Taking apart a NM hood assembly for a M-14 / M-1A / M-1 Garand is not recommended, because it is difficult to re-assemble without losing or damaging some of the internal parts.  

However, if:

• You want to change aperture size without having to change an elevation rack that exactly fits your rear sight base, or 
• You have already disassembled your sight and are stuck, or 
• You want to have a spare parts kit in case your sight dis-assembles itself during a match, 

here is a rebuild kit which includes spares of the critical and easily lost parts, plus an assembly tool to help get the rear sight hood back together without damaging the spring clip.

NOTE:  ShootingSight LLC makes no warranty as to the suitability of this kit for any purpose, nor does it warrant that you will be able to rebuild your rear sight without damaging it.  If you are not competent or comfortable working on a rifle, or on rifle parts, bring them to a qualified gunsmith to have the repairs made.

If you are attempting to work on the rear sight while it is attached to the rifle, or if you are disassembling the rifle to remove the rear sight for repair, always be sure the rifle is unloaded before starting work.  It is recommended that you wear safety glasses when working with this kit, as small parts are under spring tension and can unintentionally shoot off the workpiece into your eye. 

Included in this kit are four detent balls, four C-clips, two thrust washers, and an assembly tool for the C-clip (you will need to re-use the 2 detent ball springs in the hood).

CLICK FOR A PDF VERSION OF INSTRUCTIONS

In order to re-assemble a NM hooded sight, start by placing the C-clip on the cylindrical bushing, as shown.

Note that the steel pin has one end that is slightly tapered and rounded, and has another end which is piloted (it has a small step machined on it).  Push the ROUNDED end of the steel pin through the C-clip into the bushing.  A drop of oil and some gentle wiggling of the pin will help get even a stubborn C-clip to stretch and slide onto the pin.  

Use the cylindrical bushing to push the C-clip almost completely to the other end of the steel pin (the piloted end).

Assemble the rear sight by putting the two springs in the two holes of the hood.  These are not under tension and are not normally lost.  Add two detent balls (included in the kit) on top of the springs.  To prevent them getting lost it is useful to:

1.  Work on a large, clean, well lit surface.  Put a towel down first, so parts are less inclined to roll or rebound if they spring loose.

2.  Place a tiny dab of grease onto the top of the spring.  The grease will act like glue, sticking the ball in place so it is less likely to pop out and roll away on you.

Gently place the elevation rack over the stem of the hood and press it down to keep the detent balls in place.  Add the spring washer.  Note: the spring washer is tapered.  Correct orientation is with the central peak facing up.

Insert the piloted end of the steel shaft into the end of the hood.  This will exactly align the steel shaft with the hood stem.  Press down on the elevation rack to compress the detent balls, and slide the bushing down the steel shaft.  This will transfer the C-clip from the steel shaft to the stem of the hood.

After the C-clip is on the hood, press down on the edges of the C-clip and on the spring washer, to make sure the spring clip has fully seated in the groove of the hood.

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