Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

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grahng
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Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by grahng »

I want to put a filler in my dovetail. I have the correct size for the rifle but its very very snug. It satrts fine but then after about 3/16's, it won't budge any more. What is the proper way to adjust the filler to fit?
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2ndovc
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by 2ndovc »

Last time I had one that was too tight I just worked(the bottom surface) back and forth on a sharpening stone a few times. Worked just fine.

jb 8)
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Charles
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Charles »

The filler should be tight enougth so you have to tap it into place with a hammer and punch. But, not so tight you have to drive in causing damage all around. Most likely the filler block has some burrs or high places. I keep some Dykem (blue) lay out fluid so just such thing. I put some Dykem on the filler and tap it in. The fluid will be removed from the high place. So I remove a little metal with a stone or file and do it all over again. Sooner or later, you iwll have a perfect snug fit.

Dykem can be bought at any industrial supply house. It has many uses around a gun shop. Good old rubbing alchol will remove it.
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Blaine
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Blaine »

2ndovc wrote:Last time I had one that was too tight I just worked(the bottom surface) back and forth on a sharpening stone a few times. Worked just fine.

jb 8)
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Dave
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Dave »

2ndovc wrote:Last time I had one that was too tight I just worked(the bottom surface) back and forth on a sharpening stone a few times. Worked just fine.

jb 8)
This is the right answer.
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Nate Kiowa Jones »

Dave wrote:
2ndovc wrote:Last time I had one that was too tight I just worked(the bottom surface) back and forth on a sharpening stone a few times. Worked just fine.

jb 8)
This is the right answer.
I agree. The more you remove from the bottom of the filler the narrower/smaller it gets.
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by KSRtrd »

I gave up a put a lyman folding sight in the dove tail.
Pete44ru
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Pete44ru »

If the filler has a top/ledge which overhangs and lies atop the edges of the barrel dovetail, all filing and/or sanding of the bottom of the male dovetail will do is create a gap under the filler (or sight, if that's what's being fitted) - since the overhang will limit the filler from entering the lower position.

I've ALWAYS filed or stoned the 45-degree sides of the insert dovetail with a triangular file w/safe side or a small triangle India stone/hone, to reduce the width of the male dovetail, an RCH at a time.

.
Chuck 100 yd
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Chuck 100 yd »

I do like Pete44ru.
A jewelers file and a little time are all that is needed. File the slot blank, not the slot/barrel of course. :D
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Remington40x »

Williams used to make, and may still make, one with a tiny allen head screw in it. You centered the filler in the dovetail and then tightened the screw, which pressed the filler against the tapered portions of the slot. Worked like a charm and the one I installed about 20 years ago continues to hold tightly. I haven't touched it in all that time.
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grahng
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by grahng »

Hey thanks guys for all the info. I took a little off the bottom and she went it like she should. Tight but not to tight.
Thanks again!
Pete44ru
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Re: Adjusting dovetail slot filler to fit

Post by Pete44ru »

I'm glad that worked for you & that filler blank - it must have had only a minor burr or upset from forming.

FWIW, here's what a sight expert/maker (Dr.Tim Skinner) has to say about fitting, from his website:

"Fitting a front sight

Remove the front sight from the rifle using a brass punch and a mallet. Drift the sight from right to left

Hold the new sight to the left side of the slot and try to start the sight.
If it will start then drift it into center position using the brass punch and mallet.
If you cannot start it by hand, you will need to use a small triangular file to remove some metal.
Very little filing will be necessary.
File a couple of strokes then check.
File only on the sloped side of the dovetail and only file on one of the two surfaces.
The dovetail on the sight is made slightly oversize due to variations in width of the dovetail slot on the gun.
The goal is a firm friction fit that cannot be moved by hand, but can be moved with gentle taps of a punch and mallet
"

.
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