Iron Sight Installation on Heavy Barrel?

[Chemotaxis]

I am looking to install a set of low profile back-up sights on my .308 heavy barrel....it is a Howa 1500 Varminter Supreme. I am sure this will provoke numerous responses alone...

I know that people will have differing perspectives on whether this is a good idea....suffice to say that as much as i trust Badger Ordnance Rings and Bases...I was always taught to have a back-up...and irons are bombproof-
So, here is the issue.
I have a Howa 1500 Varminter Supreme sitting in my local shop, and i want to get irons attached, as JIC back-up, as the majority of my hunting is in the mountains, fairly remote (NE British Columbia), and hard-core bear country. I am sure that many will criticize the .308 as an inadequate all around rifle in northern Canada...I also have 'Blasty'-my 12 Gauge 870 set up for bear defense-and my AmStaff-

I was looking at the Millet product line for a low profile front site...how do i go about installing them on a bare heavy barrel? Obviously my gunsmith will do the work, but will 'dovetailing' or drilling my heavy barrel negatively impact my accuracy?
Secondly, will the installation of a 'dovetail' or drill and tap for a rear sight (simple V/Leaf Style probably) forward of my scope affect my accuracy? How hard is it to get this done? Is it a waste of my time and money, as well as potential accuracy?

Thanks

 

[dmazur]

I would get something like an Eotech as a backup for a scope. If you get a one-piece Picatinny rail, the Eotech will fit nicely over the action. Much better than iron sights.

However, if you're determined to do iron sights, I would put a ramped front sight on your heavy barrel. This requires your gunsmith to drill and tap one or two holes. No heavy machining like for a dovetail. You're going to need a ramp to get the sight high enough so you can see it over the scope mount base, anyway.

For a rear sight, rather than fight the problems you'll have with interference with the scope bell, I would get a NECG peep sight. These are only $80 and they fit on Weaver or Picatinny mounts. Really big thumb screw and guaranteed return-to-zero. (Put it in your first aid kit so you don't forget it, or lose it...)

 

[Mike 56]

You can cut your own 3/8 dovetails it is easy. The jig cost 20.00. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=720537&t=11082005

Mike

 

[Onmilo]

Heavy barrel in the mountains??!!
OK, dovetails won't affect the accuracy of the barrel.
Go here for some barrel band front sight options:
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com
Go here and call and ask about a scope mount with a folding back up iron rear sight incorporated:
http://www.brownells.com
N.E.C.G. may have one available also.

 

[Seafarer12]

So why exactly are you wanting backup sights on a hunting rifle. I am see having them on a battle rifle but not a hunting rifle. Especially on a varmint rifle and considering you are taking a shotgun along too. If you must have them you could get some kind of sight to clamp on to your scope mount and either get a clamp on front sight or cut a dovetail in the barrel, there are alos screw on sights you just have to have a way of drilling a perfectly straight hole. That thing from midway only works on thin barrels.