handmade front sight

[joeboleo1]

After reading some posts I am thinking of making a new front sight using a coin (quarter) for the blade. Just wondering what it might look like after filing down for elevation, etc. Does anyone have any photos they could possibly post showing a sight made from a coin? Appreciate any pics or ideas. Thanks

 

[Many Klatch]

Joe, I have made a front sight out of a coin a couple of times. I like to use a coin that I found on the pavement or sidewalk because that is a lucky coin. Up to now I have mostly used pennies because I like a darker front sight. By the time I file or sand off the decoration on both sides and file it down to the right size there isn't much left to show that it was a coin. I have also used a section of brass float rod from an old toilet mechanism for front sights for my Remington New Army pistols.

Many Klatch

 

[Little Wattsy]

I would think that a dime would be the right size and with planning you could get the flame pointed up nice and proud.. AND if you practiced with a new, worthless dime it would uber-cool (if not a tad expensive) to use a real 1800's dime...???

 

[stronics]

I've read where they take the silver quater and flatened it with a hammer. Then use that material for the sight.
David

 

[George T.]

A older Quarter that did not have the copper core would be best. A dime might be a little thin for me but we all have diffrent needs. Are you going to install it in a slot ot is it dovetailed? Geo. T.

 

[joeboleo1]

Thanks everyone. As of now I plan on soldering the coin to a base and installing it in a dovetail.

 

[longrifle78]

I make most of my front sights from old coins.

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[Bill Hall]

No photos, but I did use half a penny once. First build, and it wasn't ready for deer season so I soldered on a penny cut in half. I did make sure Abe's head was oriented upright. Shot and looked great, got a nice ten point with it. Later, I took it off and installed a better dovetailed sight.

If you were to use a penny, make sure it's a 1982 or older coin, as the 83's and newer are mostly zinc. You could shine it up for a bright sight, or let it oxidize for a dark sight. Though I would solder it into a dovetail base instead of directly onto the barrel. Good luck. Bill

 

[longrifle78]

Heres a sketch of how i make em. 1st i make the base and fit it to the barrel and file it down flush with the top flat, then drill a hole in the center of the base the same with as your blade, be shure to take it off the barrel first, then counter sink the bottom of the hole.
Then cut out your blade and round up the tang to fit the hole and slip it in and rivet it down.
The last step is to file the bottom flush then run a bead of solder around the joint.

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[joeboleo1]

Hey, thanks for the photos. They help out. I may tinker with a few things and see how they come out ---- then check around for just the "right" coin.

 

[selvinman]

Back in the day I made a front sight for dad's hog killing rifle out of a Mercury dime used it a couple of years lost it made another from a silver Roosevelt dime and it is still on the rifle. By the way is shoots good enough to hit a nail head at 10 yards. :grin: :grin:

 

[Vaino]

Using the thinner coins is wasted on me....way too thin for my "old eyes". A silver dollar possibly, but I really prefer a blade thickness of .100.

I make front sights somewhat the same as you show w/ 2 differences. I groove the base to ensure that the blade doesn't turn and leave stock on both ends of the bottom of the blade for final fitting. The riveting is the same.....Fred

 

[Little Wattsy]

Using the thinner coins is wasted on me....way too thin for my "old eyes". A silver dollar possibly, but I really prefer a blade thickness of .100.

I make front sights somewhat the same as you show w/ 2 differences. I groove the base to ensure that the blade doesn't turn and leave stock on both ends of the bottom of the blade for final fitting. The riveting is the same.....Fred

Nickles are pretty thick.. an old indian head nickle might be cool..??

 

[JJCASTINGS]

Thanks for the details. :thumbsup: Perfect timing. I am adding a peep to my .32 and may need to change the front site. Not PC but these old eyes need the change.