Open Sights or Peep Sights

[Mac Attack]

I asked the question a couple of weeks back about tang peep sights. The answers I received persuaded me to buy a TC Hunter Style sight for my Hawken rifle. Last weekend was the first opportunity to shot my rifle with my new sight.

I was firing at a range of 40 yards from a supported position and not once was I able to hit the target. I made all sorts of adjustments to my sight to make it hit the target but after 10 shots I was so frustrated that I pulled it off and reinstalled my open sights. On my first shot with open sights, I nailed the target right in the center. I thought this might have been a fluke but the next few rounds followed their brothers into nearly the same spot.

I like the idea of only having to line up the front sight on the target and am planning to try my hunter sight again. But I shoot fine with open sights at the ranges I am shooting at 100 yards. I only have a slight sight picture problem.

How many people use open sights or peep sights on their BP rifles? If you could provide your reasoning that would be very beneficial.

 

[Steve499]

I'm wondering if there might be something not right with your new sight.

Have you ever used peep sights before on anything and, if so, how did they work for you then? If you have not used them before, try to find someone with an 03A3, Garand, M1A or AR15, and try those out.

I prefer peep sights because my aging eyes have real trouble with rear sights these days at any distance closer than at arm's length. Pistol sights are still o.k., so far, knock on wood.

My ability to see the target unobstructed by anything besides the front sight has always made sighting with a peep easier for me, not just since my eyes got old, and probably resulted in better groups even then. At squirrel hunting ranges it didn't really matter, though, but it does now.

 

[Mac Attack]

Steve499 thanks for your reply.

I have much experience with peep sights because most of my modern rifles have them. As a matter of fact, on the same day when I tried to sight in my peep sight on my BP rifle, I also shot my M1 Garand. At 100 yards I was able to put all of my shots from my Garand into the black. I wasn't able to do that at 40 yards with my BP rifle though.

I like the idea of a peep sight because it makes lining up things less complicated since all I have to do is line up my front post on the target. I am actually considering hitting the range today to see if I can sight it in again but it is such a PITA to take off the open sight.

 

[bigbadgun]

I learned how to shoot with open sights and I am pretty good not great but pretty good. So dont want to be changeing horses in the middle of the creek.

 

[sundance44s]

Same here was taught to shoot with open sights ..Durning my time with Uncle Sam ..I was introduced to the then new M16 with peep sights ..hated the sights , My BootCamp marching rifle was an M1 Garand also peep sights , but I never had to do range time with the Garand . My problem with the peep sights , maybe its just my eyes but in dark woods I can`t find my target fast enough to sute me . In wide open places I like the peep much better ..but would rather have my good ole open sights expecially if my target is moveing .

 

[whosyrdaddy]

shoot for group

When you try again put a large piece of cardboard behind the target. Shoot 3-5 shots at the same point of aim. If the shots group well but off target then you have an adjustment issue. If the shots group poorly then it could be loose mounting and/or adjustment screws, but more likely is caused by the "play" between the breech hook and the tang.

 

[StrawHat]

What whosyrdaddy said.

Also move the target closer and see where the bullets are hitting.

Start at 10 yards and if you don't see any holes bring it in more.

Once you know where the rifle is hitting, make adjustments and start increasing the range.

Good luck, keep us in the loop.

 

[Perk]

Have read it guessed, that peep sights have been around, since the 1873 Springfield Trapdoor rifle. Don’t know if this is true; not having been there, myself. While, there is, generally, a personal preference for open sights, the value of a good aperture sight may, also, be seen. Certainly, they are preferred, over scopes. Not just because, in my view (pun intended), scopes tend to truly ruin the ambience of most any period piece - or, because a peep sight is much easier to strap to a good bow.

Peeps are rugged as heck. (Don’t ask me how I know this.) Also, once one gets used to concentrating solely upon the front sight, the rest of the weapon may be brought, more swiftly, to bear.

Am a little more used to blade, ramp and bead, etc., sighting. Also, beat the odds and just, last year, started having to wear the lowest-strength reading glasses. So, coming full circle, must say that open sights have my preference.

 

[Chloe]

Leave open rear sight on until . . .

you have put on the tang sight. Once the tang sight is on, move it up and down and sideways until, when you are looking through it, you see the front and rear sight aligned properly with the bullseye just as it did when you had no peep on the gun. Once the peep has been adjusted that way, take off the rear open sight.

 

[Mac Attack]

Finally! With another question.

I took everyone's advice and was finally able to sight my peep sight in. I started with my target about 10 yards away. After several shots and adjustments I was able to center it on the 10-ring. I moved the target back to ~100 yards and found that the sight was now vertically centered but low by two inches. I readjusted the sight and was able to hit center again. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. It only took about 10 shots for me to finally get it set up but now it is good and tight.

Now another question. I have the TC Hunter style tang peep sight which has a very small aperture (not the hole itself but the rear disk) smaller than a dime but bigger than a pencil eraser. I noticed on a lot of the vernier peep sights - ladder style peep sights - that the rear aperture is as large as a quarter. What is the benefit of having a larger rear aperture?

 

[Steve499]

For me it's kinda like blinders on a horse. Keeps me from seeing that big hammer drop. Of course, I don't have trouble just using the threaded hole where the aperture disc screws in during low light conditions, so maybe that blinder thing ain't that important.

I'll start over. Gee, Mac, I don't know what that whole big disc thing has going on, either!