Ok - I took out the Garand last weekend to get serious with it.
First thing: while sighting, the elevation dial would click but not move the aperture. I tried tightening he screw - then it would work... kinda... But, the clicks were not confident. Sometimes it would click, other times the dial would click without moving the aperture...
I did disassembled and cleaned the sites last year.
I could use some guidance on this whole topic. Basically, I need instructions on how to set up the rear site after disassembly and then sight in.
Can anyone share some links or videos?
You might need to pull it apart and clean any petrified grease out of the rack and pinion, besides making sure it's in good shape. Replacing the rear sight cover (a spring) is also a good idea; I found a couple of NOS covers on fleabay last year, or you can carefully adjust it. Make sure the little tit on the elevation drum is present, as that's what gives you the positive click detents.
For instructions, the CMP's old website is pretty good. Just watch out for broken links.
http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/striphtml/detailstripsight3.html (http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/striphtml/detailstripsight3.html)
http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/assemblyhtml/reassemblerearsight3.html (http://www.civilianmarksmanship.com/assemblyhtml/reassemblerearsight3.html)
After you assemble the sight, with the windage screw loose, tighten the elevation drum screw good and tight. I then tighten the windage screw until I can no longer adjust windage, then back it off. This keeps the aperture from sliding down when you fire (DAMHIKT).
When you tighten the bondage side, it'll pop really loud, tighten it until the second one. It'll pop 3 times, but the 3rd you won t be able to adjust your sight anymore
I had the same challenge on one of my Garands (field grade). I disassembled and inspected to find the serrations on the receiver to be very worn.
Cleaning, adjusting, and a repair disc from Fulton Armory did the trick. :)
ETA: As I recall, the pinion had some pretty heavy wear as well. Probably years of neglected maintenance. It was a couple of years ago, but I think I replaced it too.
Thanks fellers.
I will work on it this weekend and let you know how it goes.