Sights on KY pistol

[CERCATORE]

I am planning to build a Kentucky pistol this winter, and I've been doing research on what will be period correct for a pistol of about 1810 vintage. I'd like it to be English influenced, so with some dueller features. I'll probably use an L & R Manton lock, though I may go with a small Siler. The barrel will be rifled.

Should this sort of pistol have a rear sight?

Thanks, Daniel

 

[Wes/Tex]

A normal pistol for use would probably have a rear sight but they were considered "cheating" on a dueling pistol. The Code Duello set certain rules about the pistols and non-sighted smoothbores were considered kosher for that "sport". :shocked2:

 

[szihn]

As I look at my books with pictures of originals from that time frame, I see sights on about 20% of the pistols made in America, but none on the English pistols.

I would not say that it means they never put them on,,,,,,,,,,only that I don't have any pics of them.
SZ

 

[patch knife]

It's your pistol so build it to your taste . I'm building a Kentucky pistol kit too , and had to make the same decision . I've decided to put the rear sight on it because I will be shooting it and I want to be able to shoot accuartely with it . In the book , Thoughts on the American Flintlock Pistol , by S.E. Dyke , 22 of the 87 pistols shown do have rear sights , and 24 of them have no sights at all .