Whitworth Rear Sight Adjustment

21 May 2007, 18:57

Charles_Helm

I need to make an adjustment to the rear sight on my Whitworth .458. Unless I am confused, I just need to gently tap/drift the insert in the direction I want to move my bullet impact on the target.

Is there a best way to approach this without marring the blueing or otherwise creating a problem?

It is this sight:

Thank you.

21 May 2007, 20:05

Michael Robinson

Not sure about the Whitworth, but it looks like a series of sight blades on a base fitted into a dovetail on an island base. So, I would say you are probably correct. NECG sights have a wedge-type locking piece held in place by a counter-sunk hex screw, which is more easily adjusted, but that doesn't look like your set up.

The best way I have found to adjust standard dovetail mounted sights is to use a nylon tipped drift or pin punch and a heavyweight hammer (mine is bronze and has a big, heavy head on it). Make sure the rifle is secure, then place the tip of the punch on the base of the sight and tap it in the direction you want your bullet to go until you get it right.

Wood punches are too soft, brass or bronze will mar and steel is of course out of the question.

21 May 2007, 20:33

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by mrlexma:
Not sure about the Whitworth, but it looks like a series of sight blades on a base fitted into a dovetail on an island base. So, I would say you are probably correct. NECG sights have a wedge-type locking piece held in place by a counter-sunk hex screw, which is more easily adjusted, but that doesn't look like your set up.

The best way I have found to adjust standard dovetail mounted sights is to use a nylon tipped drift or pin punch and a heavyweight hammer (mine is bronze and has a big, heavy head on it). Make sure the rifle is secure, then place the tip of the punch on the base of the sight and tap it in the direction you want your bullet to go until you get it right.

Wood punches are too soft, brass or bronze will mar and steel is of course out of the question.

Thanks -- looks like I need to call Brownells ASAP for the nylon punch...

Here are the side views if that helps:

21 May 2007, 22:51

freischuetz

You can use a piece of hardwood or a copper drift and tap gently just make a index mark before you start if you donâ€™t have any of the use a lead bullet between normal drift and sights

cheers

22 May 2007, 00:03

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by freischuetz:
You can use a piece of hardwood or a copper drift and tap gently just make a index mark before you start if you donâ€™t have any of the use a lead bullet between normal drift and sights

cheers

Thanks -- I have a nylon piece on the way but will look around to see if I have something else suitable to use in the interim.

22 May 2007, 06:41

lee440

Make a mark on the front and rear of the sight and base as when you drift it, you will tap the front over first and then match the rear. It's not going to move with a center tap and you want to keep it straight front to rear. I have not had much luck with the nylon rods brownells sells, they are too flexible, a brass punch and a bit of electrical tape over it works about as well as anything.

22 May 2007, 07:11

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by lee440:
Make a mark on the front and rear of the sight and base as when you drift it, you will tap the front over first and then match the rear. It's not going to move with a center tap and you want to keep it straight front to rear. I have not had much luck with the nylon rods brownells sells, they are too flexible, a brass punch and a bit of electrical tape over it works about as well as anything.

Thanks -- I will try that. I ordered the deluxe kit from Brownells so I should have one of everything!

23 May 2007, 23:47

Atkinson

Brownells also makes a screw gizzie of sorts that is for moving the front sights in and out. It works fine on a rear sight also and its very accurate at one turn at a time...I have had one for years. use it for sighting in iron sights and changing front sights.

23 May 2007, 23:54

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by Atkinson:
Brownells also makes a screw gizzie of sorts that is for moving the front sights in and out. It works fine on a rear sight also and its very accurate at one turn at a time...I have had one for years. use it for sighting in iron sights and changing front sights.

Thanks -- I will keep my eye out for that one.

The insert drifted over pretty easily with a tap so hopefully there is no issue for now.

I appreciate everyone's input.

25 May 2007, 20:05

nopride2

Turn the leaves up and chack for a set screw.

Dave

25 May 2007, 23:23

Charles_Helm

quote:
Originally posted by nopride2:
Turn the leaves up and chack for a set screw.

Dave

It ended up drifing over pretty easily and only needed a small adjustment.

Thanks for all the input.