Help! : Mk II Gov't Target Model

[Jeff]

I just purchased online a B-square full rib mount for my Ruger Mk II Gov't Target model. I also bought a BSA red dot 42mm scope, my first red dot.

I'm having trouble removing the rear sight on the pistol.

How do you get that sucker off?

I'm not sure if the Target model's rear sight is different from a regular Mk II. I imagine this B-square mount is designed to fit on this gun; the description says: 6 7/8" bull barrel. Which is what I have.

The rear sight has a main screw which adjusts the elevation, and a small side screw whose purpose I can't figure out. I removed both of them and the sight seems fixed upon the receiver. Is it not meant to be removed?

I lined up the mount to the sight screws and it looks like it will fit perfectly if I can remove the rear sight.

Thanks for your help.

 

[JohnKSa]

I'm not familiar with the scope mount you're using, but here is how to remove the rear sight.

Left side of the gun is to your left when you are holding it pointed downrange.

There are two screws on the top of the sight. One is small and on the left side of the top of the sight. The second is large and more or less centered in the top of the sight.

The small screw on the left is the locking screw. Remove it and then tap the sight out of the dovetail from left to right.

The large screw on top of the sight is the elevation adjustment and needn't be removed. The small screw on the right side of the sight is the windage adjustment and shouldn't be removed either.

 

[chevrofreak]

My MKII had a wedged in rear sight that was slightly tapered and could only be pounded out in one direction.

If you havent already opened hte package I suggest taking the 42mm back and trading it for a 30mm. I had a 42mm and it was just too damned big. The 30mm is just about perfect. Also, I hope you got the model with the knob rather than the pushbuttton.

 

[Jeff]

Thanks for the advice, all!

I am finding out how difficult it is to remove one of those dovetails. It is not easy. No luck yet. I guess I am going to have to keep on pounding.



I did get one with the knob control, rather than the push-button. I did already open up the package, so I guess I will stay with the 42mm.

 

[JohnKSa]

Go to the hardware store and by some thick brass rod stock. Cut a section and file the ends flat and use it as a punch.

Make sure the receiver won't move during the pounding operation and also make sure that you're driving the sight from left to right.

For really stubborn dovetails, I will duct-tape the receiver for grip and to protect it. Then I place it on a 2x4 and stand on the receiver so it doesn't move while I use the punch and a hammer to drive the dovetailed part out.

I've never had one I couldn't move, but I've had to really sweat on a couple.

 

[whitebear]

When I removed the rear sight on my MKII, for the same reason as you are, I ended up with the barrel/receiver unit in a very large vice with brass jaws, wailing away on a large brass punch with a 3-lb hammer.

It still took several minutes to remove the sight, and yes, I WAS moving it in the right direction through the dovetail. (I checked the written directions several times during the process.) Interesting anaerobic exercise.

Good luck!