586 Elevation Screw Change--How?

[Arman4461]

Howdy folks,
I know, sounds easy. I wish to replace the rear sight Elevation screw on an old 586 that was Bubba'd by a real Texas Bubba. It looks like the screw is held in place with a small metal split o-ring. It has intact detents, but the screw-head is a boogered mess. How in heck do you get the Elevation screw out of the rear sight blade assembly?
Thanks for your kindly help. My fingers are crying Uncle.
Arman4461

 

[Alk8944]

Since you already have the base off the gun it's easy. What you see is a snap ring, that holds the elevation nut in the sight base. Remove the snap ring and the nut pushes out the top. Removing the ring isn't hard if you aren't worried about damaging it.

While at it order everything, nut, ring, plunger and spring, and replace all of them. The ring, plunger and spring are just a few cents for each and worth the convenience of having them when you damage the ring and lose the spring and plunger while removing the nut from the sight base.

 

[Arman4461]

Snap Ring

Alk8944,
That is the small problem, the snap ring looks like it was meant to have a special tool available to remove it. I assume I will destroy it if I pry it up with a screwdriver, assuming I can find one that small that is stout enough. Do you know of a special tool for this, or do most folks just bust out the old one and replace it with a new one? I assume that you would "roll" a new on into place, or use a small cylindrical tool to press it on?
Thanks!
Arman4461

 

[Alk8944]

There is really no tool to remove it. An awl, small screwdriver or similar and get under one end of the split and pry up. There is a fair chance you will destroy it which is why I said order a new one. It really isn't expected that the ring ever be removed, it is rarely necessary.

 

[Arman4461]

Elevation Screw

Alk8944,
Thanks for the info. I destroyed the snap ring using a small chisel, and ordered a new one from Numrich, since I already had a new Elevation screw. Now the 586 will look like new, and not like Bubba did his business to it. I appreciate the help.
Arman4461