1903A3 elevation adjustment

[heatheroo]

Took the 03A3 out for the first time Saturday. recoil causes the elevation to slide forward to the lowest position after every shot. I tried to tighten the screw but it appears to be bottomed out. Should I disassemble the sight and bend the piece of metal that engages the elevation detents?

[RockIsland]

Took the 03A3 out for the first time Saturday. recoil causes the elevation to slide forward to the lowest position after every shot. I tried to tighten the screw but it appears to be bottomed out. Should I disassemble the sight and bend the piece of metal that engages the elevation detents?

Are you shooting with the sight flipped up?

Unless I'm shooting 300+ yds, I keep mine flat.

You still should be able to find NOS or used sight parts pretty cheap. Though it's been a while since I've looked.

[heatheroo]

There is no flip up. This is an 03A3 vs. an 03. The rear sight is an aperature with windage and elevation adjustment similar to Garand sights.

[RockIsland]

There is no flip up. This is an 03A3 vs. an 03. The rear sight is an aperature with windage and elevation adjustment similar to Garand sights.

I was thinking of an '03 sight.

[Gunsnwater]

https://ernstarmory.com/category.sc?categoryId=44

[abner13]

Should I disassemble the sight and bend the piece of metal that engages the elevation detents?

Yep , a bit of tweeking is what it needs.

[Hawk]

You need to either replace the Slide Aperture spring or re-bend it to increase the depth/tension of the engaging tab that indexes the elevation teeth. Then use blue Loctite to secure the retaining screw.

While you're at it, you can make course rear sight adjustments to help center the rear aperture windage if when zeroed it's off to one side. See this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTmLVz54e8g

Part: https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/717750


IMG_45733.jpg

[heatheroo]

Finally got around to bending the spring and, naturally, it broke. So.....I ordered a replacement and now I wait.

[Gunsnwater]

Finally got around to bending the spring and, naturally, it broke. So.....I ordered a replacement and now I wait.

That’s why you had trouble. It was weak.

[Delkal]

That’s why you had trouble. It was weak.

Yep. Springs should be springy so the metal was not tempered correctly at the factory (they were very busy during WW-II).

Sorry but it is out of warranty. Might take a little searching but it should be a relatively cheap fix.