Site for Round barrel

[Antelope Bill]

My eyes are getting worse, so I am looking to move site forward from octagan to the round part of the barrel. Does anyone know of a source for a concaved site that I can solder on?

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

A.B.,
Just pick out a sight that you like best, get a round file and take some of the middle off the base. It shouldn't take too much effort. If you can solder, you can do this. You might even want to consider using the existing one.
Flintlocks Forever,
Lar :hatsoff:

 

[Bill Hall]

I hate to be contrary, but if you solder the sight, once it's there, it's there. If it's a non-adjustable sight, there's no way to drift for windage. It could take many resolder operations and subsequent range trips to get it right.

I see nothing wrong with cutting a shallow dovetail in the round portion of the barrel for the sight, assuming it's a dovetailed sight to begin with. The dovetail doesn't need to be as wide as the base of the sight, just enough to anchor it in place. I've cut them in round barrels for old .22s and it's no problem.

Another thing to think about is that your sight may sit lower on the round portion and you may need to file off a little from your front sight to get the correct elevation.

 

[Todd Rickard]

Just a quick note: Don't use acid flux solders on gun barrels, as the acid will eat through the steel with time, causing a weak spot.

 

[Harddog]

Caywood sells a nifty little brass sight that has a base with a concave bottom and a dovetailed top that accepts the second part of the sight. This way you still have an adjustable rear sight.

Randy Hedden

 

[Antelope Bill]

Thanks to everyone for your help. I talked to Danny at Caywood and he has agreed to sell me an adjustable rear site just as recommended.It sure is great to know when you need advice you have someone you can trust. Thanks again, Antelope Bill

 

[Many Klatch]

If your eyes are getting bad, you could consider shooting smoothbores. We don't use rear sights. It works better than you think.

Many Klatch