tightening express sight dovetail

[Slimbo]

The express sight on my whitworth .458 is loose and moving side to side with the push of a finger. How can I tighten up the dovetail to keep the sight in place?

Simon

 

[colinjw]

I have seen 2 methods used.

One is to use some locktite . It works. If you do this be careful which locktite you use.

Another is to take a metal punch & tap the flat base of the dovetail on the gun. This make a dimple in the metal & tightens up the groove.

 

[ben hunchak]

One can also use a ptd. punch to make a couple of dents on the outer edge of the dovetail on the sight.

 

[Why not?]

I have used a large soft punch with a flat point and rapped the top of the dovetail once on each side. That is usually enough to tighten things up.

Don't get carried away. Just a decent tap will make a big difference, and does not show any deformation on the exterior of the dovetail.

Ted

 

[speerchucker30x378]

Cynoacrylates are your friend and can be removed without heat. Rod

 

[AP]

I think I would try a center punch on the the bottom surface of the sight insert to "upset" the metal a little and see if that will tighten it first ... I would avoid marring the rifle surfaces if you can This presumes that the dovetail is cut properly or you may "skew" the sight...you could also place a drop of devcon on the sight/insert bottom and file it to fit the dovetail after it dries

 

[farshot]

You may also try using a bit of shim stock - $2 dollar feeler guages from the el cheapo tool store has a wide selection of "thinnesses" and little slice works wonders under the sight. It tightens (as much or as little as you like) the sight up over a wider area, and yet you can still tap, (or pound it) to move it.

 

[Slimbo]

Lots of good ideas guys! I think I will try one of the less permenant options first!

 

[BigUglyMan]

Have a hole drilled in the sight and tap it. Then in with a set screw and Loctite it once it's in the right position.