Installing dove tail filler piece on rifle.....

[thunderpout]

I installed new sights on a Marlin lever action rifle... the rear sight is a reciever mounted ghost ring sight.  So now I have to fill the dove tail cut in the middle of the barrel where the old rear sight was.  (its pretty sharp, and it looks kinda weird...)  I found a dove tail filler piece to put in, and was told to use a brass mallet and a brass drift/punch to install it without wrecking the metal and bluing on the filler piece.   Well I used the right tools, but by the time the filler piece was 2/3 in I already beat the crap out of it!  I ordered a new filler piece, I hate to bring the gun to a gunsmith and have it tied up for a month for such a small job, so Im gonna give it a second try.  How tight should they fit in the cut?  Should one use some kind of grease/lube do get the piece in easier?  I was wondering if I should file it down enough so a nylon punch/drift would be enough to get it in without ruining the filler piece?   Maybe a place where I can walk in and have it put in for me?  Any help/suggestions? Thanx!

[rod-man]

I think the barrel dovetail is actually taperd
try a little dish soap as lube and try one way, if to tight try the other direction.
otherwise call Gander Mtn. gunsmith as a walk in.

[cobb]

I put a filler in my Winchester 94 when I a installed a receiver peep sight.  The filler I used had a small set screw in it, so it slipped in fairly easy and then I just tightened the set screw to keep it in place.  This was several years ago, but I think I got it from Brownells.
If you do use dish soap as a lubricant, make sure to clean off any residue or it may damage the finish.  I lubricate screwdriver with round shafts with dish soap when removing or installing rubber butt plates on rifles, it keeps from damaging the hole in the rubber butt plate.  But in a couple cases I have not wiped all of the dish soap off of the screw driver and it severely discolored the shaft.

[thunderpout]

Thanx guys.... The dove tail cut in the barrel isnt tapered, measured it last night, but the filler peice is on both sides... no set screw... just friction, so this time Im trying it with a buddies help that has a good assortment of needle files and with some supervision,  im gonna try to pull this off without any damage this time ... must think: babysteps! I respect gunsmiths more and more as Ive attempted things like this over the years...   Think how much work they get from people's botched attempts at things like this!

[HD]

You can do it Thunder! Just take your time........

[thunderpout]

Hey Hunter... the secret definatly was in takin my time an doing it right....( having the right tools is good also ) My buddy had some nice little files so he kept an eye on me and we made out just fine this time around!  the new levergun is a thing of beauty!   Now to see what it'll do for me, Eh?