Windage knob binding

[.45s r best]

The windage knob on my M1A will only move if the lock nut is barely finger tight...if I shoot it, the whole assembly works loose. I have taken the sight apart, there does not appear to be any damage or worn parts. I have taken in apart and reassembled it following the directions in a Garand/M14 manual I have. Any ideas how to fix this short of buying new components?

Information

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[browningautorifle]

Is there a heavy parkerizing on it? That would bind. Also, press on the screw head on the left with your thumb and the tension slacks for the windage knob. This IS the late version sight for M14/M1A you have?

[.45s r best]

Thanks for the reply. No, I do not see any unusual amount of Parkerizing on any of the components. I have tried like you suggested and pushed on the screw head on the elevation side. I see where that would lessen the pressure needed to move the elevation knob...if you were King Kong or kept a C-Clamp handy. Although it is not a NM sight, would installing spring and ball bearing in the pre-drilled hole help the situation? Or would I be better off just biting the bullet and buying new elevation and windage knobs? In any event, I try to see the bright side in a problem...I know a whole lot more about these sights than I did this time yesterday!

---------- Post added at 06:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:31 AM ----------

Opps! I meant to say pushing on the left side relieves pressure on the windage knob.

[browningautorifle]

Yes you do have to be king kong... It might just sort all of it out by buying a new rig. I'm surprised there haven't been more guys along here... If you give it a few days I think someone will be along to offer more. This isn't the first time we've discussed this though, if you search the forum using the search engine at top you might find more now...

[.45s r best]

Hello browningautorifle; I thought again about what you suggested. I reassembled the sight, tightened the locknut to alllllmost where it would bind up tight. I also put a small drop of epoxy on the threads...a type that I have had good luck holding threaded parts tight, but not so strong that I cannot break it free. Now, when I apply pressure on the left side, I can move the windage knob although it is tough as you said. and the elevation peepsight does not move when applying downward pressure. I will see how this works, if not, short of any good advice at the sight here, I will buy new elevation and windage knobs.

In any event, as a double check this is how I put it back together: 1. Install peepsight and allow it to bottom out.
2. Install the elevation knob with the elevation marks in the proper position. 3. Adjust the windage mark on the sight to approximately two clicks left of center. 4.Screw the windage knob on until it makes contact with the receiver 5. Tighten the locknut, but not so tight that it binds the knob. Did I miss any steps or use the wrong procedure?

[browningautorifle]

Did I miss any steps or use the wrong procedure?

That'll do. More to the point of will it manipulate now or not. And of course, zeroing...

[.45s r best]

Yes, I can move it. The acid test is whether it all holds together when I shoot it. Funny thing is, I have owned expensive firearms that caused me no end of problems and yet I trap shoot with a 275 dollar shotgun that never gave me a minute of trouble....go figure!
.

[browningautorifle]

Let us know, we'll be here...love to see it too.