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Brownells

Front Sight Insert Cutter - 60 Hss Front Sight Insert Cutter .245''''

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

This small dovetail cutter is intended for milling front sight blades when installing colored inserts, where a precise 1/4" wide dovetail is needed.

Cutting Dovetails

In front sight blades for

Cuts 1/4-inch

Wide dovetail for sight inserts

Small Cutter

Tapers to .110-inch diameter

Requires Initial

A 1/8-inch end mill

Use Milling

Machine only

$50.99
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SKU: 080621245

Overview

This small dovetail cutter is intended for milling front sight blades when installing colored inserts, where a precise 1/4" wide dovetail is needed. It is designed for use in a milling machine only and requires an initial pass with a 1/8" end mill to remove material before the cutter is used. The cutter is high speed steel, with a 1/4" shank, a maximum cut depth of .100", and a tapered section that narrows to .110". It is a specialized shop tool for careful sight work rather than general-purpose cutting.

AI Recommendation

This small dovetail cutter is intended for milling front sight blades when installing colored inserts, where a precise 1/4" wide dovetail is needed.

Why Hunters Choose the Brownells

Cuts 1/4-inch

Wide dovetail for front sight

Installing Colored

Sight inserts

Produces Very

Precise finished dovetail

High Speed

Steel construction

1/4-inch Diameter

Shank fits milling machine use

Key Features

  • Designed for cutting dovetails in front sight blades for colored insert installation
  • Cuts a 1/4-inch wide dovetail for sight inserts
  • Small cutter tapers to .110-inch diameter
  • Requires an initial cut with a 1/8-inch end mill
  • For use in a milling machine only
  • High speed steel construction

Best Used For

  • Milling-machine users cutting dovetails for colored front sight inserts in blades
  • Gunsmiths needing a precise 1/4-inch dovetail cutter for front sight work
  • Users who can make a preliminary 1/8-inch end-mill cut before using the cutter
  • Shop setups requiring a small HSS cutter with a 1/4-inch shank and shallow cut depth

Specifications

Color Insert UseColored inserts
Cut Width.245''''
Dovetail Width1/4"
Initial Cut Requirement1/8" end mill
MaterialHigh speed steel
Maximum Cut Depth.100" (2.5mm)
Overall Length21/32" (5.1cm)
Shank Diameter1/4" (6.3mm)
Shoulder60
Taper Diameter.110"
UseFor use in milling machine only

Pros

  • Cuts a 1/4-inch wide dovetail for front sight inserts
  • Designed specifically for installing colored sight inserts
  • Produces a very precise finished dovetail
  • High speed steel construction
  • 1/4-inch diameter shank fits milling machine use
  • Maximum cut depth is .100 inch

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed for milling machine use only, so it is not a general-purpose hand tool.
  • The cutter is small and tapers to .110", which means an initial pass with a 1/8" end mill is required before cutting the dovetail.
  • Maximum cut depth is .100", so it is intended for shallow front sight insert work rather than deeper machining.
  • High speed steel construction is specified, but no additional performance claims are provided in the product data.

Suggested Comparisons

  • Milling machine dovetail cutters
  • Front sight installation tools
  • High-speed steel cutters
  • Gun sight modification accessories

Suggested Accessories

  • Milling machine accessories
  • 1/8-inch end mill
  • Dovetail sight insert blanks
  • Cutting fluid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this cutter designed to do?

It is a small dovetail cutter made for cutting dovetails in front sight blades when installing colored inserts.

What size dovetail does it cut?

The description says it cuts a 1/4" wide dovetail, and the short description lists it as .245".

Do I need another cutter before using this one?

Yes. The description says you must make an initial cut with a 1/8" end mill first to remove some metal before using this cutter.

What machine is this cutter intended for?

It is for use in a milling machine only.

What specifications are provided for the cutter?

The provided specs say it is high speed steel, 21/32" long, has a 1/4" diameter shank, and a maximum cut depth of .100".