin which must have concurred in making it stick. Anyway, I polished and cold- blued the pin and used the very same to lock the replacement higher sight blade. All's well that ends well, my rifle's POI sits now just above POA at 100 meters. Thanks for the help.

[browningautorifle]

I have a set of Starret punches that I keep in shape for this very thing. Also an FN firing pin, a Minimi firing pin, a MAG58 firing pin and a .50 cal MG firing pin...all for drifts.