OM Blackhawk, Can't Move Windage Screw

[Walter Rego]

I recently purchased an Old Model Blackhawk and cannot move the rear sight windage screw. I have tried soaking it in Kroil and applying heat with the tip of a soldering gun. I am afraid I'll twist the head off of the rather small screw if I apply too much pressure with a tight fitting screwdriver blade. I can get a replacement screw and spring from Brownells if necessary but how to remove or at least get that old screw started without damaging something ?
Thanks

 

[Pinecone]

Walter Rego, First off, is the sight blade maxed out one way or another? If not, continue with the Kroil (I prefer Liquid Wrench) for this chore. Get a very "tight" fitting full width screwdriver bit and install it in an "Easy Out" handle and "tap" several times and try again. Do this several times. Evidently it is either rusted or "someone" Locktite'd it in! Personally, I like to use a "Screw Jack" on these that won't move with ordinary methods but, not being a gunsmith, you probably don't have this equipment. If the Easy Out doesn't work, then I recommend you take it to a local competent gunsmith for resolution.....................Dick :wink:

 

[Walter Rego]

Luckily the blade seems pretty well centered in the slot. I have not yet shot this gun but don't expect that it will be a problem if i can't adjust the blade but it's a very nice 1967 unaltered 3 screw and I'd like it to be "right". I'll keep soaking some penetrating oil in it and try tapping on the screwdriver handle to see if I can break it loose.

 

[flatgate]

'67 vintage? Shop around a bit and get a replacement rear sight. They are quite common.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[rugerguy]

I would remove the sight from the gun and put it in a properly padded vise and be able to do the job "better" less chance of slipping off and boogering the gun, neatness does count.......(beside you can put better pressure on the needed area and at a better angle.....) :wink:

 

[Pal Val]

I would remove the sight from the gun and put it in a properly padded vise and be able to do the job "better" less chance of slipping off and boogering the gun, neatness does count.......(beside you can put better pressure on the needed area and at a better angle.....) :wink:

+1! The best way to keep a small problem from turnng big is to isolate it.

 

[mhblaw]

I am not sure, but if a NMBH rear sight will fit, let me know by pm and I will send you one. I have replaced all my NMBH rear sights with same from Bowen. Better sight picture and better looking too!

 

[BC Mike]

I'd shoot it first and see if it needed to move.

 

[Walter Rego]

I am not sure, but if a NMBH rear sight will fit, let me know by pm and I will send you one. I have replaced all my NMBH rear sights with same from Bowen. Better sight picture and better looking too!

mhblaw, thank you so much for your generous offer. However, Ruger changed the bottom surface of the sight around 1972-73 and added a "bump" that fits a milled out notch in the top strap. Brownells carries both OM and NM types of sights. I ordered a flat bottomed one from Brownells but sent it back as it is the new powder coated finish and not the anodized finish like an original OM would be.
I ordered a retaining pin, windage screw and spring also and kept those and will try removing the sight, clamping it in a vice and seeing if I can get the screw moving. I have some spare parts just in case I bugger the screw.

 

[mhblaw]

...and by the way, I did send an OMBH to Hamilton Bowen for conversion to 38 WCF a while ago, and as part of the conversion he removed the old rear sight for one of his target sights. Thus, he may have some OM rear sights for sale.