M1A1 Paratrooper Rear Sight Question

[RobertE]

I have a basic question: would a M1A1 paratrooper carbine with a flip sight have stake marks, or should it just be smooth on either side of the sight base?

I appreciate the help - regards, Robert

[Svt40]

They should be smooth. The flip sights were an interference fit.

However, the manul does state that if a sight cannot be made to fit tightly then it can be lightly staked in. Where the later adjustable sights were required to be staked in.

But usually a staked in flip sight could be considered as replaced.

[RobertE]

Thanks very much - that answers my question! regards, Robert

[Andy Van...]

M1A1 sight

You will find Carbine's had two different types of stake marks, early type I flip sights as stated could be staked only if needed to keep the sight in place, if they were staked it was a hash mark stake (straight chisel mark). Later type II and III rear sights were all peen staked (round mark). You will never find an original type I rear sight that has a round peen stake, if it does it is because a type II or III was on it at one time. Van.........

[RobertE]

Thanks Van. s/f Robert