adjustable rear sight recommendations

[birdshot8's]

I have a rifle I want to put an adjustable rear sight on. The rear sight will need to have a dovetail base, and mount on the barrel. I am considering a peep sight of sorts, but am concerned about the amount of light required to use peeps when it is that far from my eye. Would a radioactive or light gathering front sight be helpful for hunting? Should I look at other types of rear sights? I do not plan to shoot more than 100 yards, mostly be used for deer.

 

[1stmarine]

Can you use a diopter sight system? that will increase your sight picture definition and correct angle errors. but might need a complementary front post/sight.

 

[birdshot8's]

1stmarine, I had to look up diopter sight, and really liked the options it presented. The diopter sight is going to be a great fit for another rifle I have that needs better sights. Unfortunately I forgot to mention I was looking for a sight for my flintlock rifle and while not a stickler for period correctness, would like the sight to be somewhat complimentary for the rifle.

 

[1stmarine]

what about finding a small aperture sight, perhaps something that would work with the style of the rifle?. ...
what about this simple and plain marlin sight?...would it fit?

 

[birdshot8's]

any 3/8 dovetail would fit and the step up sight would work fine for the ranges and target size I expect to use the rifle. I would prefer the better accuracy of a peep sight, just looking for a peep type or combination that would allow me to shoot after sundown, with reasonable accuracy.

 

[Slamfire]

I have a rifle I want to put an adjustable rear sight on. The rear sight will need to have a dovetail base, and mount on the barrel. I am considering a peep sight of sorts, but am concerned about the amount of light required to use peeps when it is that far from my eye. Would a radioactive or light gathering front sight be helpful for hunting? Should I look at other types of rear sights? I do not plan to shoot more than 100 yards, mostly be used for deer

I am curious to know what rifle you are using, because there might be receiver mounted peep sight options available. I prefer a rear mounted peep to an open sight rear any day.

A peep works best when close to the eye. I have shot thousands of rounds through that awful M1903 ladder sight, which has a peep, and I have shot a few rounds through the Arisaka, which has a peep way out on the barrel. A peep far from the eye blocks the view around the post and is not easy to use in low light conditions. When a peep is close to the eye, you simply look through it. I think peep sights up on the barrel are the worst of both worlds.

If you are going to mount a rear sight up on the barrel, look for an open sight that looks like the old Bomar rear sight used to be on M1911's. As for a front sight, I like a square post. My favorite front sights are those posts in a circle, like the AK47 or HK91. Up close, extended range spitting distance close, you put the circle on the target and pull the trigger, at distance, you put the post on the target.

 

[birdshot8's]

Slamfire, The rifle is a Kentucky flintlock rifle made by Pedersoli. I would love a receiver sight for this rifle, though I don't believe it would be possible without drilling and tapping. My other rifles have a Williams or a Skinner receiver sight.

 

[chicharrones]

I fully agree with slamfire about barrel mounted aperture sights. I've tried it twice and I ended up removing both sights (Williams & Mojo) and went back to the originals.

Now, what might be worth trying is Marble's Bullseye rear sight. It's not trying to be an aperture sight. I don't have experience with it though.

http://www.marblearms.com/bullseyeSights.html

 

[birdshot8's]

Chicharrones said,
"I fully agree with slamfire about barrel mounted aperture sights. I've tried it twice and I ended up removing both sights (Williams & Mojo) and went back to the originals.

Now, what might be worth trying is Marble's Bullseye rear sight. It's not trying to be an aperture sight. I don't have experience with it though.

http://www.marblearms.com/bullseyeSights.html"

This looks like what I am looking for. I believe I will try one.
Thanks Steve C.

 

[chicharrones]

Be sure to check back in and let us know how it works for you.

I like Marble's sights. I have installed a front ramp and bead on one gun, and I have a #30 rear sight with notch rear on order for another gun right now.