Need Better Plains Pistol Sights

[furdog52]

I need some recommendations for a better rear sight for my new (to me) 50 caliber Lyman Plains Pistol. The rear sight notch is so small I can't properly index the front sight. In fact the whole rear sight is pretty small.

Are there other rear sights that will fit the dovetail? And what is the dovetail by the way?

Or am I just as well off just opening up the notch?

Thanks

 

[crockett]

This is a personal matter, some of the modern guns have very wide front sights and a large square notch on the rear. One's ability to focus changes with age. So... no set answers. Consider making your own.

 

[renovato]

I'd try filing the rear sight a little more open first. Afterall, you already have it, and it might work fine for you. If not, well, you were going to replace it anyway. :haha:

I've had to file quite a few of my sights open as my eyes have changed over the years. It works pretty well in most cases.

 

[mykeal]

Talk to Lyman. They make sights for many guns. I'm sure they'll have some good ideas for their own gun.
Lyman Products
One you've decided on a part number, Brownell's sells Lyman sights at a discount, as do several others.
Brownell's

 

[furdog52]

Thanks for the ideas. I appreciate your comments. Sounds like a good place to start.

 

[buttonbuck]

When I ordered my kit I ordered the adjustable sights set that lyman advertises for their muzzleloaders from midsouth tried them and they did not work on a pistol, but does on the rifles put them as low and high as they would go these being the adjustable rear and the bead put in the desired load and it still hit too high. I do not know any source for good pistol sights for this pistol but I did put on the stock sights and shoot well at 25 yards this is how I plan to hunt this 54 cal pistol.

 

[mykeal]

When I ordered my kit I ordered the adjustable sights set that lyman advertises for their muzzleloaders from midsouth tried them and they did not work on a pistol,

That's why I suggested he call Lyman first. They can tell him what will work on his pistol.

 

[buttonbuck]

I said a word of warning because someone I forget who gave me the advise to try the sights, good advise mykeal, let us other plains shooters know what they suggest eh.

 

[flaming canvas]

File the notch to suit your preferences. I did that with my GPP and it worked fine. It's a lot less trouble than trying to fit a new sight.

I have a newly acquired Pedersoli flint pistol that will get the file treatment this weekend.

 

[furdog52]

OK, I took the files to the rear sight and opened it up a little. I am now able to see daylight on both sides with the front blade centered and am shooting the gun much better.

I think this is probably all I need to do. I can now hit two liter bottles at 15 yards. Will work on 16 oz. cans next!

Thanks