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Retro Gun Maintenance

addpillz
Hey guys,
I need some quick advice. I have an old colt Sp1 that is in almost immaculate condition. The only issue is the screw that holds the A1 sights on top if the receiver is a little rusted and stripped. I have ordered a replacement screw and it just got in the mail today. I would replace the screw myself but I am afraid of the screw driver will scratch the black matte paint on the screw. (Sorry I'm OCD about my guns, and I had this problem when building my AK) Is there a special screwdriver that I can find that will allow me to screw things without scuffing the finish? Should I just take it to a gunsmith and ask him to do it for me?
Thanks you guys!
-Pillz
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • wpage
    If you dont have a screwdriver that fits it perfectly. Take it to a smith...
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  • addpillz
    Thats prob what Im going to end up doing...How much do you think its gonna cost just for the guy to replace the screw?
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  • 11b6r
    Depends on your smith, I would take mine a piza and a beer and we would be even. If you are going to work on guns, get a set of Chapman's, or a set from Brownells. One handle, mutiple hollow ground tips. When they fit the slot- width, depth, and breadth- they don't slip.
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  • nononsense
    addpillz,

    Even something as minor as tightening a screw can be daunting without the proper tools and techniques, OCD not withstanding.

    I can suggest that you get a set of proper gunsmithing screwdrivers from a quality supplier. Those named are O.K. but there are better manufacturers. The key for gunsmithing screws is to use hollow ground driver or bits. These have a straight portion (parallel sides) at the tip instead of the tradition taper found on many screwdrivers for the home. To allay your fears of scratching the head of the screw, simply put a little masking tape over the head and carefully cut a slice where the slot is. Or you could even pre-slice the tape before application saving the fear of marking the bottom of the slot.

    Best.

    ADDED:

    Remember to keep two fingers next to the blade of the driver in order to keep it centered and controlled while rotating it. It's best to control the firearm in a padded vise which frees up both hands to control the driver and screw.

    Best.
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  • addpillz
    Thanks you guys for the help. I'm prob going to take it by a gunsmith because I assume that he will have the best quality tools already. If he cant do it, I'll jsut order the tools myself and do the tape trick!
    Thanks again for the help!
    -addpillz
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  • shoff14
    If you have a pedestal girder and your careful, you can make your own screw driver for it from a regular screw driver. [;)]
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