[SwedeSteve]

Anybody have a trick for removing a rear sight from it's base. I know its under tension, but I cannot get the pin to budge! Thanks.

[shollis]

I used a small diameter nail punch and some love taps from a hammer. It brought mine out. Might want to try a small C-clamp on the sight spring.

[bigbuddy21]

Quote:       Originally Posted by SwedeSteve

Anybody have a trick for removing a rear sight from it's base. I know its under tension, but I cannot get the pin to budge! Thanks.

GO TO surplusrifle.com there is an article about taking off the rear sight and it has pics. and step by step directions.

[toolman]

Are you trying to remove just the blade or the whole base? If I remember correctly, the pin drives out from the left side for both the base and leaf. When I removed the leaf from my M-44, I used a hardened punch with a slight dish ground into the tip and then whacked the he ll (the technical term) out of it. The base on my 91\30 sporter project was much harder, I had to use a 16 oz. hammer to budge the pins. Be sure to use a good support-I use an oak block that I cut to my needs.

[SwedeSteve]

Thanks guys. Tried most everything. Guess I'll have to hit harder to seperate the sight from the base!

[just_a_car]

Take a look at the sights here for the 91/59: Soviet M91/59

They show that some of the later mosins had a pin in the bottom of the base to hold it on. I doubt you'd miss that, but it might be painted-over or have a lot of gunk/cosmoline covering it up. Just make sure you're not trying to remove the sight base with a pin still holding it in.

[Big Dog]

I just did one of my M91/30's for a scout mount. I drove it out with a punch - use the stoutest one that will fit the hole - I bent the SKS pin punch! And I used a framing hammer - it took a good few whacks.

[billy]

when i saw the title of this thread i just KNEW big hammers were gonna be involved!

[troy2000]

My dad used to call it the Carpenter's Cure: never force anything, just use a bigger hammer.

[SwedeSteve]

Yea- Im pounding the PIN. 2 punches down, going on next size BFH, spring slightly compressed, NOTTA. One more try, then DRILL, and then use the bit AS the pin!

[Mooseman684]

Instead of a Pin punch, Try a Tapered punch first with a flat point to move it a bit, then follow with a pin punch. If you try to drill it, you may run into serious trouble. Unless you have a Good drill press or Milling machine . A small amount of heat from a propane torch around the pin area and not on the pin itself may help,It should drive left to right !
Rich

[troy2000]

Quote:       Originally Posted by Mooseman684

Instead of a Pin punch, Try a Tapered punch first with a flat point to move it a bit, then follow with a pin punch. If you try to drill it, you may run into serious trouble. Unless you have a Good drill press or Milling machine . A small amount of heat from a propane torch around the pin area and not on the pin itself may help,It should drive left to right ! Rich

Ummm...yeah. a guy I once knew like to drove himself crazy trying to push one the wrong way. Not me, of course...

[risk_3715]

Doesn't it help to take any tension off the pins? What ways are there of doing that?

I normally just use a clamp to suppress the rear leaf spring then pop the pin.

[SwedeSteve]

Thats what I am doing. Same clamp set up. The sight on my Swede M38 came off pretty easy, Will try the torch thing, hadn't thought of that one!

[jmp8927]

Stick it in the freezer for a couple hours so the metal will compress slightly. Should make it a tad bit easier.

[SwedeSteve]

That will work if there are 2 types of metal at play. Are there? I do not know.

[Oxford]

After trying the heating idea, and other ideas, put a little penetrating oil on it. Let it be there for a while while it soaks between the two surfaces.

Is the rear sight attached in a dovetail joint?

[SwedeSteve]

Rear sight BASE is pinned to the barrel. Rear sight LEAF is Pinned to the base and held under tension by a leafspring. I am attepmting to remove the sight from the base.

[toolman]

Steve, if your gun has seen "action", the pins are likely rusted in place. Try using some heat and a dab of Kroil to loosen them up. Try lightly tapping on the pin from both sides to break the "seal" and when you can detect movement, drive it out from the left (non-bolt) side. BTW, use a good quality, hardened-steel punch or you'll drive yourself crazy and may damage the gun. If you want to come to Tx., I'll let you borrow my punch!

[SwedeSteve]

Hey Now, next time I'm in TX, I'm moving in! Soaked it a coupla hours.Worked on it some more....nuttin'! Will not move either way! Wondering if maybe I shoot a couple a times...or maybe find a base and a spring!