Filing front sight

[HardBall]

I wasn't sure how I should go about this so I wrapped up the barrel with tape and a t-shirt and went to work with a dremel and emery cloth.









Is this a proper method or do you guys just file away and flick off the filings?

I didn't take that much off so I'll need to come back and do it again once I verify my POI.

[Ed Wenger]

I'd be really careful with a dremel...  Usually a file will do the job very well.


         Ed

[HardBall]

I think you're right, Ed.  I'm a little nervous with a dremel but I knew I had a, relatively, long way to go.   I'll use a file next time, I just couldn't find mine this evening.

[Al Lapp]

I use a small flat file that is used to file the rakers on a power saw. And I do it at the range. As far as filings go I put a cloth around the base of the sight to catch most of the filings.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I too use a 6" mill bastard file, and a raker file is perfect.  To protect the barrel from an oooops! I read something here that has worked for me.

Take a lid from a coffee or ice cream can/bucket, and cut the rim off, leaving a piece of flat plastic.  Now, cut a slot in the middle that'll fit over your sight blade.  File away without any possibility of hitting the barrel.

[HardBall]

I too use a 6" mill bastard file, and a raker file is perfect.  To protect the barrel from an oooops! I read something here that has worked for me.

Take a lid from a coffee or ice cream can/bucket, and cut the rim off, leaving a piece of flat plastic.  Now, cut a slot in the middle that'll fit over your sight blade.  File away without any possibility of hitting the barrel.

Great idea with the plastic lid!  Now, what exactly is a "raker" file?  All I've ever used is typical bastards, some fine some coarse, I thought they were all bastards? ...not trying to be funny.

[Dr. Tim-Boone]

I think they mean a chainsaw file.. see them here :

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nicholson-02229B-3-Count-8-in-X-3-16-in-Round-Knurl-Cut-Chainsaw-File/19868439?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=19868439&sourceid=1500000000000003260430&veh=cse


Here is a definition of "Rakers" on the chain
http://www.forestapps.com/articles/rakers.htm

[James Wilson Everett]

I usually make the front sight much too high, so the gun shoots low.  While at the range, I file the front sight down until the bullet hits about 2 inches high at 25 yards.  Then later, back at the shop, I dress the front sight to give the proper shape.  I do not worry about the shape of the sight while at the shooting range, only the height.  Back at the shop, with a good vise and a variety of files, I do the final shaping.  I do not use any protective covering on the barrel, just be careful.

Jim

[HardBall]

So, a "raker" file is a round, aggressive file?  And you use this to draw file the front sight for gross adjustments?

[Rich]

I use a file. If you have a plastic lid (like on a coffee can), just cut a slit in it the size of the sight blade. It will protect the barrel and is easy to put on and off. I bring it to the range when sighting in.

[Al Lapp]

The raker file is a flat file approximately 1/2 to 3/4 in. wide by about 6 inches long. sorry it's raining and I don't feel up to going out to my truck to get the exact measurement.  Al   

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

What we're referring to as a 'raker' file, is a parallel sided flat file whose edges are smooth, and the tang is the same shape as the 'blade' with a hole in the end form hanging on a nail.  It is a single cut file.  It's used on a chain saw to reduce the height of the 'rakers' so that the chain's teeth can get a better bite on the wood.  They are good files, and I use one in my archery quiver for sharpening broadheads.

[kutter]

I make the blade high like everyone else, but taper it from back to front before I even take it to the range.
It's going to be tapered in that manner any way, and the pre-taper makes for easy filing work while at the range to make corrections.
You'll be only taking small amounts off of the high point of the taper to bring the shot group up instead of filing the entire length of the blade. Less chance of a slip, less work, easier to keep straight.
Once the right height is reached,you'll have a small flat with the rest of the pre-tapered blade ramp running forward of it. Back at the shop with everthing clamped in the vise nice and steady, you can trim that taper again back to the new sight height flat you filed down to at the range.

Not much special is needed in the way of a file, A medium cut flat file so it doesn't hang up on the thin blade is fine. I draw file it smooth and square when done with a fine cut file as a final touch.

[FRJ]

I like the coffee can lid. I use masking tape on the barrel to keep it free of scratches. FRJ