Front Sight change

[Presidio]

Considering changin' the front sights on my 58 remi's to a dovetail type.   I know, I know...but, I'm a little touched in the head.

Anyhow, jest wondering if'n there was any special way or tool needed to remove the existing front sight.  I don't know even which direction they screw in or even if'n they are seated (wedged) in

Appreciate any help and info from my Pards!

[Bull Schmitt]

I believe the Piettas are staked (wedged) in not threaded. YMMV

[Presidio]

Okay, any idea how ta pull 'em out? 

[Bull Schmitt]

Presidio,

I had to fix one for a friend. He had tried to adjust for windage by bending the front sight with a pair of pliers. The front sight came right off. There might have been a little solder under it - I just don't recall for sure.

[Presidio]

Okay...got me a set a pliers, hammers, vise', and blow torches.   Hmmm?  That'll to do it.

Course now, when-ever ya don't want something ta break...it always does.   And, when ya does want it ta break...it don't .  Go figure.

Anyhow, got me an old barrell I kin experiment with before I go an mess with muh good irons.  Soon as I does it the hard way and figure out how ta do it the easy way, I'll update ya!

Thanky kindly fer all yer help, Bull !

[Qball]

Howdy Presidio.
I have two italian -58 with dove tail front sight,
and when i shortend the barrels i had to cut new tracks for the frontsight.
I just bought a tre pointed file (the smallest i could find) and measured carefully
many times before starting to file. Maby ten minutes later i could mount the front sight.
The Hobby Gunsmith has an article about using a lathe to do it
http://www.hobbygunsmith.com/Archives/Apr03/Dovetail.htm
But it is possible to do it with a file. But be careful and take it slow.
You can look at my guns at the SCORRS picture page. Have fun.

[Bull Schmitt]

Yep Qball is correct. It can be done with a small three sided file. It helps to grind the teeth off of one side of the file. When filing the sides of the dovetail put the "toothless" side of the file down and you won't cut the dovetail deeper.