Gunsmith question on Merrill front sight removal and replacement

[ewmail15]

Could any gunsmith here help me figure out how to remove the brazed front sight on my 1863 Merrill carbine? Barrel was badly rusted and a former owner must have tanked it, resulting in the sight becoming little more than a nub. Tried a mapptorch last night but after a few minutes and no luck I figured better to ask an expert.

Next question would be if anyone has or has made a replacement front sight, and what is the original sight metal? On my Sharps carbine, I had to pick up some German silver and cut/shape/drill hole/create peg to fit into the brazed-in-place sight support frame. Thanks, Eric.

[John Holland]

My reference is from a 1st Model Merrill Carbine: The front sight is an iron blade with an iron base. It is a single unit, that is, it is one piece. It is also dovetailed, brazed in place like a Springfield musket, with the base being contoured to match the barrel. I have never seen a reproduction replacement. With any rusting on top of brazing, I would imagine that the sight will be very difficult to remove without damaging the surrounding barrel.

[marv762]

maybe a good gun smith in your area can use a milling machine to remove the base down and cut in a new dove tail for you. you could then make a new sight to get you finished

[Charlie Hahn]

Don't claim to be a gunsmith, but would be willing to take a look at the National.

Charlie Hahn
410-627-4726

[ewmail15]

Charlie, where is the national held? Pardon the lack of knowledge. I lucked into a $2 garage sale find 1859 Sharps carbine in parts and have now two CW era carbines to hang on my wall, fully functional, pending gunsmith green lights. I'd love to fire some light powder rounds some day.

[Charlie Hahn]

Winchester VA. Here is my cell number, 410-627-4726. I am located near Ocean City MD.

[ewmail15]

Charlie, without work I can't swing a trip like this. Had to sell my 1915 WWI FW Holler Solingen sword to buy the Merrill. Would pics suffice on how to go about fixing or replacing the front sight?

Eric

[bobanderson]

Check your private messages.