best way to drift a rear sight to the left

[skohler]

I have an 03a3 with a rear sight that is offset about 1/4" to the right. It looks like there is a line on both the base and the sight that should line up, but just looking at the sight it is fairly far off.

I shot it for the first time yesterday and had to crank the windage all the way to the left to get it centered over the bolt and get on the paper. I never realized this was off (first 03a3). I think the front sight is a little canted to the left as well, but that is a different problem.

What is the best way to try and move the whole sight to the left? Just take it apart, remove any set screws, remove wood and trigger group, and hit it with a brass hammer??

I'm trying to avoid messing it up further.

Thanks
Steve

Information

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[Chuckindenver]

first, adjust the sight all the way to the left, look and see if it has a small set screw, if it does, loosen it, second adjust the sight all the way to the right firm but not monkey tight,
before this is done, remove the rifle from the stock.
put the receiver in a soft jaw vise, holding it on the bottom flat of the receiver,
using a brass,bronze, plastic, or wooden driver, and a hammer, driver the sight, right to left, try and push once from in front of the knob, and once in front, check you line, and adjust more if needed.
you may very well bend the base, they are soft, they can be straightened, but tough.
it may be better if you take the sight apart first.
a very very small set screw hold the adjustment knob in place, its usually staked in place, and can be a bear to get out, once you get it out the rest is a snap to remove.
dont loose the springs, detent ect, youll not find a replacement.

[John Beard]

If I may add to what Chuck advised, you can drive the sight to the left with a hammer and a brass or aluminum drift punch. Place the punch at the very base (bottom) of the sight where it folds under. Otherwise, you'll bend the ears and they can be a devil to straighten. And as Chuck pointed out, you'll need to loosen the set screw if it has one. Disassembling the sight will not be necessary.

If drifting the sight into position causes it to become loose, then you'll need to re-stake it. Ask for instructions on how to do that.

Good Luck!

J.B.

[skohler]

OK guys, first off thanks a ton for the help. I went ahead and followed your directions and got things moved. I did take the sight apart and put a 3/4 inch piece of oak between the "ears" and hit the base with a brass hammer. Took a bit of convincing, but it finally moved a bit at a time. I'm posting a few before and after.

Also, could use a little help in ID'ing the lower band. It is milled, rounded and the swivel is offset. Maybe an '03 band??

[Tanguero]

Your lower band and swivel are from an Enfield P14 or US 1917. They are well made, but not correct. Jim

[Chuckindenver]

looks like you got her in line..

[skohler]

I'm a complete novice with these rifles, such as thinking the sight was in the correct position! Live and learn. Wasted a lot of ammo trying to get this thing sighted in. At least my garand grouped well after the first clip, small victory.