Fixing 71-72 uberty front sight

[Herbert]

The front sight on my open top Uberty diapeared ,i have got another one but need advice as to the best way to permantly fix it whithout destroying the finish,it hapened before and i glued it back with locktight but this is ovisly not good enough,any help will be apreciated

[Coffinmaker]

First you have to clean the slot out really well.  Then I would recommend a tiny bit of JB Weld.  After cleaning the slot out, also swab it out with lacquer thinner and let it dry completely.

Coffinmaker

PS: A good Epoxy will work well too.

[Herbert]

First you have to clean the slot out really well.  Then I would recommend a tiny bit of JB Weld.  After cleaning the slot out, also swab it out with lacquer thinner and let it dry completely.

Coffinmaker

PS: A good Epoxy will work well too.

I am in Australia and am not sure what JB weld is or weather it avalible,but thank you for the advice

[Coffinmaker]

Herbert,

JB Weld is basically a form of metal filled Epoxy.  Very tough stuff.  You would normally find it in an Auto Parts store or a really complete hardware store.  Someone with a comprehensive selection of adhesives.

Uberti Open Top sight blades were installed at the factory with a combination of glue and staking.  Normally, after losing the sight blade, Just a good Epoxy or JB Weld will do the trick.  Staking a second time usually results in screwing up the blueing around the sight blade.

Coffinmaker

[Montana Slim]

I recently replaced the front sight on one of my 1860 Colt's (Uberti). I used the generic replacement sight from Dixie Gun Works.
First, I recontoured the replacement to look more streamlined, to match it's "mate". Then I cleaned the slot and test-fitted. It was a bit loose...so, I used a round piece of steel (3/8 dia) to peen the slot (lie across the slot & tap with a hammer). This closes the top edge of the slot a bit. Another test fit...just partway as it was going to fit snugly..looked pretty good. Next, I applied a couple drops of "permanent" (red) Loctite. Then, using a nylon punch & hammer, tapped it in all the way. Wipe-off excess Loctite.

The insertion method is best described as being a rotated "slide-in"...muzzle to breech....while tapping with a plastic mallet. Finish with the nylon punch. The barrel digs into the sight as you tap it in. Alternately, you can try to peen in the sides of the slot while holding the sight in place, but I find the former method much easier. No damage to the blue finish, either.

Best as I can describe....too bad I don't take time for photos.... If did that, I'd have enough material for my book..

Best,
Slim

[Herbert]

I have tryed the red locktight but i did not peen the barell,it lasted about 1000 shots before the sight vanished,i have no douts if i had peened it in as well it would still be there,I got some (Permatex COLD WELD)from a auto parts place,it is rated as shear strenth of 3000psi after 16 hrs,it should do the job ,they did not have JB weld,any one have experince with Cold Weld

[Montana Slim]

Herbert, If you peen it a tad as described above, it won't matter what adhesive product is used....it just provides a bit of secondary "hold".

Regards,
Slim

[Herbert]

Herbert, If you peen it a tad as described above, it won't matter what adhesive product is used....it just provides a bit of secondary "hold".

Regards,
Slim

Thank you ,will do as you describe