I have a rem 12c with a Lyman tang sight R12. Somewhere in its past, it was bent, as in twisted. The only way I can see it happening is that someone dropped the rifle with the post in the upright position and the sight took the main hit. When mounted on the rifle, the post has a definite lean to the left.

I had this on another rifle, a Rem 121, for severals years. I have on several occasions put it in a vice and with padded pliers twisted the base back to the right, just waiting to hear it go PING as it breaks into. I don't think my heart can take another session like that.

So, what is the proper way to twist this thing back in place. I am guessing heat it red hot and twist it back. Metallurgy is not my strong suite, so what are the problems in heating and twisting it back straight? Well this destroy the bluing? Can it be cold blued afterwards?

Thanks,
Charlie