A couple of sight replacement questions

[fw707]

I need to change the sights on my rifles cause my eyes are getting older faster than the rest of me , so I have a couple of questions:

First, is the dovetail on a Lyman GPR smaller (width and depth) than a regular 3/8" dovetail, and if it is, couldn't I just take a 3 corner file with a safe side and fit a 3/8" sight into the slot??

Second, I have a "long base" 3/8" sight dovetailed into the barrel of my .32 Southern Mountain Rifle. I want to install a standard 3/8" dovetail sight, so how do I fill the existing slot and install the standard base sight??

I've cut a couple of dovetails with a file so I'm pretty comfortable with the process, but I just need to get the details worked out before I start.

Thanks!

 

[CrackStock]

Sorry, but I have never measured my GPR sight base and have not swapped it out. However, I can suggest that you contact Dave or Ethan at Track of the Wolf for some help.

Just make sure that they have what you need and will ship that day before giving them the order. I like them, but I have heard them called Back Order of the Wolf at times. So I am very careful to check every item -- every time.

CS

 

[fw707]

Thanks for the reply CrackStock!
I found some replacement sights yesterday at a place in Ohio and I'm gonna give 'em a call Monday. I'll try Track if they can't get me fixed up.

 

[CrackStock]

I put a Lyman 57GPR tang sight on my GPR and kept the front blade as it came. This works quite well.

Might be an option for you as well.

CS

 

[fw707]

Well, I found some sights that'll fit in the existing dovetails on the GPR, but the .32 flinter is gonna be a little different.
The barrel has a "long" dovetail sight that I installed in the barrel when I built the gun, kinda like this one:

So what's the best way to fill up the slot, and install a standard base 3/8" dovetail sight??
The only thing I can think of is to cut the top off the existing sight, use the base to fill the slot, and then cut a standard slot for the new sight.
Any suggestions??

 

You could drive that sight out and fill it in with a brass piece(good place for builders initials) then cut your dovetail farther down the barrel. That's where ya want to move it anyway as the eyes get older. Bill

 

[fw707]

I've pondered on this for a while, and I think the best way would be to pour the slot full of pewter like you would pour a nosecap. I could use a piece of sheet metal clamped on both side flats, and pour just enough pewter to fill the slot to the top and only have to file a little down on top to level it.
Then I would have a silver insert following the contours of the flats, and it might even be a good spot to engrave initials like Bill suggested.
What do y'all think???