CZ452 Front Sight Issue

[valtr0n]

So, upon receiving my CZ452 Lux today, I took it to the range. It shoots great. But I notice after about 4-5 shots, the front sight was coming a little loose. I didn't have a screwdriver small enough on me, so I packed up and went home to tighten it up.

I tightened it up just fine. But just a few minutes ago, upon trying to loosen it to make sure I hadn't overtightened it, half the slot head started to give way.

So, apparently, I overtightened it the first time. I didn't think I tightened it that much, just snug enough so that it wouldn't come loose anymore after a few shots.

What should I do now? Can a replacement screw be purchased? How do I remove a semi-broken screw?

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Call cz. I'm sure they will be glad to send you a new screw for free. You might invest in a screwdriver that fits the screw properly and put some blue locktite on it when it's zeroed in for you.

 

[valtr0n]

The screwdriver did fit upon first use. As the screw turned, the slot got bigger and bigger as it widened. It's not an uncommon issue, I've read about the front sight screw doing this (after, of course, I did it to mine.)

I'll try contacting CZ.

 

[valtr0n]

The screwdriver did fit upon first use. As the screw turned, the slot got bigger and bigger as it widened. It's not an uncommon issue, I've read about the front sight screw doing this (after, of course, I did it to mine.)

I'll try contacting CZ.

 

[hksw]

Happened to my Training Rifle. Took pictures, shot CZ an e-mail and they sent me a few in the mail no charge. For future reference, the screw size it M3 X .5mm as stated by CZ.

Also, watch out for the CZ scope ring screws. They are pretty brittle too. (And yes, CZ sent me a few of those too when I snapped a couple.)

 

[valtr0n]

Any suggestions on getting the broken screw out easily?

 

[hksw]

I had to knock the sight blade off of the base with a wooden wedge and tapped it out with a small hammer. The broken screw on my Training was loose enough that I just unscrewed it out of the blade's base with my fingers.

 

[Geno]

Ya know, that's funny. We have opposite problems. Some people tell me I "...have a screw-loose".

Give CZ a call. I'll bet ya a "virtual cigar" that they'll ship you a replacement screw for free, and no shipping charge.

 

[valtr0n]

I'm not gonna try and take it out until I get a replacement screw from CZ because as of right now it is tightened down where I want it... so if I take it off I won't be able to shoot it until the replacement arrives. However, I'm pretty sure it's in there tight enough that I'm not going to be able to twist it out with my fingers.

Would pliers work? Or tapping the edge of the remaining slot head with a punch and a hammer help?

 

[Geno]

Last time I did similar, the gunsmith had to drill the screw head, then reverse it out. They sell these tools, but unless you have a very precise drill press, I would let the gunsmith.

 

[esq_stu]

unless you have a very precise drill press, I would let the gunsmith

I agree. I have used "easy outs" (AKA screw extractors). They are very brittle too. And very very hard. If you break off the tip while trying to remove a stuck screw, you will make matters worse, because drilling out a screw extractor is near impossible without causing more damage to the hole, in my experience.

 

[hksw]

However, I'm pretty sure it's in there tight enough that I'm not going to be able to twist it out with my fingers.

You won't actually know how tight the fit between the screw and threaded hole is until you take the sight blade off. The tension between the screw, sight blade, and the base is what makes the screw seem tight with it still in place. When you knock the sight blade off of the base when the time comes, there should be a small portion of the screw extending out of the bottom to get ahold of. I'll bet when the blade is off, you'll be able to grasp that extension with your finger nails and slowly turn it out of the hole.

 

[valtr0n]

Those of you who've gotten replacements from CZ-USA, any of you remember how CZ ships?

The replacement was sent out last Thursday from what I understand, but I still haven't seen it in the mail. Will it come via UPS, Fedex, or USPS?

 

[hksw]

IIRC, all of my small parts from CZ came in small yellow/brown padded shipping envelopes via USPS.

 

[valtr0n]

Thanks. Hope it shows up soon.

It's killing me not being able to do anything with it!