I'm attempting to remove the solid pin that holds in the front sight on my model 640 so I can replace it with a fiber optic. I did it years ago on my 686, but this one is proving stubborn.
I seem to recall that I used a 1/16 punch to remove the pin, but I'm not sure. The hole that needed to be drilled in the replacement sight was a #55 drill bit (.054); that I do remember. And it worked out fine.
So ... would you recommend that I try a 1/32 punch if I can find one? Or will the 1/16 punch suffice if I can get the pin started? I have tried using the blunt end of the #55 but it eventually broke; the drill bit isn't that robust.
It does appear that the 1/16 might just fit through the hole in the sight base, but I am not entirely positive, since the pin takes up almost the entire hole. It seems like it might work, But I don't just want to wail on it.
I've also read that a #5 cup tip punch is really what is needed, but I know I never used that on my 686.
Also putting some penetrating oil on the hole, to help out.
Any ideas?
Thanks
I seem to recall that I used a 1/16 punch to remove the pin, but I'm not sure. The hole that needed to be drilled in the replacement sight was a #55 drill bit (.054); that I do remember. And it worked out fine.
So ... would you recommend that I try a 1/32 punch if I can find one? Or will the 1/16 punch suffice if I can get the pin started? I have tried using the blunt end of the #55 but it eventually broke; the drill bit isn't that robust.
It does appear that the 1/16 might just fit through the hole in the sight base, but I am not entirely positive, since the pin takes up almost the entire hole. It seems like it might work, But I don't just want to wail on it.
I've also read that a #5 cup tip punch is really what is needed, but I know I never used that on my 686.
Also putting some penetrating oil on the hole, to help out.
Any ideas?
Thanks