SIGHTS

[COTNTOP]

Got started on me a new barrel, 45 GM blank and gonna put on a TC Hawken frame. Down to sights and underlug so I need some suggestions on sights. Been reading on cutting a dovetail so suggestions on those tools I would appreciate also. Already have extra TC sights but want something more traditional. THANKS

 

[ord sgt]

As crude as it seems, I have used a hacksaw and a triangle shaped file, with one side made safe (file teeth ground smooth). After deciding on the position of the front and rear sights, measure the sight base. I will then cut a series of notches across the barrel, being careful against cutting too deep. Only deep enough for the sight base to fit flush with the barrel. Then working slowly with the file, smooth the slits to sight depth. Then work on filing the angles for the dovetail angle. Work it for a tight fit between the sight and the barrel. Check the fit, file a little bit, then check the fit again and repeat until you are satisfied.

 

[kansas_volunteer]

The Hawken Shop sells buckhorn rear sights which mount in the rear sight screw holes on a standard T/C barrel. If your GM barrel is one of the drop ins it will already be drilled and tapped. Otherwise you may find drilling and tapping for screw holes easier than dovetailing, depending on how your shop is equipped.

 

[COTNTOP]

Barrel is just bare, not a drop-in. Got the breech plug in just deciding on sights. THANKS a lot

 

[Tom A Hawk]

This jig is easy to use and rather fool proof.

 

[necchi]

It really depends on how your planning to using the rifle, your age and eye sight condition, I presume your asking about the actual sights and not the install.
If you want/need advise about install,, then say so,,

 

[Are. M.]

I'd stick a primitive buckhorn on there if it were me.

 

[COTNTOP]

Primitive buckhorn sounds interesting. THANKS

 

[user 34300]

If you use traditional sights you will want to lower the comb.

 

[Terry Lightle]

Have used the jig Tom shows above with good results

 

[Eric Krewson]

I will be different, I had the jig above and hated it, you have to shim it just right to have a shallow dovetail, and you will have to make a variety of shims, It will give you a slanted dovetail on a swamped barrel plus the metal is so hard it will ruin you tri-corner file in short order. For me it is ten times easier to file a dovetail by hand than to set up this jig and make it work on a variety of barrels.

I sold my jig for a song just to get rid of it, I told the buyer up front why I disliked it.

 

[Terry Lightle]

It will sure enough eat a file,think it is made harder so a file will not cut it and distort the jig.Must have got lucky on my swamped barrel as it is straight.Eric has more experience with this than me by far so will really watch the next 1 on a swamped barrel.