Sight Modification for 100 yard Zero with CW Rifled 58 cal. Muskets

[Rokon]

What techniques are available for establishing a 100-yards zero with the 200-yard battle sight of a 58 cal. CW rifled musket?

 

[gemmer]

If your musket is a repro, file off the the front sight blade down to the base. Cut a slot in the base and solder or epoxy in a higher blade. File it to zero at 100. You could also try heating the sight base with a MAP gas or propane torch and remove the sight and replace it with a higher one from S&S Firearms. www.ssfirearms.com.

 

[Eterry]

I've seen several drill a hole in the 200 yard leaf to hit at 100. It is the simplest way i've seen yet.
I think they move the 100 yard leaf for 50 yards.

 

[Rokon]

Since this is an original Trenton musket, the drilled leaf would be the least modification affecting value. Does any provider supply a blank leaf or replacement rear sight?

 

[Sven205]

If you have the original sights arent they the same as a 61' Springfield? If so I believe its 100, 300 and 500. Drilling a peep in the 300 leaf would be your best bet. All flipped down should be your 100 yard sight picture. Maybe a pic of your sight would help, if you do actually have a 200 yard setup what I've said doesn't apply.

Heres a link to one, I believe Lodgewood and maybe Dixie carries these as well if it does have this type.
Product Detail

Front sight modification as gemmer suggested would make accurate shots easier as well but I'd have a hard time hacking on an original.

I've found on rear sights like '55 Springfield long range, enfields etc that are the ladder style can be easily modified as well. This is a '58 Enfield that I just put two washers epoxied together for 50 and 100 yard shooting. This has a Whitacre barrel with a tall front sight so the 100 works for 50, drop the shim in for 100.

 

[RjSixgun]

Since this is an original Trenton musket, the drilled leaf would be the least modification affecting value. Does any provider supply a blank leaf or replacement rear sight?

Lodgewoods, S&S Firearms you can buy a repro to match the original or buy a blank and cut it to have a 50-100 yard flip up sight, or drill a peep into it

 

[hawkeye2]

I skirmished with an unaltered '61 Trenton including the original nipple for several years and did quite well with winning my first National medal at 100 yards. The original sights, rear in the lowest position, worked fine. I used a 6 o'clock hold and the top of the front sight at the top of the rear and centered. At 100 yards it was still a 6 o'clock hold and the top of the front sight base even with the top of the rear, entire front blade above the top of the rear and centered. The load was a .44 Henry RF case full of 3f and a 500 grain minie, Len's lube.

You won't have any problems finding aftermarket rear sight blades to fit which you can modify to suit. If possible I wouldn't modify the front sight as it isn't reversible. I don't care for peep sights myself but that's a personal choice.

 

[Rokon]

Thank you, one and all!