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The nylon punches only work for sights that are already loose or easy to drift. For the rest of the front sights I use a brass drift tool that has the business end of the tool flattened sort of like a large screwdriver tip. Over the years the soft brass has shaped itself to fit the contour of the Winchester #21 sight.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Well it was bent and laid over to the left slightly. I tried to remove it the right way with a poly punch but in hindsight you are right I should have used a brass punch as the poly punch slipped and that is when the site broke. It could have been possibly weakened from the bend.
Correct me if I am wrong but the site appears to be a Winchester series 21 site. Would this have been the correct front site for a for a Winchester 1873 3rd variation 32-20 caliber sporting rifle that was manufactured in 1903?
If so I am having a difficult time finding an authentic replacement. It may take a while but I have been out on EBay and other sites with no luck.
Attached are some more pics.
Thanks,
Phil
Phil,
That would of been the correct sight. There was one on Ebay for $50 earlier this week but it sold quick.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
That was the correct #21 front sight for the period with the set screw. Keep watching eBay – they come up regularly.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
you might be interested in reading this thread on the subject: https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/sporting-front-sight/
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Thanks everyone for your input/advice. I learned a valuable or should I say an expensive lesson when it comes to removing stubborn sites. I will keep an eye out for a replacement. I did find that above link interesting about the front site screw on a 1873.
Also what is the blade material made of, nickel?
Thanks again,
Phil
The sight insert was usually German Silver, although other options were available.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Thanks Wincacher.
I really like the flat head brass punch you have. Is it home made or did you buy it somewhere. I looked for one just now however did not getting hits.
A flathead would be a perfect punch for these types of sites.
Phil
You can start with a brass punch or any brass rod and mill it flat or file it flat. You don’t need to flatten it that far up the bar, a 1/2 to 3/4″ and you only need to do one side.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Phil said
Thanks Wincacher.I really like the flat head brass punch you have. Is it home made or did you buy it somewhere. I looked for one just now however did not getting hits.
A flathead would be a perfect punch for these types of sites.
Phil
Got it at Track of The Wolf several years ago: https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/1041/1/TOOL-KEY-B
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
November 7, 2015
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1873man said
Phil,I use a brass punch on sights. Just a reminder, the sights are removed tapping them to the right hand side of the gun.
Bob
Good points. I have to keep a card in the top tray of my parts box to remind me. I think some today have no taper but that hasn’t always been the case.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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