barrel blank fit

big bear · Post by **big bear** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:35 pm

O.K., I tapped the ladder sight out . left to right, no problem. I put the Marble's barrel blank in right to left, problem!!! It just slides right through, in one side out the other? These barrel blanks come in sizes? Or am I missing some fact ( as usual).

kimwcook · Post by **kimwcook** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:42 pm

They come in different sizes, one size doesn't fit all. I suggest measuring your dovetail and ordering the right sight. It could be your cut is out of spec, but with you just removing one that was tight I doubt it. Measure it.

cowboykell · Post by **cowboykell** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:50 pm

Cut a shim from a pop can, put that under the blank...should work.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:00 pm

Cowboy, that is not uncommon and happens often if the gun is not made in US. When I encounter this, I use a center punch to make a dent or 4 on the bottom of the slot blank near the edge of the dovetail. This upsets a little metal and will make it a tight fit. I also use a little red loc-tite when installing. Heat will not be needed to remove unlike threads.
If the rifle is metric and the slot blank is US then you may be SOL with that one. If so, cut up the old sight to make a slot blank. Someone will chime in with pictures I bet.

I have also drilled and tapped the center of the slot blank for a set screw to hold it in place. Don`t overtighten those as they can cause a very light restriction in the bore if the barrel is thin.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:29 pm

I have run into this several times. It is big time frustrating. One would think the manufactures would be on the same page with matters so simple but.... I personally like Chuck's idea of a set screw. Good luck. 1886.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 6:39 pm

If you're buying a dovetail blank from Brownells they have a different size for Rossi's and such because of this.

Rusty <><

big bear · Post by **big bear** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:42 am

I have replaced blank in another Browning 71 with the same Marbles brand blank bought from Brownells, no problem!? Very curious indeed. I can live with the cosmetic issue, the old barrel sight was messing with my William's receiver sight picture.

Yance · Post by **Yance** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:01 am

big bear wrote:O.K., I tapped the ladder sight out . left to right, no problem. I put the Marble's barrel blank in right to left, problem!!! It just slides right through, in one side out the other? These barrel blanks come in sizes? Or am I missing some fact ( as usual).

Do like some of the old timers I know did. Take a lead (unplated) 22 bullet or small caliber pure lead round ball and peen it into the dovetail cut. You can match the barrel contour and the lead will age to a dark gray so as not to stand out too bad.

Show him a picture Ty.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:58 am

If its an old antique rifle, I don't like to center punch 'em or tap down the "wings" of the dovetail, although that does work good. Anymore, on a nice rifle I just lightly sandpaper the contact areas, degrease it and apply some epoxy. When it comes time to remove, a sharp tap with a light hammer knocks 'em loose. Or you can apply heat, but I have never found that to be necessary.---------------Sixgun

20cows · Post by **20cows** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 9:51 am

The blank I bought (from Williams sight co) had a hex set screw in it.

1886 · Post by **1886** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 2:04 pm

Rusty, I did not know Brownells was offering different sizes. I called them two years ago asking this very question. I was told only 3/8 was offered dispite some manufactures cutting their dovetail slots larger. Thank You. 1886.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 4:23 pm

I never modify the Dovetail in the barrel itself but centerpunch or peen the sight slot blank if loose.

Edit for spellling!! Duh!

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:09 am

Chuck 100 yd wrote:I never modify the Doveatil in the barrel itself but centerpunch or peen the sight slot blank if loose.

#1 rule of gunsmithing. Work on the cheapest part first.

If you can find a part# for those oversize blanks i sure would like having it.

big bear · Post by **big bear** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 2:52 pm

Likewise on # for oversize sight blanks.

barrel blank fit

barrel blank fit

Re: barrel blank fit

Dovetail blanks

slot