OK I'm a nut case but a desperate nut case

[Brokenbear]

I have a belly gun (Colt 1849 Pocket) that actually needs no sights when applied where it is expected to be used
But out shooting in the field and range I cannot live with the number of FEET high it shoots at say 25 yards
It is a Colt ..I do not really want to deface it so a few nights ago I had an epiphany (being a hillbilly I like to look up big words and use'em)
Rare Earth magnet ...haven't shot it yet ..can't shake it off ..sure it won't work in a holster ..but thinking it might have range shooting possibilities ?????
Guys be kind ..we've all tried some Krazy some time ...right??????

The magnet has right at 5 pounds of attaching strength ..the last dark picture with the orange dot is the dot in my windowless bathroom ..The paint is photoluminescent but nothing like tritium

Bear

 

[user 49399]

Sorry for your epiphany. I think they make medicine for that.

As for the sight, seems like a good idea.

 

[Sam squanch]

I’ve done it.. for a temporary sight it works

 

[russellshaffer]

A fine idea. I am stealing it for my matchlock.

 

[Mulebrain]

A Hillbilly with smarts now were talkin! Brilliant

 

[deermanok]

Cool idea.

 

[deerstalkert]

need, the mother of epiphanies!!!
tell us how well it works. i would put a drop of locktite under it but thats just me.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I have a belly gun (Colt 1849 Pocket) that actually needs no sights when applied where it is expected to be used
But out shooting in the field and range I cannot live with the number of FEET high it shoots at say 25 yards
It is a Colt ..I do not really want to deface it so a few nights ago I had an epiphany (being a hillbilly I like to look up big words and use'em)
Rare Earth magnet ...haven't shot it yet ..can't shake it off ..sure it won't work in a holster ..but thinking it might have range shooting possibilities ?????
Guys be kind ..we've all tried some Krazy some time ...right??????

The magnet has right at 5 pounds of attaching strength ..the last dark picture with the orange dot is the dot in my windowless bathroom ..The paint is photoluminescent but nothing like tritium

Bear

Not a bad idea, for just fooling around. Not going to work for long term in my opinion. Recoil may twist or slide the sight, and then again it might not. The big issue you will have is anytime other ferrous metal gets near your magnet, it is going to stick and or move the sight.
Larry

 

[Woody Morgan]

Not a bad idea, for just fooling around. Not going to work for long term in my opinion. Recoil may twist or slide the sight, and then again it might not. The big issue you will have is anytime other ferrous metal gets near your magnet, it is going to stick and or move the sight.
Larry

Not with a dab of hobby grade thin superglue. Will let go when you want it to and won't when you don't (mostly).

wwm

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Not with a dab of hobby grade thin superglue. Will let go when you want it to and won't when you don't (mostly).

wwm

Sounds like one of two possible issues might be addressed, but what about the magnet wanting to grab other ferrous metals coming near? Setting the gun down on a shooting table with a small pocket knife, or nipple wrench near, for example.

 

[Woody Morgan]

Sounds like one of two possible issues might be addressed, but what about the magnet wanting to grab other ferrous metals coming near? Setting the gun down on a shooting table with a small pocket knife, or nipple wrench near, for example.

Then don't do that.

wm

 

[Sam squanch]

I’m actually thinking about attaching magnets to myself to keep from losing things….

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

Then don't do that.
wm

Great idea! Why do people get into car accidents? Crap happens! That is just the way things go sometimes. If you can keep things perfect, I tip my hat to you!
Myself on the other hand have Murphy for a cousin. What can go wrong, will go wrong.
Larry

 

[Phil Coffins]

Magnets and glue are thought provoking answers to problem pistol. I’d get a different pistol!

 

[Brokenbear]

Good responses so far guys.. I'm leaving on a trip to the east coast to visit grand kids so testing until after next week ...
Some comments on comments:

I am 70% that recoil will not move the magnet since it is a pocket 32 cal and magnet up against the front sight

My planed to stabilize the magnet laterally once I determine height/position is I use on my CNC machines a super sheer thin double sided tape designed to stick ceramic tile to concrete or wood ...you better have it where you want it when you stick it!

I thought about notching the bottom front of the magnet to dovetail in/over the front sight or even drilling a dimple in the magnet bottom to set over the factory sight HOWEVER ....

Drilling/notching takes diamond bits and wheels WITH WET FLOOD as the tool is working because the dust generated is beyond highly flammable and and approaching explosive in reaction (so I read) ..further the heat from cut/drill will demagnetize or minimally degrade the strength of the magnet ...additionally the magnet is a cintered compressed powder that has corrosive properties if the plating is breached

So holes, notches and other configurations must be done at the time of manufacturing before plating

FYI the magnet has polarity ..the magnet I am starting off with is 3/16 X 3 /16 X 3/8 ..if you set the magnet down along it's length but on an edge instead of a flat and let go it will SNAP to the hot positive side every time ..so one pair of the flats has the near 5 pound pull and the off sides is likely half the pull

Bear

 

[Bad Karma]

A Hillbilly with smarts now were talkin! Brilliant

And a little bit frightening to be frank with you...

 

[Blitz]

need, the mother of epiphanies!!!
tell us how well it works. i would put a drop of locktite under it but thats just me.

Then don't do that.

wm

Yeah , most people probably only try to pick up a porquepine
bare handed once. KISS

 

[Blitz]

I have a belly gun (Colt 1849 Pocket) that actually needs no sights when applied where it is expected to be used
But out shooting in the field and range I cannot live with the number of FEET high it shoots at say 25 yards
It is a Colt ..I do not really want to deface it so a few nights ago I had an epiphany (being a hillbilly I like to look up big words and use'em)
Rare Earth magnet ...haven't shot it yet ..can't shake it off ..sure it won't work in a holster ..but thinking it might have range shooting possibilities ?????
Guys be kind ..we've all tried some Krazy some time ...right??????
View attachment 80408View attachment 80409View attachment 80410View attachment 80411
The magnet has right at 5 pounds of attaching strength ..the last dark picture with the orange dot is the dot in my windowless bathroom ..The paint is photoluminescent but nothing like tritium

Bear

Yeah , most people probably only try to pick up a porquepine
bare handed once. KISS

I also hav one of those nit picky little beauties at 25ft, about 3 high and a sight picture that neds a scope to see took a brass washer and made a front sight from it , patridge style epoxyed to barrel , filed hammed V down and wider for a decent view. Now has good sight picture hope to try soon. Slicked up the action, now great trigger pull Ampco nipples, dual main springs.

 

[Brokenbear]

I also hav one of those nit picky little beauties at 25ft, about 3 high and a sight picture that neds a scope to see took a brass washer and made a front sight from it , patridge style epoxyed to barrel , filed hammed V down and wider for a decent view. Now has good sight picture hope to try soon. Slicked up the action, now great trigger pull Ampco nipples, dual main springs.

I feel your pain and there is no doubt a permanent front sight fix and some hammer caressing is actually in order but t is a Colt 1849 built in the 70's and I hate to do a permanent mess with it job!

So I am agonizing with it looking for a non defacing work around

Bear

 

[Blitz]

I feel your pain and there is no doubt a permanent front sight fix and some hammer caressing is actually in order but t is a Colt 1849 built in the 70's and I hate to do a permanent mess with it job!

So I am agonizing with it looking for a non defacing work around

Bear

Yah ,I share your anguish a real conundrum .