Several folks have recently inquired about sight installation, and I thought I'd post some pics about mounting the Williams FP 94/36. If I can do it, anyone can. Anyway, hope this helps get someone started who needed a bit of encouragement.
Here's all you need: Tap is 6-48, and drill is supposed to be a #31, but I used a slightly smaller #33. I like the 'straight-flute' carbide ones. (...the 'guide' I have says use #33 for a 6-48 but #31 for a 6-40...?). I got Tap Magic at the Ace Hardware in town. A good center-punch is a must, and drill press.
Here's the specific parts I ordered from MidwayUSA:
- Drill Bit - $20.99
- Tap - $2.29
- Handle - $4.49
I may have done overkill on the drill bit, but it cuts through gun receivers like they're butter. Also, I wound up liking a tap handle I bought locally a bit better (deeper divet in the top for guiding on drill press).
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The sight needs to be far enough rearward that the case will eject; a bit behind the boltface's rearmost travel seems to work fine. If you haven't deactivated the semi-safety, you shouldn't cover it up.
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Drill the first hole.
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Then TAP the first hole. I like using a piece of rod or bolt that fits in the top end of the tap handle, and have the drill press 'guide' (no pressure downward) the tap as I turn it by hand, backing up a partial turn for every turn or so clockwise. Use lots of Tap Magic; it does seem to make a difference vs. 'WD-40'. I tap clear through and when the tap turns very easily you're done and can raise the chuck and back the tap out.
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Countersink the holes very slightly or otherwise de-burr them.
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Mount the sight with the first screw, and level it front to back before center-punching the second hole. Ideally your punch should be 'snug' enough in the sight's hole to be centered; 'eyeballing' it is too tricky. Some folks use a smaller drill bit just fitting the sight hole, or they will slip a very small bit inside a 'bearing' sleeve of tubing that fits the sight hole, and use the drill to 'mark' the second hole and start it at the same time.
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Drill the Second hole.
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Both holes drilled now.
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Put it all back together. (You might want Steve Young's DVD for this part...)
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Andrew Johnstone, RPh/MD
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
Links:
-Drill, Tap & Install Receiver Sights By J. Marshall Stanton
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