Bent front sight

[captstan]

I have Model 1917 that shoots about 4inches left at 30 feet. The front sight appears to be bent a little to the right. The gun has been reblued so no visible evidence of damage from being dropped, however the ejector rod is also bent. The ejector functions as it should but does show some run out. Is there a proper way to straighten the front sight ?

 

[paplinker]

I have Model 1917 that shoots about 4inches left at 30 feet. The front sight appears to be bent a little to the right. The gun has been reblued so no visible evidence of damage from being dropped, however the ejector rod is also bent. The ejector functions as it should but does show some run out. Is there a proper way to straighten the front sight ?

Is it possible the bbl is canted some?

I have not ever come across a bent front sight on a N frame so far.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

You can adjust the barrel with two lead babbitts. Lay the barrel on one babbitt and tap the frame where the barrel screws into it. It doesn't take much to move the barrel. In your case, lay the right side of the barrel on one babbitt and tap the left side of the frame with the other babbitt. You move the front sight opposite of the way you want your group to move.

It doesn't take much of a tap or two to accomplish this. I picked this trick up at S&W Armorer's school.

 

[gmborkovic]

An old German gunsmith in Balto. Md use to say if the front sight is bent, bend it back. Just knowing how to do it.

 

[glowe]

It takes a good eye, but you should be able to compare the sight base to the blade. If it looks good, it may be that the barrel is canted. Maybe when the gun was reblued, the barrel was removed. When replaced and it could have been not tightened enough. It would have taken a new hole being drilled in order to put the barrel retaining pin in place, but could happen.

It the blade looks skewed as compared to the sight base, it needs to be bent back into place. I have used hardwood (maple or oak) in the past that worked fine if you do not have lead around. Take wwo 3/4" pieces and clamp them together, then drill a hole the size of the barrel down between the two pieces of wood. Take both of them and carve out the sight base area, then lay the barrel in and clamp the the wood and gun barrel to the work bench or place in a vise. I use either a small plastic hammer or a large brass punch to move the blade. Check often until back in position.