10/22 front sight removal

View · by **blkcat** on Thu May 09, 2013 11:24 pm

I'm trying to install a pair of Tech Sights on my 10/22 but I can't for the life of me seem to get the front sight drifted out. The included manual and numerous sources online suggest that it's as easy as a few "tap, tap, taps" left-to-right with a punch but I whaled on mine for a good while with nothing to show for it but a few unsightly scratches on the sight base. My plan now is to leave it sitting overnight with some CLP to hopefully loosen the joint up a bit but I'm wondering if there's anything else I should try? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

View · by **Hammered Squirrel** on Fri May 10, 2013 6:57 am

I also am having this problem, any insight would be greatly appreciated. Though neither of my sights, the front or the rear sight, want to move at all.

View · by **Thunder71** on Fri May 10, 2013 7:05 am

First one I did was easy, second was new and wouldn't budge. Ended up taking it in and even with a sight tool they said it was stubborn.

In other words, I'd take it in... some of them are just next to impossible without pressing them out.

View · by **JFettig** on Fri May 10, 2013 7:52 am

clamp it in a vice with soft jaws and take a hack saw or dremel right through the middle of it until you're almost through, should relieve the pressure.

View · by **Yankee John** on Fri May 10, 2013 12:35 pm

JFettig wrote:clamp it in a vice with soft jaws and take a hack saw or dremel right through the middle of it until you're almost through, should relieve the pressure.

I have heard of people having to cut it out as well. Some people have recommended removing the 10/22 front sight from left to right. I think the key is having the barrel held solidly in a vice, or some other form of support.

On my 1978-dated 10/22, I installed the Tech 200 sights last week and it went very quickly and smoothly. I soaked mine with PB Blaster beforehand, and 2 whacks with a brass punch and it was out.

John

View · by **Strativarius** on Fri May 10, 2013 4:08 pm

I had the same problem with mine. I started out delicate and gentle, and by the end I was just whaling on that thing. Nothin. So I ended up taking it in. Joe's Sporting Goods charged me 20$ for it. At that point, it was worth it. Good luck!

View · by **fjrdc** on Fri May 10, 2013 6:58 pm

Heatgun, a few heat/cool cycles with some kroil or any other penetrating oil should be able tap it out with a brass punch...(while it's warm/hot)

View · by **tenmilmag** on Fri May 10, 2013 9:48 pm

Capra's changed out my damaged front sight on one my 10-22's. 20$ they might even have a brick them Federal Target Grade you ask him quietly

View · by **blkcat** on Sat May 11, 2013 6:14 pm

I finally gave up on the mallet and punch for fear of damaging the dovetail slot (or bending the barrel) and simply made a relief cut with a hacksaw as JFettig suggested. Came right out!

(and my goodness do those Tech Sights make a difference, this thing can shoot!)