Correct method to clamp revolver in vise

[Cotis]

Yet, you offer no alternative method?

Kevin

Sorry, I know this is an older thread by now. The OP asked about how to drift a front sight, and Chief 38 (who I do respect) said to place it on a flat surface. I disagree with this if only because it lacks the details that I am sure Chief38 is doing when he performs such a procedure. If one is going to drift a dovetailed sight, which by definition is an interference fit, the last thing you need is three things moving. Only two - the sight and the tool moving it. Not the sight, the tool, And the gun it is mounted on. I secure the host (revolver / pistol / rifle) in a vice with soft wood on either side. I do not comprehend the statement that "there would be too much play and vibration", I literally see it as the exact opposite hence my response.

 

[chief38]

Sorry, I know this is an older thread by now. The OP asked about how to drift a front sight, and Chief 38 (who I do respect) said to place it on a flat surface. I disagree with this if only because it lacks the details that I am sure Chief38 is doing when he performs such a procedure. If one is going to drift a dovetailed sight, which by definition is an interference fit, the last thing you need is three things moving. Only two - the sight and the tool moving it. Not the sight, the tool, And the gun it is mounted on. I secure the host (revolver / pistol / rifle) in a vice with soft wood on either side. I do not comprehend the statement that "there would be too much play and vibration", I literally see it as the exact opposite hence my response.

When I lay the gun on a flat 3/4" thick piece of hardwood (clamped to workbench) I support the narrower parts that do not rest on the wood because they are a different size, with hockey pucks or other non marring "levelers" of the right thickness so the gun will not move when the sight is struck. In a vise there is more movement and the force will not fully be transferred to the sight being drifted. If there is a drift-able sight on a revolver removing the cylinder also helps. I NEVER use a metal surface to lay the gun flat on - only hardwood with a piece of thin cloth like a sheet to keep scratches at bay. Works like a charm for me. I try and keep guns out of a vise - and I do own at least 5 sets of different soft jaws. I just find this method actually works better.

Also note: Older guns seem to have sloppier tolerances and the sights drift way easier. As of late (in my personal experience) the new guns are fit extremely tight and there is no tolerance for any movement what so ever. That is the reason I bit the bullet and purchased a professional sight moving tool. If I recall I bought it from The Sig Guy on the internet.

 

[armorer951]

I spent a few minutes this morning and checked several online suppliers of aftermarket sights and other writers/gunsmith sites for their instructions on how to install this type of aftermarket product.

All of them, including Marbles, Skinner, Williams, EGW, Novak, Brownells, Kensight, Shooting Illustrated, NRA, and others, recommend using a suitable padded vise, or a professional sight pusher.

While each of us have different methods and preferences for accomplishing various tasks, recollecting the countless times I have serviced duty guns and my own firearms, I can't think of a single instance where some other method would have been "better" for adjustment or removal of dovetail sights than simply installing the workpiece into a well made, inflexible padded vise or sight pushing fixture to help with this particular task. Along with the vise, simply add a piece of suitably sized, non-marring brass barstock and a 4 ounce hammer as your impact tools.

A padded vise or pusher not only makes it possible for you to hold the work without a human "helper" (hands free), it will effectively help prevent damage to the workpiece, help prevent damage to the parts being added or removed, help you actually see what your doing, and will shorten the time required for the task.

BTW, be sure to always wear eye and ear protection while doing any of these gun related tasks, etc. Protect your eyes and ears.


Carter

 

[Greyman50]

Gee, at the range the other day and this couple shows up with the intent of the lady shooting this glock. The guy shot first then the lady. They came to the Ro who I was talking to and asked why the glock was shooting way to the left. RO and I looked at it and Ray Charles could have seen the rear sight was WAY to the left. I asked him if he wanted it fixed and he said yes. Opened my old wooden shooting box and got my small brass hammer. Put glock on bench and tapped sight to the right, easy. Told guy to mark location, remove and clean dovetail and add some red loc tight and drift sight to mark. They went back to shoot.RO told me lady was sheriffs deputy , hard to believe neither one knew sight was way off. Looked like glock had been dropped…..

 

[chief38]

Gee, at the range the other day and this couple shows up with the intent of the lady shooting this glock. The guy shot first then the lady. They came to the Ro who I was talking to and asked why the glock was shooting way to the left. RO and I looked at it and Ray Charles could have seen the rear sight was WAY to the left. I asked him if he wanted it fixed and he said yes. Opened my old wooden shooting box and got my small brass hammer. Put glock on bench and tapped sight to the right, easy. Told guy to mark location, remove and clean dovetail and add some red loc tight and drift sight to mark. They went back to shoot.RO told me lady was sheriffs deputy , hard to believe neither one knew sight was way off. Looked like glock had been dropped…..

I have a very good friend who owns multiple pistols. Most with adjustable sights but a few drift-able. The way HE sees the sights I had to move all of them way way to the right - almost at the end of their adjustment allowance in order for him to zero the guns. When I shoot his guns I need to aim about 8-9" to the left or else I am at the edge of the target. While most people need to sight in a gun specifically for them, I have not seen another case of someone being so far off. Anyway, for him it works! Once adjusted, he shoots fairly well - not great but well.

 

[DWalt]

To move dovetail sights,I have always placed either gun or slide on a sandbag and used a hammer with a brass rod. Has worked for me.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Let somebody else shoot it first . . .

 

[Greyman50]

My 48 required me to adjust rear sight almost all the way to the right. Looking to drill and tap to install red dot. Eyes are not getting any better…..