Removing Dovetail Sights

99trix

99trix

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What is the best tool to get to remove front and rear dovetail sights without marking up the sights? I am looking at swapping out sights on some savage 99's and was wondering if there was an idiot proof tool that I could buy:)

Thanks

Blair
 
gunasauras said:
Brass or plastic punch and a hammer......nothing is idiot proof....be careful......
Click to expand...

Having removed a few of these in my lifetime ;) FIRST make sure you're drifting (punching out) the sight in the right direction. Most dovetails are tapered, so make sure you hit towards the widest dimension.SECOND: Brass or Aluminium punch. Hit the sight at a 30 degree angle with the slide or pistol firmly held in a padded vise. Normally, one, sharp hit should move it forward, after that, tap it lightly to move it forward. You may have to spray some loosening agent on the dovetail the night before to loosen up any accumulated oxidation under the sight.
 
Usually tap from left to right, looking down - to get out. There may be loctite on the joint so heat may be needed. Also soak in penetrating oil overnite before trying....Use a brass drift. Nylon often doesn't work as it cushions.
 
Gauge said:
Usually tap from left to right, looking down - to get out. There may be loctite on the joint so heat may be needed. Also soak in penetrating oil overnite before trying....Use a brass drift. Nylon often doesn't work as it cushions.
Click to expand...

I have changed sights on both a CZ-75 and a 1911, they remove from opposite sides. Best to use a vernier to ensure you are whacking it in the right direction.
 
If you are removing a sight in a ramp, make sure the ramp is supported, so the force isn't applied to the ramp/barrel joint. A sight pusher is vastly superior. You do not want to knock the ramp off the barrel.
It can be better to clamp the barrel in a padded vice than to try to clamp the stock. The closer the padded vice is to the sight the better.
If you get brass or copper smears on the gun, use bore cleaner.
There are punches with nylon tips. This has less cushionning effect that a bar of nylon.
Don't be afraid to shape the tip of the punch so that it will fit the job.
 
tiriaq said:
If you are removing a sight in a ramp, make sure the ramp is supported, so the force isn't applied to the ramp/barrel joint. A sight pusher is vastly superior. You do not want to knock the ramp off the barrel.
It can be better to clamp the barrel in a padded vice than to try to clamp the stock. The closer the padded vice is to the sight the better.
If you get brass or copper smears on the gun, use bore cleaner.
There are punches with nylon tips. This has less cushionning effect that a bar of nylon.
Don't be afraid to shape the tip of the punch so that it will fit the job.
Click to expand...


:redface: been there :redface:

but it was only a bubba enfield :redface:
 
Did you know that later production Winchester 94s have the front sight ramp secured by a couple of oval electrical resistance welds? And it was a customer's rifle. And I really didn't hit the drift all that hard.
 
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