my first ak47, I can't seem to drift the front sigh

[Springfield fan]

I just bought my first AK 47! When I got it home I noticed the front sight is not drifted to center. I checked online to see hoe this is done and I just can't get the thung to move. Anyone have experience with this problem and know how to fix it?
Thanks.

 

[chickenman]

So it has canted to one side? Not line up with the gas tube?

 

[Fordtough25]

I just bought my first AK 47! When I got it home I noticed the front sight is not drifted to center. I checked online to see hoe this is done and I just can't get the thung to move. Anyone have experience with this problem and know how to fix it?
Thanks.

Are you using a front sight tool?

 

[cobber]

Are you using one of these?

If not, a good investment, IMO.

 

[Springfield fan]

I have tried the front sight tool and it wont move. It is not canted, the sight post itself is not centered. Sits to the left. Seems stuck.

 

[chickenman]

Have you shot it yet? My is off alittle too but shoots fine.

 

[Fordtough25]

I have tried the front sight tool and it wont move. It is not canted, the sight post itself is not centered. Sits to the left. Seems stuck.

Sometimes they are stuck pretty bad, spray it down with PB Blaster or WD 40 or something and let is soak for a bit. Then re try the tool. You can also use a punch and a hammer but I don't recommend it.

 

[cobber]

If the tool isn't properly seated, you may just be exerting force against the sight body itself.

 

[Springfield fan]

No, I haven't shot it yet. I dont know that it needs adjusted, it is irritating me some that I cant get it to move.

 

[sloughfoot]

The sight mover tool is a good investment.

Another option is a bench vise and a couple of sockets to move the sight over. Appropriately sized sockets of course.

I have the sight mover, but my AK required the force that a bench vise can bring, to get it to move.

 

[LEaSH]

Have you shot it yet? My is off alittle too but shoots fine.

Best to listen to this advice: make shooting it your first step (in gauging accuracy). otherwise you might be chasing your tail when you get it perceived "straight".

Your very first step would be to field strip it and make sure nothing seams out of place mechanically. For safety sake. Then go shoot the sucker.

 

[paddling_man]

As mentioned: Shoot it. Problem? PB Blaster then front sight tool.

They've got some kinda crazy communist, eastern bloc loctite that, if we could import it, we would make a killing. I can't begin to describe how tight the stock screw was on my VZ-58. Doglb finally got it loose but I think it took three guys.

 

[kb66]

I would definitely shoot it first, chances are it is moved over for a reason. There may be just a slight cant and instead of fixing the cant, it could be corrected by just adjusting the front sight.

 

[Blythes]

Most font sight tools like those sold at gun shows or from TAPCO are mostly worthless. I've had nothing but bad luck with them all until I used this device:

Unbreakable AK front sight tool, for windage and elevation adjustment

Well worth the investment.

 

[msirelan]

Shoot it and see if it is off and if you need to adjust it and you can't thread the post all ghe way out and then try to get it to move left and right

 

[TheDude]

If the tool isn't properly seated, you may just be exerting force against the sight body itself.

Yes... make sure its lined up.

 

[smokingman]

Shoot it first.

If it needs adjusted try the following.
1.Clear the rifle
2.Lock the receiver in a vise(use rubber pads or cloth to protect it).
3.Put the sight adjustment tool on.
4.Use a plumbers torch and heat the sight.
5.Adjust(with pliers it will be hot).

When it cools the sight may be "stuck" again in the new position.Shoot it and see where you are at.The heat may also totally unstick the front sight and it may move/creep all over the place.If the later happens use loctite after you get it where you want it at the range.

 

[sharkey]

As mentioned: Shoot it. Problem? PB Blaster then front sight tool.

They've got some kinda crazy communist, eastern bloc loctite that, if we could import it, we would make a killing. I can't begin to describe how tight the stock screw was on my VZ-58. Doglb finally got it loose but I think it took three guys.

Shhh! Don't give GM any ideas. Their love affair with red and yellow loctite is foul enough.