Best way to adjust front sight?
 

I recently purchased a 1923 DWM commercial model. A previous owner adjusted the front sight to the left. What is the best way to move it back to center? Tap it with a punch? Use some kind of sight adjustement tool? Take it to a gunsmith? Thanks.

Tapping it with a punch while securing the barrel in a padded vice is the best home remedy...,

a brass punch......

Yes...If you don't have a brass punch, a cheap home remedy is to take a small punch and place an expended .22 case over it. Presto! a brass punch!

I agree, a set of brass tools is essential to home gunsmithing but on occasion a small hardwood dowel will often do the job with absolutely no chance of damage to your project.

RE: small dowels. I've found that cheap chopsticks from a Chinese restaurant are perfect.

FN

RE: small dowels. I've found that cheap chopsticks from a Chinese restaurant are perfect.

Great idea Fred, I'll give them a try.

Thanks to all for your help. I used a steel punch inside a empty 22lr case. Worded like a charm.

I also make use of bamboo chop sticks. The bamboo has great strength, yet is much softer than metal. It's also good as a scraper and cleaner for small grooves when you sharpen one to a point.

Marc

I mostly use a brass drift, but I also have a few hard Teflon(I think) punches that work well also. I have never tried chop sticks, but that is a great idea.

Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it: Using Bamboo chop sticks to work on a German Luger war bring-back.

.......... in America

Question: if my Luger is shooting to the left, I should drift the front sight blade to the right, correct? Just checking..... thanks!

I was getting some nice groups from my mis-matched P08, but it shoots about 1 - 2 inches left of the bullseye at 30 - 50 feet. Not a big deal, but I'd like to tweak it if I can.

Seems like the blade on front should move to the left to move the POI to the right.
dju

Yes correct.
As far as chinese chopsicks are concerned I've been using them for years for cleaning the inside of the barrels; they are pretty strong and don't scratch the steel.

Sergio

Why would anyone need to adjust a luger sight at all? First of all the sight are aligned at the factory I'm sure! Why would it be needed in the first place? Maybe for windage that chages daily! Are there any other hand gun of the period with this feature? ~Eric

All guns, shotguns, rifles, handguns, need to be adjusted to shoot where you, the individual shooter, wants them. On a handgun, for instance, a large hand has the trigger finger further thru the trigger guard, causing a shift in POI. Loose grip, even different loads or bullet weights can cause a change in POI, up, down, right or left. Sometimes just 'cuz.
dju

I own two Lugers that shot to the left. I merely moved the front sight to the left, and BINGO, POA=POI. A couple of my friends have Lugers that shoot to the left also. I think that it is pretty common.

Heres a video from an old friend on site adjustment ~ Eric http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoRhzqnRmK8

I'm glad that someone found a use for chopsticks, cause I sure can't eat with the %$@# things!

Eric,
The one you call "an old friend" is a bit also a friend of mine!
I've been following Hickock45 for yonks now!

Sergio

Don't forget the Chopsticks little brother, the small bamboo skewers used for grilling. They are great for cleaning smaller areas and parts.

In answer to the question posed several posts above. You adjust the FRONT sight in the opposite direction that you want the bullet impact to move.

If you are using a gun with an adjustable rear sight. Rear sights are adjusted in the same direction that you want bullet impact to move.