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Greetings. I’ve recently come across a JC Higgins 22 LR sold by Sear. Am told it is a pre-WWII model, that has an aftermarket Lyman 57a Peep Eye sight.
The gun had been in storage for many many years, and there is quite a bit of rust which will need proper attention, both on the receiver, barrel abd sight. While I am confident in addressing the former issues, the Lyman Peep Eye is new to me.
I wanted to ask the experts before disassembly if there are any must know pointers for being able to reassemble without the need for special tools.
I can’t figure how to load pics, so here’s a link to one online: https://www.gunauction.com/buy/17083881
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Hi Simon,
The Lyman 57 can be partially disassembled without special tools to this extent:
– Unscrew the aperture from the elevation slide
– Using a proper sized screwdriver, remove the single screw that attaches the elevation plate on the side of the sight
– Using a proper sized screwdriver, remove the single screw that attaches the windage plate on the elevation arm
– Push the button at the rear of the sight to release the elevation slide and pull it upwards until it separates from the base. Sometimes the button gets gummed-up so you may have to soak it a bit to get it to fully depress
That is as far as you can go without special tools and a lot of hassle but should be enough to allow you to clean it up.
The windage screw plate is staked in place so it is not recommended to mess with it. The elevation knob is retained in place with a tiny snap ring on the underside of the elevation arm which is frustrating to remove since it sits in a recess and even more frustrating to try and replace.
Hope that helps.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Thanks JWA, the more I can disassemble, the better I can get it right the first time, much appreciated, -simon
Hi Simon,
Good luck with the process.
I forgot to mention that if you do decide to remove the snap ring for the elevation knob be advised there is a spring and detent ball on the underside of the knob (which creates the “click”) that will go flying if you don’t capture it when removing the snap ring. They also have to be reinstalled and held in place when reinserting the snap ring which requires 3 hands and a lot of swearing (which is why I try to not to remove the clip unless absolutely necessary).
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Jeff, next time call me! I can help over the phone by doing the swearing part! My young son learned about “screw lube” at about age 3. Try to explain that to your wife! Tim
Thanks, I did the disassembly you suggested, and I think I can get all the surface rust off well enough. Steel Wool and elbow grease should do the trick.. I have it soaking in oil now to get everything loosened up.
One thing my dad always taught me was to always use the best fitting screw driver bit you could find, so I bought a kit with 48 differing small bits. That surely does make a difference. Thanks again, I’m pretty confident I won’t disassemble to the point I won’t be able to get it back together now. -s
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