Are Any Colt Caplock Revolvers Sold With Target Sights?

[Timthinker]

Given the poor sights standard on Colt caplock revolvers, I have often wondered if any of these handguns are sold with additional target sights. Such an option is available on the Remingtons and I believe it should be an option for Colts as well. I am aware of a replica Dragoon that featured a decent dovetail rear sight, but this feature may have been offered on a Dragoon capable of mounting a shoulder stock. But this is the only exception I know. Any insights would be appreciated.


Timthinker

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

How much Jack Daniels did you say you're drinking? Not any? Then what you been smoking boy?!!!!!!

 

[dogrunner]

Elmer Keith talks about a .36 Navy that he'd had fitted with a dovetailed rear bbl mount........likely that's the only practical manner of fitting one.

 

[mykeal]

Old Sam did some experiments and some custom work with 'target' sights on his revolvers, but it was never a production option. The only replicas with such devices are also custom work, such as Keith's gun. I've seen no examples by any replica manufacturer on a production basis.

 

[Tinker2]

Like this barrel mounted rear sight?





Tinker2

 

[Bad Flynch]

>Any insights would be appreciated.<

Many of those gizmos were tried in the 1800s and proved less than satisfactory; that's why you don't see any today.

 

[mec]

Pictures turn up of navies with sights like the one on tinker's 19th century gunsmith jobs. Colt made at least one long barrelled navy with detachable stock and a peep sight that extended from the barrel back over the cylinder. That one stayed in the Factory until the 1880s when they sold off some odds and ends.

There was an old -late 60s or early 70s replica dragoon making the gunshow rounds here about that time. a friend of my had it for a while and it seemed like nobody kept it long. Somebody had mounted a steel micro sight on the back of the barrel.

 

[Timthinker]

Tinker2, that is what I have in mind. Yes, such sight may not be historically authentic, but they are very practical. I wonder if it is possible to mount even larger sights on a Colt replica, sights resembling those found on some target model Remingtons. Obviously, I have not seen any or I would not ask. Oh, I realize that such a modification would prove costly, but it seem worthwhile to me. More advice-or opinions-would be appreciated.

I realize that I am deviating from the original question, but this inquiry is related. Since I am not the first person to consider this idea, I hope some of the contributors may provide useful information about the results such a conversion might provide. Thanks again.


Timthinker

 

[Mike OTDP]

It should be more accurate than a normal Colt, as you have both front and rear sights firmly attached to the barrel.

And yes, I've seen photos of original Colt Navies with such sights.

 

[mykeal]

such sight may not be historically authentic

On the contrary, it would be quite authentic. It's clear that Colt and others made such modifications; the lack of factory production doesn't disqualify the modification from authenticity.

 

[Timthinker]

Let me ask a subsequent question. What is the estimated cost of installing target sights on an open top Colt revolver? No doubt, some of our members have performed such a modification and can speak with experience about its cost and practicality. Thanks.


Timthinker