Picked up a Dawson FO for my 686+ and I need to drill the hole for the pin. The instructions say to use a #54 (IIRC) but I’m curious if I should go with a HSS bit, cobalt coated bit or something else. I need something that will do the job quickly because 1/16” bits and punches don’t seem to have very long lifespans around me…🙄
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits - Mark Twain
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy / Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
I do not think you need anything special, but I have not done that many. I do know I buggered up my Super Blackhawk and had to bump up to a larger pin.Originally Posted by awp_101
You probably know this, but you wanna drill in from both sides so the hole meets in the middle.
Yeah, I’ve learned that the hard way once or twice!🤣
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits - Mark Twain
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy / Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Call Dawson - they are quite helpful.
Drill quality (which often relates to origin) will be more important than coatings or if it is hss vs cobalt. Cheap Chinese drill bits are seldom a bargain. From my limited experience, drilling and swapping 1 s&w dawson front sight, the steel doesn't present any special machining problems. If you are using a mill (or even a drill press with a spindle that is true to the table) it is a very fast /easy job.
Skinner Precision LLC official Account
07 Manufacturer specializing in Competition Rifles
Turned out to be easier than I expected! Working a little bit from each side took less than 5 minutes total. I probably spent longer getting things set up after turning it each time than the actual drilling.
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits - Mark Twain
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy / Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Glad it went as drama free as mine did. I am still amazed how comfortable a 3" L frame is in JMCK aiwb rig...Turned out to be easier than I expected! Working a little bit from each side took less than 5 minutes total. I probably spent longer getting things set up after turning it each time than the actual drilling.
Skinner Precision LLC official Account
07 Manufacturer specializing in Competition Rifles
I haven't cleared the "If I'm going to carry something the size and weight of a G19, I might as well carry a G19" mental hurdle yet but I'm trying.
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits - Mark Twain
Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy / Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Reply With Quote