Ruger LCP Front Sight Removal

[TigerCreek]

I volunteered to restore a relative's Ruger LCP Custom had been found after being lost for a year - wedged in the seat of their golf cart.
The gun is functional but needs some serious servicing.
I've managed a complete disassembly except for the extractor - which has a detent that doesn't quite line up with the access. I hope to remedy this with a punch smaller than 1/16.
The issue that I'm not sure about is the front sight.
It mounts with what appears to be a VERY shallow headed 3/16 bolt.
The 3/16 socket I have in my Wheeler kit has just enough shoulder to it so as not to allow the socket to mate with the bolt head.
I'm considering grinding down 3/16 nut driver for a better fit but thought I would stop by for some advice from someone who may have run into this same thing.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Photos please. Don't front sights normally mount with tiny screws requiring a 5/64 Allen wrench or smaller. 3/16 just doesn't sound right...to me.

 

[TigerCreek]

I "borrowed" these pictures from gunsumerreports.com

 

[sparkyv]

I would grind down my nut driver, as you stated, TigerCreek. I would also grind the nut driver face flat, remove any bevel or chamfer it may have to allow it to grip that shallow bolt head as best as possible.

 

[TigerCreek]

That was my plan. I believe it is the same way a Glock front sight attaches - but with a shallower screw head.
I plan to either grind down a driver or my Glock socket, heat it up real good and give it a shot.
My big concern was rounding off the shallow head of this screw - then I'd really be screwed.

 

[Varminterror]

Grind down a socket - or as you call it, nut driver. Been doing it for 20yrs myself to service Glock sights.

If you round it off, then grab a dremel and grind off the head, or drill out the center, and start over. It’s not brain surgery, it’s just a small bolt.

 

[TigerCreek]

Nut driver walls are too wide.
Glock socket was the ticket with it's thin wall.
Ground it down 1/16" to remove the chamfering and it worked like a charm.

 

[4v50 Gary]

I'd put the socket head in a lathe and turn it down. Custom tool! Big bucks!

 

[TigerCreek]

I don't know about big bucks but it wouldn't hurt to look into it.
Turn the sides and remove the chamfer from the top.