Dovetail Filler

[Sheppsan]

Building a Lyman GPR and would like to permanently fill the rear sight dovetail and install a peep as it is easier on my old eyes. Brownells our of filler stock. Wondering if any Muzzleloading vendors carry or if I might use a barrel tendon, etc. Ideas welcome.

 

[hawkeye2]

If you have an old gun sight, front or rear, in your junk box cut off most of it , install it and file down to the barrel and touch up the finish.

 

[Stony Broke]

I've made them from old sights and they worked just fine. One time on a rifle that I only used a long range tang sight on, just for fun I made a filler out of a small piece of ivory....and added a small scrimshaw decoration on it. Looked good and has lasted for about 20 years so far.

 

[dragnetbill]

Building a Lyman GPR and would like to permanently fill the rear sight dovetail and install a peep as it is easier on my old eyes. Brownells our of filler stock. Wondering if any Muzzleloading vendors carry or if I might use a barrel tendon, etc. Ideas welcome.

If your time, like mine is worth nothing you can cut a strip from a standard door hinge, shape with files and finish as needed to make a serviceable filler.

 

[tenngun]

Can you just file the old site off?

 

[Flintandsteel]

There ya go! File what you got.

 

[mooman76]

I have an old piece from the 1800s that someone put a piece of brass shaped into the dove tail. It has some kind of initials in it but I don't know their meaning.

 

[reskite]

I once made one from tagua nut for my Shiloh Sharps No.1 Sporting Rifle. It's a nut that looks very close to ivory. It was easily shaped and looked great when it was polished. Google it for resources.

I had Shiloh replace that barrel when it was determined it had been crushed slightly when it was roll stamped and there was no dovetail on the replacement. I noticed the tight spot right under the rollmark when slugging the bore.

 

[mooman76]

I know the nut. It is also referred to as Vegetable Ivory. I believe though, its a type of fungus that grows on a certain tree, if memory serves. Looks just like ivory.

 

[Eterry]

I just dug thru my junk drawer and found a broken sight, a few minutes with a file and before you could say Bob's your Uncle I had it filled.

 

[nchawkeye]

I have used silver coins as well, you can put your initials on it if you like as well...

 

[user 34300]

File a sight slot shaped piece of steel. Start with a strip about 3/8 x 1/8" x 6". Put a taper on the shape. This will allow you to determine where it fits and does not. When it is fitting tight cut it off on either flat. File it close to the barrel. Peene the edges. File it flush. . Cold blue. It will be invisible if done right.

I think Lyman uses modern dovetails. They make prupose made blanks. Any real gunshop should have them.