SKS front sight re-install

[josey wales]

Anyone have experience in re-installing a front sight on a Russian SKS? I acquired this SKS that had the front sight removed, I was able to track one down and when I attempted to re-install it was way to tight? I lubed it, and tapped it on and got it stuck, and had to heat it up to get it off.
Is there some trick to re-installing these sights?

thanks

 

[cheb]

I have never installed one but adjusted several using the tool that is commonly available. The sight tool is very reasonably priced ($15 maybe) and would help greatly because the push would then be in line with the axis of the hole. It’s a tight friction fit. Good luck.

 

[OkayShooter]

Freeze the part you want to install. Could also heat the base. That would give you more clearance and make it easier.

 

[josey wales]

I was thinking I might tale some emery cloth and polish the barrel to ensure there are no burrs or raised gouges.

 

[OkayShooter]

I was thinking I might tale some emery cloth and polish the barrel to ensure there are no burrs or raised gouges.

Yeah that helps a bit.

 

[sigpig]

Bigger swing press

 

[supernova]

Are you installing the front sight base on the barrel or the windage drum in the front sight base?

 

[Power Pill]

I open up the sight ring until it slipped over the barrel and then soldered it in place. not proper,but it worked well

 

[jmichelin84]

Polish up the area where it's going to go to put a big grease on it and heat up the sight pace because it is a tight tight fit do you have the pins removed from the base??

 

[josey wales]

Are you installing the front sight base on the barrel or the windage drum in the front sight base?

I am re installing the front sight base on the barrel

Polish up the area where it's going to go to put a big grease on it and heat up the sight pace because it is a tight tight fit do you have the pins removed from the base??

I am going to give it a try today, pins are removed they came out nicely.

 

[M1-Garand]

Put the rifle in the freezer overnight,next day heat the sight base and it should slip right on.

 

[supernova]

It's a taper fit. If the taper in the sight base doesn't match the barrel it will be very difficult to get it on. I've removed them with heat and a brass drift on the bayo lug but if yours came off a different rifle you may need to open it up some. A dowel with a slit cut in it to hold sandpaper or emery cloth spun in a drill works well. I'd try heating it with a torch and try drifting it on if you haven't yet. If that fails open it up a little at a time. You want a bit of a press fit.

 

[josey wales]

Just a follow up, I ended up taking some emery cloth and polished up the end of the barrel; i took just enough off to get the sight on. I oiled up barrel and tapped the sight on and the pins lined up.

Thanks all for the comments, much appreciated