There's what looks like a small black set screw in the top of a Novak rear sight.
1) Is that screw used to adjust the sight somehow, or to affix it to the slide by being tightened?
2) Does it need to be removed prior to removing the rear sight from the slide?

Thanks.

yes and yes

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thats wicked pissah

More specifically, it is tightened to hold the sight in place. Usually the sights are so tight that it really isn't necessary. It must be removed prior to moving the sight.

Thanks. I don't seem to have any Allen wrenches that small, so does anybody know the size so I can order a wrench?

I can check one of mine and post the proper wrench size a little later this evening. Someone else may be able to chime in in the meantime.

I'm about 99% sure it's a 1/16".

epj is correct, it does in fact require a 1/16" hex wrench.

Cheers
Bill

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Because they don't make a .46

Winner winner, chicken dinner. Came to post this after checking mine. What a fine bunch of supportive folks on this forum!!

I bought an Allen (brand) set today, but the 1/16" won't grab the set screw. It makes some contact, has a lot of slop, and when you apply torque it pops over to the next flat as if the points had been worn down.

5/64" is too big for the hole.

My hope is that I can find a 'fatter' 1/16" - or a cheap one I can JBWeld into the screw . . . .

Try a metric size wrench... they usually are slightly "off" from the SAE wrench sizes. I've found that sometimes, a metric one fits a buggered or worn SAE set screw perfectly.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Those tiny grub screws are damnably tough to remove when stripped.

Here's a couple things that can help:

*apply heat directly to the screw to soften.release the threadloc adhesive. (small soldering iron works well for this)
*Use a good quality penetrating fluid ie. Kroil or PBblaster

Gunhacker is spot on about metric keys... 1/16 inch measures in metric at 1.55mm. Try shoving a 2.0mm allen key in there. If that doesn't work then I suggest trying a Torx bit. I've had success in the past removing stripped grub screw using a small Torx bit. I believe T-6 would be the right size for a stripped 1/16" grub screw.

Cheers
Bill

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Because they don't make a .46