Model 14 rear sight question... good pics added!

[Recoil Rob]

I just picked up a Rem M14 at an auction, it has a tang sight mounted but the original rear sight is missing and I'd like to replace it.

The rear of the barrel has a dovetail cut into it and then behind that there's another cut across the barrel top about 1/8" wide. It looks as though some part of the original rear sight sat down in it.

Anyone have more info about this or a lead on a replacement? No go at Numerich.

Thanks, Rob

[Recoil Rob]

Thanks for the confirmation, so I first have to determine what year my gun was made to find the proper rear sight. What sight was used after the #117-1/2?

Can a # 117-1/2 be turned down enough to allow use of the tang sight?

[Recoil Rob]

Here's a pic of it, s/n 1114014, 117-1/2 or 701-1/2?

[Recoil Rob]

I'll get back to you on that, I pick it up tomorrow.

No matter what the age turns out to be I'd rather use the wheel if it allows use of the tang sight.

I'm looking through my copy of OLD GUNSIGHTS and for the M14 the list 7 optional rear sights including 3 folding leafs as well as the 117-1/2, which is also listed as standard. I suspect it was standard for the earlier guns ad optional for the later ones.

Thanks, Rob

[Recoil Rob]

I picked up the gun today and it's actually in much better shape than I first thought, all stampings are crisp, blue is very good and there is still case color on the trigger and loading gate. Wood's fine too.

I suspect the rear sight is a Lyman 1 or 2 R14, the knurled vertical adjustment knob is frozen, I'll have to give it a few drops of Kroil during cleaning. I'll also lap the muzzle, looks like it can use it, but the bore is immaculate. I'll probably just look for a Lyman #6 foldng leaf for the rear, or may just leave it alone. Notice the small marks around the filled rear dovetail slot, is that normal? What about the area under the forend, it doesn't look finished either.
I have included photos of all the markings, can you date this more accurately?

I noticed the the butt plate has been removed before but I don't have the proper screwdriver here and I'm curious to see if there's anything under it. Are the butts hollow? The previous owner marked his initials (ASP?) on the grip cap area, no problem, adds to the history.

Notice that little curly cue mark in front of the trigger guard, is that on all of them?

Lastly, you mentioned a cartridge counter, is that in the middle of the brass case head?

I thank you for all your help.

regards, RR

[shot1too]

The DG 3 date is a problem as a date code followed by the number 3 means the rifle was repaired at the factory on that date. A check of the factory list of sn for the Model 14 indicates the receiver was made in 1930. I don't have all my records but I don't think any model 14 rifles were made after 1937. REM141 may have more up to date records. If the barrel was replaced at the factory the rifle will only have the repair date on the barrel and no assembly date. With the pictures you have posted and the information I have at hand, I would say your gun was made in 1930. It's a fine looking Model 14.

[Recoil Rob]

Both my parents were born in 1928, I'm going with that!

Thanks to you all very much for all the help, if I get a deer with it this year I'll post a pic.


Thanks, Rob

[Recoil Rob]

Gentlemen,

I may have located a 147-1/2 wheel sight for my M14 but the seller tells me it missing a spring that seats on the underside of the sight.

Is this a coil or leaf spring and is it easily replaceable?


Thanks, Rob

[Recoil Rob]

Bump, anyone have an answer?


Thanks, Rob

[Recoil Rob]

Well, I've been told different and a member of the board was kind enough to offer to send me an extra spring he had, though it hasn't arrived yet. It fits into the grooves and makes the wheel click to a letter/spot and holds it there.

My barrel has the extra slot.

[Recoil Rob]

You didn't make me feel mad, or bad.

I haven't found the answer yet so I didn't post it. I still don't know what the part looks like.

You said "It looks more like a bearing to me than a springgg.." I'm curious as to what you're referring to, since there's no picture of the spring in this thread and you said there wasn't a spring to begin with.

Rob

[wiktor]

From what I have seen on my guns is that Remington stopped using the wheel sight around 1919. Yours would have had the regular leaf style rear sight with a stepped elevator and small screw anchoring a windage adjustable plate on the rear sight, it would not have had a wheel type sight. There is a small leaf type spring on the wheel type sights to hold the adjustment. It is a leaf with a small dimple in the middle. I hada beater 14 refinished by a gunsmith once and he lost the spring.Also bought one that had the spring missing, if you buy a used one, be sure it has the spring. Again though, a wheel sight would not be original to your rifle.

[Recoil Rob]

Thanks for the info. I understand the wheel sight would not be original to my gun but it was listed as an optional sight to the end of production. I feel that, as was noted above, the wheel sight could be turned down enough to allow use of the tang sight and brought back up if needed. It will also cover that peening on the barrel.

Again, thanks for the info about the leaf spring.