Which way does the pin drift out on a pre war 44?

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Steve
SWCA 2999

Most pins are parallel so it doesn't matter. The typical answer is left to right out and right to left in. Oriented with the muzzle pointed away from you and top strap up.

I'm pretty sure your front sight pin is symmetrical, and just an interference fit. Unlike a dovetail, I've never paid much mind to which way I drifted the pin. If presented with a slightly oversized hole, I've lightly peened the new pin to give it some high points to grip with. I've replaced several with a cut end from a drill bit. I cut to length, then chuck in a pin vise to round over the ends.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

As Pig Hunter posted, the general rule of thumb is left to right for removal. I always figure out which way the pin went in and reverse it to remove.

How to tell which way the pin went in? Forensics. Use magnification if the pins have domed ends which is the case for pre war hand ejectors; pins are flush polished beginning in the post WWII era.

You will usually see a tiny ring of upset metal around the pin at the exit end of the hole which is typically the left side, and no ring around the entrance to the pin hole, usually on the right side.

Reversing the pin's travel to remove, does not upset more metal; it passes back thru the hole that's already been stretched in one direction.

Reversing direction therefore makes removing the pin easier. Lubricating and marking the end of the pin for indexing it upon re-installing it in the same orientation also helps, especially with barrel pins. Always use a cupped tip pin punch of slightly smaller diameter than the hole.

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Jim
S&WCA #819