Installing sight hood on a 98K

[Gunguy43]

I just picked up a Mauser 98K along with some accessories (sling, cleaning rod, sight hood). This may seem to be a dumb question, but what is the best way (or easiest) to attach the hood to the front sight? The durn thing is made of thick spring steel and is a bear to open wide enough to fit the sight base.

[dave]

You must get a set of "revearse" pliers, that is when you squeese handles the ends open up. I have a set from years ago which was used for the old drum brakes on a car. Most collectors use snap ring pliers, but be warned, get a heavy duty set. They will cost about 10-15 bucks. Allot for just one rifle but you will find other uses for them. Never buy cheap tools, not worth it in the long run!

[Dad]

Make sure your K98k front sight base is machined to accept a sight hood........

D. :1948:

[randy langford]

Dad beat me to it mine is not machined for one

[Michaelp]

Do it indoors away from fragile expensive items.
Also avoid areas with dark nooks and crannies.

[joem]

I use a large tapered drift punch. jam it in the top to open up the bottom and slide the hood on.

[dave]

Dad beat me to it mine is not machined for one

Don't know what you mean about Dad but sight hoods did not make an appearance until 1940. All makers did not change at once (used up parts on hand) so in 1940 you could find either type.

[Dad]

I was just cautioning the OP, since he did not mention the year of manufacture of his K98k, to verify that his front sight base was machined to accept a sight hood. My 1940 243 code K98k is not machined for the sight hood. But according to "The Backbone of the Wehrmacht" K98k's made prior to 1940 could have been retrofitted for sight hoods by armorers on the field.......

D :1948:

[randy langford]

Mine was made in 1937 it has no groove for the sight hood

[Gunguy43]

I just picked up a Mauser 98K along with some accessories (sling, cleaning rod, sight hood). This may seem to be a dumb question, but what is the best way (or easiest) to attach the hood to the front sight? The durn thing is made of thick spring steel and is a bear to open wide enough to fit the sight base.

Thank you, kindly, to all who replied with suggestions. I took Dad's advice and checked the manufacture date and the front sight for a machined groove. The rifle was manufactured in 1940, and there is no groove in the sight base. So, I think I will leave it be as it is.

[da gimp]

Do it indoors away from fragile expensive items.
Also avoid areas with dark nooks and crannies.

and when installing very small plungers & springs, NEVER do it when the floor is covered with shag carpeting...........

I think mikep speaks with the same voice of experience that I do.........