Sights and Dovetails

[bighole]

Hello,

What should the dimensions be for the dovetail slot in the barrel and the dovetail on the sight for say 3/8"?

I was told by a gunsmith the slot in the barrel will always be larger than 3/8" (.375) so the sight needs to be a bit larger than the 3/8" as well to get a proper fit.

I have a sight where the dovetail is exactly .375 but the slot on the barrel is .378.

Thanks!!

 

[mckutzy]

just take a prick punch and make a few marks in the barrel, the sight should fit snug in the slot, a fine file to take off a bit if there is too much of a dimple made. a few light taps should do it.

 

[wvmtnman]

I also agree on punching the barrel on the little piece that is over the sight base. If you don't want round holes in the barrel, I would use a punch that was modified, so that it does not leave a hole. YOu could take a regular punch and grind it on the end a little, leaving the edges rounded.
Brian

 

[wulf]

I have tinned the underside of the sight base
adding enough material to make a very tight fit.
The solder can be filed flat and tapped into
possition and stay there...