PH5C Disassembly

[Blastattack]

Hey guys. I've acquired a PH5C rear sight that's been sitting in a machine shop for the last... oh, maybe 30 years, maybe more, and suffice to say, the thing is very very grimy. Any body out there know how to safely pull one of these things apart to give it a little maintenance? Last thing i want to do is bugger it up...

Cheers! Thanks!

 

[buffdog]

Cleaning

If you don't know how to take a precision sight apart, it is probably better to leave it alone.

That said, it would appear from your post that the sight is dirty, gummed up and needs cleaned off so that you can see what you have and if it is operable.

Go to one of the Auto Parts stores and get a spray can of Carburetor Cleaner or Brake Cleaner. Take everything outside, wear rubber gloves, use an old pan or such, and spray the sight with the cleaner. Do not inhale the fumes and try to keep it off you, the lawn furniture and the Dog.

Use an old tooth brush to loosen up the crud after the first application. You will probably have to repeat this a few times, until you can easily turn the knobs for elevation and windage. Do not force the knobs as resistance can damage the sight.

After getting the adjustments to work, a light oiling will help preserve the sight and make adjustments easier.
.

 

[rgg_7]

You need the correct tools, skill and experience to work on these sights. If you send me a picture of what you have I'll give you my assessment.My email rgg_7@hotmail.com Been repairing and restoring these as a hobby for some time. Ron

 

[louthepou]

I agree: Ron knows these sights!

Lou

 

[RRCo.]

Spray it with oven cleaner, let soak for a few minutes, then wash off very well with very hot water. Then put in the oven for half an hour at 200 degrees. Take out, spray with the treatment of your choice. Wipe and inspect function. Should be fine.

If it needs a tune up then you'd better send it to someone who knows how to do that.

 

[Blastattack]

You need the correct tools, skill and experience to work on these sights. If you send me a picture of what you have I'll give you my assessment.My email rgg_7@hotmail.com Been repairing and restoring these as a hobby for some time. Ron

Thank you, i'll get some pics to you this weekend. I did manage to take apart the base of the sight, and managed not to lose either the ball bearing or it's spring. Cleaned it up very nicely with some water and mild detergent, as well as one of those vibrating toothbrushes (and lightly oiled every part). However the sight arm clearly needs a special wrench/key to get the turrets off and the adjustment screws out. The windage knob is incredibly crisp and has very sharp and audible clicks, however the elevation knob is quite mushy. It seems to be sharpish for about 6 clicks, and for the remaining 10 is gets mushy and back to crisp. There is some very clear and evident wear in the serrations, which leads me to believe that the know needs to be replaced. Ultimately, I'll be putting this sight on a Rimfire target rifle , and if possible would make a pair of 1/8th or 1/10th MOA knobs, likely out of A2 or a similar steel. I must say these sights are very nice. the solid steel is certainly robust.

Cheers! Thanks!