front dovetail sight on a Marlin

[torch919]

Hello all,
Quick question....I'm installing a new sight on the front of a Marlin 1895. It is a dovetail sight that goes into the ramp already on the barrel. I got the old sight out no problem and I followed the directions on the back of the package the new Williams Sight came in. But I need it to move about the width of a dime more to be in the correct spot and I feel like I'm whacking on it fairly hard. I can get a bigger hammer and a more sturdy punch, but if anyone has any suggestions or guidance that would be great.

It makes sense that it needs to be wedged in there pretty solid but I don't want to break the ramp either.

Thanks!

torch919

[obsessed1]

Go careful those williams sights break pretty easy. Sometimes a bit of 3in1 oil can help.

[marxman]

I always have to file the sight. A tiny triangle file and a flat file for the bottom. You don’t want to file the barrel dovetail although it would be easier. Drive it in right to left some of them have a slight bevel to start in the dovetail

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by marxman

I always have to file the sight. A tiny triangle file and a flat file for the bottom. You don’t want to file the barrel dovetail although it would be easier. Drive it in right to left some of them have a slight bevel to start in the dovetail

And tap it into place.....whack it and well it's kaput!

[colroggal]

Just rub the flat on some 120 grit sand paper. No need to file the sides. Sand paper on the bench. Hold the sight and rub it like an eraser.you can use a felt marker to watch for material removal. Keep test fitting. It should go about a third to half of the way in with finger pressure.

Colin

[torch919]

Thanks fellas. Did a little filling on the bottom of the sight. Mostly just enough to take off the finish. Placed a piece of wood under the ramp and was a bit more "authoritative" with the hammer and it slide in place in a couple taps.

[John9750]

It should be very tight. You should not need a bigger hammer. I would remove the sight and use a triangle file and give it a few strokes and try again until nice and firm but movable fit.

***sorry I missed the last posts for some reason***

[fordtruckin]

I had a smith do mine but that was because he chipped the barrel and had to recur the dove tail. I did not want to tackle that project. It turned out because I got a free cerekote job out of the deal since the project took so long!