Front sight hoods... Yea/Nay ?

[Shanghai McCoy]

I was out with the old 94 carbine today and, for some reason, I'd left the front sight hood on. So, between shooting into the shade at the deer target I had put up, plus my presbyopia, the hood proved to hinder not help. I suppose that it's helpful for protecting the sight, especially in a saddle scabbard.
What say you guys..?

 

[MutinousDoug]

A sight hood keeps glare off the sight blade, which can be helpful in precise aiming but it also blocks some of your sight picture making moving or imprecise targets more of a challenge

 

[greyling22]

Nay

 

[chicharrones]

I like front sights with protective wings over protective hoods. Barring that option, I can use an unprotected front sight in more situations than a hooded front sight.

I'm not a dedicated target shooter, so take that into consideration.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I think I can see where it might be an advantage shooting at a target that's well lit and in the clear or from a shaded area into the open. Just hadn't noticed, till yesterday what a disadvantage it could be shooting into the shade. Think I'll leave it off.

 

[25-5]

My M1903A3 came with a protective sight hood. It was for protecting the front sight. There was nothing else. Almost impossible to shoot with. However, the Marines came up with a larger hood that you can shoot with easily. That's what I put on and I don't take it off.

 

[Varminterror]

The Marlin hoods are removable for a reason. Most of the time, they're an advantage, and when they're not, they're removable. I prefer hooded sights.

 

[eastbank]

what do you think of this rear sight cover on a Winchester model 04 .22 rifle, it was factory made in England by M. MYERS IN BIRNINGHAM. eastbank..

 

[1KPerDay]

My M1903A3 came with a protective sight hood. It was for protecting the front sight. There was nothing else. Almost impossible to shoot with. However, the Marines came up with a larger hood that you can shoot with easily. That's what I put on and I don't take it off.

Do you happen to know where I can get one of the larger ones?

 

[chicharrones]

what do you think of this rear sight cover on a Winchester model 04 .22 rifle, it was factory made in England by M. MYERS IN BIRNINGHAM. eastbank..

Nice. That makes me think of the hooded front sights with a hole in the top of hood for letting some light in. Those help my eyes out a bit.

I'm also remembering that hooded front sights didn't bother me when I was young with good eyes. It's my middle aged eyes that need help with a front sight. I can't make good use of a front brass or white bead when little light is reaching them.

 

[Sav .250]

OFF

 

[Jack B.]

Time for glasses.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Time for glasses.

Way ahead of ya but, even with the glasses, I was having trouble...

 

[25-5]

Do you happen to know where I can get one of the larger ones?

It has been some years, but it was Bill Bentz. His email address is [email protected] .
He has front sights too. If he is still doing it he will send you the info. It's very well done.

 

[jmr40]

In low light situations they greatly reduce the amount of light hitting the front sight. I have taken all of mine off.

 

[Decoy80]

I have an old 30-06 that has a hooded front sight and 15-20 years ago I didn't seem to mind it,but like the OP my eyes are just not as bright as they once were. I've noticed a difference in my shot placement ability too, I'm getting older too. The rifle is simply a safe queen as I'd be sad to lose the hood off of the old bar. It is probably about the nicest old rifle I have and being an old friend I'm letting it rest and haven't given up on grandchildren yet, I'm still hoping in that department lol.

 

[Jack B.]

Way ahead of ya but, even with the glasses, I was having trouble...

Last time I went to my eye doctor I told him my hobby was shooting and also had the measurement from my eye to my front sights. Told him of my problem seeing what I needed to see. Fixed me up just right with regular seeing glasses and shooting glasses.

 

[Sniper66]

Shooting squirrels yesterday with my Browning BL-22, no front hood. Light was dim yesterday and a hood would have interfered.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Big yea. The front blades on my Springfields are so thin, it can be difficult to acquire a sight picture quickly. The hood lets me find the blade as soon as the rifle is shouldered. Notice how big game rifles almost always have a hood- just for this reason: when dangerous prey is charging. Honestly, I think the glare thing is a secondary advantage.
Ive put them on all my '03s, and added one to my Weatherby. Helps protect the blade from impact damage too.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Thanks for adding to the input Gents.

 

[Mosin Bubba]

I like sight hoods, but if it interferes with your shooting, you should probably take it off.

Perosonally, they don't help or hurt me either way, and it's nice to have to keep that thin front sight from being knocked around.