Front sight removal from Winchester 1917

[Mustang51]

I recently purchased a sporterized Winchester 1917. Part of the sporterizing involved grinding the front sight protective ears off.



I have purcahsed a front sight set from Springfield Sporters, but am having trouble getting the old sight off.

I removed the pin and front sight insert--no problem. The sight base and what remains of the front sight ring are stuck fast. I placed the barrel down on a 2x4, had my son hold it and banged away with a hammer and brass punch to no avail.

Any ideas?

 

[KenWP]

You need a front sight removal tool it looks like a backwards gear puller and it pushes the sight out of the grove its in. You could probbably make one somehow also. Amazing what a screw type tool will do compared to trying to hammer one out of the notch.

 

[Mustang51]

Where would I get such an animal?

 

[gb6491]

You might want to try some PB Blaster on it (most auto parts store carry it).
I've also found the application of a little heat from a torch (or heat gun) helps free stubborn parts.
A bigger hammer and punch can work wonders as well.
Regards,
Greg