Drill and tap question

[crow#2]

Its not a ruger but just wanted to know if anyone here can give a tip or two about drilling and tapping a uberti 73 lever gun for a marbles sight. I ordered the sight and screws. Just curious how hard the tang metal is. Will it be very hard to drill and tap or easy?.I've drilled and tapped alot of hoes in the past few years but all were in muzzeloader parts and barrels and locks and such.

 

[NikA]

Can't comment on Uberti, but my experience is that most gun steels are manufactured for toughness and machinability and therefore are not especially hard to work on. The only exception I've noted is the tough steels in MSR bolt groups when nitrided can have a very hard case.

 

[needsmostuff]

I've drilled and tapped alot of hoes in the past few years

Only advice this old man can give is, if you leave them Hoes alone you will have more money left for guns.
Just sayin.

 

[Wvfarrier]

My win 1894 was not hard to drill and tap.

 

[crow#2]

Thanks guys

 

[crow#2]

Only advice this old man can give is, if you leave them Hoes alone you will have more money left for guns.
Just sayin.

WV farrier,,,lol I just now realized what I did. Leaving th LLLLLLL,S OUT can get a guy in trouble.

 

[Feel the 'Pane]

Use a brand new center punch
Use a quality cutting oil while drilling
Use new cobalt bits (pilot & final size)
Make damn sure you drill at the correct angles

Or take it to a professional.

 

[Johnnu2]

For a simple project like that, I would take it to a local (real) gunsmith....

J.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Most all of these only have the ONE screw holding them on.
They have had a lot more abuse shooting SASS than yours will and no problem.

 

[crow#2]

Wyandotte Jim
Do any of those sights have two screw holes but you only used one. Do you use double sided tape under the sights or is the shape of the tang and sight fit that makes them sturdy? Would be nice to not drill and tap.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Wyandotte Jim
Do any of those sights have two screw holes but you only used one. Do you use double sided tape under the sights or is the shape of the tang and sight fit that makes them sturdy? Would be nice to not drill and tap.

Both the Marble and Lyman have two holes. The curve of the tang keeps the sight from moving with one screw. The two 1895 45-70s bolt comes past the sight and just barely clears without a problem.
Just put the sight on and you will see what happens.
I have a drill press and clamps and it is still hard to drill the hole due to the angles. That is why I just use one screw on most.

 

[crow#2]

Thanks