Classic question, varied answers

[Ale-8(1)]

We're all familiar with that crosscut dovetail across some portion of the top surface on a gun where a rear sight can be tapped into place with enough of a snug fit that it will stay put but also allow the sight to be tapped laterally for windage in otherwise non-adjustable sights.

Some comments claim this fit is slightly tapered in width such that the sight can only be installed from one side and removed from that same side. Others claim that the cut is not so tapered and the sight could be driven straight thru in from one side and out the other. Or are there various applications where one cut is desired and others requiring the alternate cut?

Seriously. This has aways had me wondering and I've never tried to test one theory or the other for fear of messing up a rather precise piece of machining on barrel and sight itself. What say you, guys? (I'm anticipating a discussion.)

(Yes, I know the Single-Six Lightweights have a setscrew holding the rear sight in place, presumably because the aluminum frame's dovetail cannot be counted on to hold the sight without one.)

 

[Hondo44]

That's a good question and I doubt anyone has the exact answer including me.

Maufacturers could be different, I don't know if there's an industry standard practice or not, someone may know.

I'll share what I do:

If it' a sight dovetail, the direction is moot, you adjust it the way it has to go, and doesn't matter which way you remove it, but I treat it like a non-signt dovetail below.
If it's not a situation that must be adjustable, like a rifle tube magazine attachment dovetail, I install right to left and remove left to right.

 

[rugerguy]

...and yes in the old days ,mainly with old 22 caliber rifles, octagon barrels I always recalled were that way and had been as long as I worked in any of the gun shops back in the 60s and 70's and I broke in draw filing all them octagon barrels, getting them ready for bluing, wish I had a nickel for every barrel I draw filed by hand , and finished off with emery or aluminum oxide paper wrapped around the flat file, and yes the dovetailed slots were tapered, could see it by eye ( .... I did NOT say , "Naked eye")

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Dan, the "adjustable sight" dovetails were tapered or just the ones used to attach mag tubes or the like?

 

[M118LR]

Seriously, as a mechinisist, the cut is is machined to the the specs + or - the tolerance.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Seriously, as a mechinisist, the cut is is machined to the the specs + or - the tolerance.

Of course. What we're discussing is what the specified design profile is intended to be, and if more than one profile is involved.