I know this comes up from time to time but I don't recall if there is a definitive answer. I bought a no-drill Redfield 102 and was excited to see it come with the magazine plate screw which I gather is an oddball item. Unfortunately, the screw may be the proper thread but is no longer than the plate screw it is supposed to replace. I eyeball it at about 3/8" when the necessary length is apparently 1/2" or even 5/8". I do have the option to return it but before doing so, I wanted to ask if there is a replacement source available.

Weston:  It appears a workable screw could be made for the Redfield #102 Krag "no-drill" peep sight by utilizing (sacrificing) a Krag or 1903 Springfield rear barrel-band/sling swivel screw.  Although as issued these screws are too long, they have the same shank diameter and 26 threads per inch as the Krag sideplate screw.  Overall length would have to be shortened to approximately 9/16" to replicate the Redfield screw.  There should be an adequate amount of thread left on the swivel screw you are shortening to engage the threads of the receiver.  It might be necessary to slightly reduce the diameter of the barrel-band screw head to properly seat in the Redfield base.  It may also be necessary to taper the tip of the altered screw since they were peened into place sometimes in their role as swivel screws.  Preferably use a 'buggered-up' screw to adapt as a replacement (you can dress-up the damage in the process of altering it).

I've got a question - when using one of the "no drill" sights, Pacific or Redfield, do you have to modify the wood?
thanks

jogn:  The Redfield #102 does not require any alteration of an original Krag stock.  The Pacific sight does require a slight notching of the stock to move the slide to its lowest position.

Weston:  That's a mighty handsome rig you've assembled!  Your Redfield sight nicely matches the finish on your Krag.  The mounting screw looks good.  If you encounter any roughness in your cartridge feed due to the Cutoff being absent, here is a 1963 hint from William's Gunsight Company.  (However, rather than ruin an original Cutoff, I would just have a nylon, brass, or steel shaft fabricated to serve the same purpose).

Just to throw a contrary into the mix...  I never had feed problems with my sporter (see picture above)... and still don't either.  I now have a proper rear sight but still don't have a magazine cutoff, as I purchased the sporter with the Redfield installed.  One day, I'll get a replacement cutoff to install.

Paul

Another thing to remember when using a receiver sight on the Krag. Once you are sighted in make sure you turn down the little set screw on top until it touches.

You will have to remove or loosen the sight to remove the bolt and your zero will be lost if not set with the screw.

That's one reason I like bolt peeps or the Rice peep sight.

(You need to Login to view media files and links)

Weston:  Well done you.  You Nailed It!  I suppose a little dab of gasket seal, lock-tite, or rubber cement would lock your replacement shaft in place but allow easy removal later.  You could also file a screwdriver slot in the end of the shaft to allow easy positioning and removal.  The Cutoff is remarkably simple and easily watched with the side-plate off.  When the lever is up (on most models) the flat on the shaft is 'down'.  This fills the slot/hole that is machined in the receiver and allows cartridge rims to smoothly slide past.  When the lever is 'down', some of the round part of the shaft blocks the top cartridge (rim) from sliding through.  If nothing is in the cutoff slot/hole, a bit of a rough spot exists that creates a 'bump' in the feed.