How to Tighten a Loose M1A or Garand Rear Peep Sight ~ Make it National Match Tight!

Published on September 21, 2021
Duration: 34:33

This guide details a method for eliminating play and wobble in the rear peep sight of an M1A or M1 Garand rifle using JB Weld for a 'steel reinforced epoxy' modification. The process involves disassembling the sight, thoroughly cleaning and degreasing components, applying a release agent (shoe polish/wax), carefully applying JB Weld to specific internal surfaces, reassembling the sight, and allowing it to cure. The result is a solid, precise rear sight with zero tolerance for movement, enhancing accuracy.

Quick Summary

To eliminate wobble in an M1A or Garand rear peep sight, use JB Weld Original. Disassemble the sight, clean components, apply shoe polish as a release agent, then apply JB Weld to internal tracks. Reassemble, cure for 24 hours, trim excess, and reinstall for a precise, zero-tolerance fit that enhances accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction: The Problem of Loose Sights
  2. 00:47Measuring Sight Play
  3. 01:30Impact of Wobble on Accuracy (MOA)
  4. 02:35Why Precision Tools Are Needed
  5. 03:35Disassembly: Removing the Sight
  6. 04:43Understanding the Rack and Pinion System
  7. 05:35Detaching the Spring Cover
  8. 06:15The Role of the Spring Cover
  9. 07:13Past Fixes: Rubber Bands and Shims
  10. 08:31The JB Weld Solution
  11. 08:55Materials Needed: Polish, Brushes, JB Weld
  12. 10:22Cleaning and Degreasing Components
  13. 12:01Applying Shoe Polish/Wax as Release Agent
  14. 14:13Preparing the JB Weld Mixture
  15. 17:14Applying JB Weld to the Sight Body
  16. 18:55Reassembling the Sight Body
  17. 19:52Cleaning Excess JB Weld
  18. 20:31Initial Curing and Release Check
  19. 21:41Trimming Excess JB Weld
  20. 23:49Final Curing and Inspection
  21. 24:11Testing the Tightened Sight
  22. 25:03Applying Rust Inhibiting Oil
  23. 27:26Lubricating Friction Surfaces
  24. 29:58Installing the Modified Sight Assembly
  25. 31:13Reinstalling the Pinion and Windage Knob
  26. 32:30Setting Windage Adjustment and Detents
  27. 34:15Final Check and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does play in an M1A or Garand rear sight affect accuracy?

Play or wobble in the rear peep sight of an M1A or Garand rifle directly impacts accuracy. Even a small amount of movement, like 0.008 inches, can translate to one minute of angle (MOA) at the target distance, leading to significant deviations.

What is the recommended method for tightening a loose M1A or Garand rear sight?

A highly effective method for tightening a loose M1A or Garand rear sight is using JB Weld Original (cold weld formula). This involves disassembling the sight, preparing the components, applying JB Weld to specific internal surfaces, reassembling, and allowing it to cure for a solid, zero-tolerance fit.

What materials are needed to fix a loose M1A/Garand rear sight with JB Weld?

You will need JB Weld Original, neutral shoe polish or butcher's wax as a release agent, an acid brush for application, alcohol or naphtha for degreasing, a sharp Exacto knife for trimming, and rust-inhibiting oil for post-modification lubrication.

How do you prevent JB Weld from permanently bonding the M1A/Garand rear sight components?

To prevent permanent bonding, thoroughly clean and degrease all sight parts, then apply a generous, even coat of neutral shoe polish or butcher's wax to all surfaces that will come into contact with the JB Weld. This acts as a release agent, allowing the sight to move freely after curing.

What is the proper curing and adjustment procedure after applying JB Weld to an M1A/Garand rear sight?

Allow the JB Weld to cure for at least 24 hours. After initial curing (4-5 hours), gently test for binding. Once fully cured, trim excess epoxy, then reinstall the sight. Back off the windage knob one to two detents from its fully seated position to allow for firm, adjustable windage.

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