Stripped elevation screw - Rem 870 Slug Barrel

[MJD]

Some years ago, I was sighting in my rifle-sighted 870 slug barrel. In my attempt to adjust the rear sight elevation, the screw stripped. I was using the correct tool, but that's besides the point...it's stripped now.

I relocated to an area where it's shotgun only and need to use this again. I'm looking for suggestions on how to remove it. New approaches I haven't thought of, etc.

A few details:
-The stripped center is too small for the rubber band trick.
-It's also too small for using those special bits for removing stripped screws (at least the ones I've seen). EDITED TO ADD: I was unaware of those super tiny Grabit bits.
-The screw is very nearly flush with the sight, so there isn't hardly anything to grab on to with pliers or the like.
-It's shooting several inches low at 50 yards at the moment, so I am hesitant to "leave it be" since shots at 100 yards aren't uncommon in these woods.

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[#1buck]

May be easier to order a new rear sight and carefully dremel the old one off.

 

[earlthegoat2]

May be easier to order a new rear sight and carefully dremel the old one off.

I’ve had to do this before on a 7600 rear sight which is identical. If you have to go this route it is very easy to do and a replacement sight is relatively inexpensive and very available from all the usual sources.

Other than that, if you have tried a variety of sizes of proper hollow ground screwdriver and none of them will work, I don’t see many more options.

 

[a5werkes]

These Grabit bits have worked every time for me. A couple of examples removing small stripped hex head screws. Finally, replace it with a torx
fastener if possible.
fastener

 

[MJD]

Thanks for the replies. I might look into this grabit micro - certainly worth a try, and if it doesn't work, I have a new tool!

 

[earlthegoat2]

I think you will need to drill a hole into the slotted screw head of the Remington rear sight to get the best results from the Grabit.

 

[a5werkes]

I think you will need to drill a hole into the slotted screw head of the Remington rear sight to get the best results from the Grabit.

That's how virtually all these type bits are applied ! One end is the left hand drill bit the the other end left hand extractor. Put your hand drill in reverse.....leave it there to perform both functions sequentially, drill>extract. In some instances, just drilling with the left hand bit will unscrew the fastener.