Where to find 1903/A3 higher front sight blade?

[DavidB2]

I find that my Smith corona 1903/A3 shoots high. I probably need a higher front sight post.
What's the best place to buy the higher front sight post? How difficult is it to install?

 

[35 Whelen]

ebay

 

[lemaymiami]

I believe this site has both an extensive items for sale board - but also has a dedicated thread for your weapon....
https://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=112

 

[Laphroaig]

I'd start by giving Numrich a call. (866-686-7424)

I bought an assortment a few years ago but can't remember where, but Numrich would be my first guess. There are 5 heights, with letter desiginations from A to E. A is the highest. Installation is simple. They are held on the sight base by a 1/16" pin. Tap it out, remove the old one, insert the replacement, then tap it back in.

 

[25-5]

Bill Bentz makes them, along with the USMC front sight protector. Email him for info. He explains the different sights. Real quality parts. It's great not to take off the protector to shoot. All positive reports on the milsurp forum.
[email protected]

 

[GooseGestapo]

I ordered a spare from Numrich.
It is the tallest, as my rifle has the tallest, and still shoots a tad high, but actually centers a 200yd bull when on 200yd position. I ordered some other items too, otherwise shipping would have been more than cost of sight blade. BTW, mine came "undrilled", so would require pin hole drilled.Sight protector is just that, with protector on, I can't see target under it, so can't shoot with it on.

 

[DavidB2]

Which blade sight is the tallest; A or E?

 

[lemaymiami]

the folks at Numrich (or whoever you use) will be able to tell you if no one answers here....

 

[Laphroaig]

A is the highest.

From a 1944 War Dept TM:

A .537
B .522
C .507
D .492
E .477

Note that the pin hole is not in the same place for -03 and -03A3 blades.

 

[Laphroaig]

FYI each blade changes the POI approx. 2MOA according to my calculations.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I just checked mine, it's an "A".

 

[25-5]

The USMC front sight hood is meant to be attached while shooting. Bill Bentz also has front sights that have more width for old eyes.