K31 rear sight base removal

[Pripyat]

I can't find any resources on how one would go about removing the rear sight base from a K31. There is no screw head visible at all. There is a dimple that looks like it could have been a screw at some point but there is no screw head. It is just an exposed (tapered) through-hole in the bottom of the rear sight base. Makes me wonder if someone possibly drilled off the top of the screw in the past?

I've read these are soldered on but I see no evidence of solder around the dovetail. Any input is appreciated.

 

[boom boom]

There is a guy named Guisan who is the fount of all Swiss rifle knowledge,
here is his take http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=122630

Darn, just found out that Guisan passed away this year.
At one time he ran this messageboard where you can maybe find some help. http://theswissriflesdotcommessageboard.yuku.com/directory

Here is a translated version of the K11 carbine and K31 manual
http://www.swissrifles.com/sr/english_k11_k31_manual.pdf
Page 12 illustration and parts list of the rear sight does not seem to show a retaining screw on either model. It is possible that the hole you see was simply to hold the sleeve in place while being soldered. Front sight removal though is more involved.

On either of these forums, if you plan on sporterizing it after removal of the sight base, expect to get some abuse.

Also try,

http://www.sporterizing.com/index.php?showforum=12

Good luck.

 

[Pripyat]

That is likely all the guidance I will need. Thanks!

I keep adopting other people's gun projects - I need to start charging $ or something. But then I wouldn't get to play with everyone else's firearms..

Basically the guy acquired the rifle already sporterized. Barrel lopped off unevenly (terrible looking crown) and most of the stock has been removed. Still a stunning looking weapon, though. The rear sight is missing and the action has been drilled/tapped for a scope. He mounted a scope on the gun but ran into issues with cartridges striking the scope and denting the case necks. I actually tried throwing some see-thru mounts on it and it still didn't get the scope high enough to save the case necks.

So basically my thought was to recommend that he use the drilled/tapped holes for a sight of his choosing and benefit from the significantly longer sight radius. But, it would be nice to remove that rear sight mount to open up the field of view some.

Or, just get some used mil rear sights offline..

 

[velocette]

The K31 rear sight is held in place with a drift pin. In from the right, out from the left. Don't lose the spring under the sight.

 

[Pripyat]

The rear sight was removed by the previous owner. I'm trying to get info on removing the rear sight base. I did find that the dimple I was referring to earlier supposedly holds the spring in place.