sight question

[Benaiah]

 Looking into buying a hunting style tang peep sight for my T/C Hawken, but don't like the factory front sight on it. I like a plain thin blade, I guess it's called a patridge sight. Where would I find one that is the correct height, that is, the same height as the factory?

Thanks
TC

[mparks]

You could just get a set of Patridge sights for the Renegade.  I don't think the factory rear on the Hawken would work too well with a blade front since the factory front is a bead.  I'm sure Dixie Gun works would have what you need if you wanted to just get a blade.

[Idaho Ron]

My TC renegades have lyman 57 sml peep sights. I like the way they are adjustable from 50 yards to 300 yards and all you have to do is push a button and slide the sight to the correct spot on the sight.  My two 50's have 1-28 twist barrels. I have Lyman 17AML front globe sights with lee shavers inserts. The lee shavers has several different inserts from fine posts to cross hairs. 
The new rifle I have is a TC renegade with a .458 1-18 twist barrel. I shoot 475 gr Whitworth bullets at 1390 fps with 90 gr of pyrodex P.  I want to try to boost that a little more on the next trip to the range.
 The rear sight is a lyman 57 sml and the front sight is a Lee Shavers model S-8 globe sight with a removable level. the dovetail size is 3/8. I sighted this rifle out to 200 yards yesterday. With some luck with the weather I should be able to sight it in out to 400 yards with this set up.  Ron

[Benaiah]

 Idaho Ron- Thanks for the info. The 57sml does sound like a better sight. I like peeps, but it seems like the T/C sight has to be adjusted with a screwdriver and locked into place the same way. Does the 57sml mount to the tang like the T/C? How much did your sight set-up cost?
 I'm shooting the Hornady 410 gr GP solids over 70 grains 3F. Great groups at 50. Haven't been able to shoot much farther than that yet.

BTW- Where do you live in Idaho? I lived in Declo/Burley area for a while back in '89.

[Idaho Ron]

Benaiah, The Lyman 57 is not liked by all. It seems flimsy to some folks. I have always taken my sight off until I am hunting. I keep it in my pocket. The Lyman 57 mounts on the tang just like the TC. On the Renegade I have to alter the sight base a little to make it work the way I want it to. You have to drill a hole and tap it to mount the 57. I have done three and it is easy to do. The Lyman 57 SML was about 75.00 I think. The Lyman 17AML is about 30.00 I think. The Lee Shavers inserts are I think 15 or 20. If you want to go with the Lee SHavers level front sight it is 85.00  I went with the Lyman 17 aml for the front on the 50's but I like the lee shavers level sight a lot more. The 57 is accurate and fast to change settings. I have the settings painted on the sight. So I range the target and slide the sight to the spot. Say the target is 165 yards. I go between the 150 and 175 marks with practice you can make very accurate changes.  I practiced a lot by having my son set out 2 liter bottles and 1 gal milk jugs at unknown distance. I ranged the target and set the sight. With milk jugs I am pretty good out to 250 yards if the wind behaves.  I can hit my steel buffalo 15x15 almost every time with the 50's at 300 yards. I shoot 100 gr of pyrodex select with a 410 gr Hornady. Here is what the 50's look like.  I live in the twin falls area.  Ron

[Slamfire]

Looking into buying a hunting style tang peep sight for my T/C Hawken, but don't like the factory front sight on it. I like a plain thin blade, I guess it's called a patridge sight. Where would I find one that is the correct height, that is, the same height as the factory?

Thanks
TC

I'm with you on the flat post when looking through a hole. The post from the renegade is a bit thick, but red line down the middle might work for you.

[Benaiah]

Idaho Ron- A few more questions for you.
What is the measurement of the screw holes on the 57sml? The reason I ask is that I already have an extra hole on my tang from where I had a gunsmith install a vernier tang sight a long time ago. Got rid of the sight. Am hoping that the holes will line up. Mine measure 1 1/2" center to center, from the rearmost tang screw hole to the tapped hole.
When hunting, do you find it hard to acquire the target through the globe front sight?
Shooting at such long ranges as you do, what is the bullet drop on the 410 grain GP?
 On a separate note, I wish there was a way to cast the 410 GP. I know they are cold swaged, but seems like somebody should make a mold for it. Is there a comparable cast bullet?

[BS]

I'm shooting the Hornady 410 gr GP solids over 70 grains 3F. Great groups at 50. Haven't been able to shoot much farther than that yet.


Be sure and try some heavy card stock [wads] under your 410 grainers, it might help your groups.
Bruce,

No-BS

[Benaiah]

Be sure and try some heavy card stock [wads] under your 410 grainers, it might help your groups.

If I'm not mistaken, the GP bullets are hollow base. Wouldn't that interfere with the expansion of the bullet into the rifling grooves?

[BS]

Read your PM, that is what really works. [non traditional]

The idea of a heavy wad is to protect your base from erosion buy gases.  It may push up into the cavity, I just suggested to give it a try.

What really expands the lead is when the rear tries to pass the front, it shortens and expands filling the groves. The base doesn't just flare out and do all the expansion. Hollow bases are really a poor design in a hunting style bullet. [IMO]

The wad really work well with flat base Maxi balls, they may also work with the GP.

Also some folks have had good results with thick lubed felt buttons.

Try a 36cal wonder wad, then some card stock. That might keep the card from forming into the base cavity.

Forget all this fancy stuff on the reload..............use it bare!

[Idaho Ron]

Sorry for the slow reply. Mine look like they are spaced about 1.250"
If I were you I would get a different one off ebay for a few bucks and drill it right.  Ron

[BS]

I really like hooded front sights, I have made many designs, and this one woks best in low light. The post is just a brass screw filled round to the desired diameter.

When polished the round brass [kind of glows] near dark. You may not see the post really well, but.......just center up on the front.

I have a Black Powder Page if you care to click on my [BS] and see some of the sights and things I make. [ nothing for sale, just might give you some ideas]

Bruce

[Idaho Ron]

How tall is your back sight?  Ron

[Idaho Ron]

I went to your web sight, VERY cool !!!!   Ron

[BS]

How tall is your back sight?  Ron

The TC Vernier Tang has been replaced by a Tall, solid [homemade] Flat top...........about .680 tall.

I set a scale on to of the barrel and sighted thru the peep.........to measure the height.

It is dead on a 75yds. with a light load of 125FF and patched .725 ball.

The front globe really works wonders with old eyes. The small snap on one that I added to my 32 barrel really make a HUGE difference..............


Set any type of tube on your barrel, just ahead of the front sight....................makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE .....for my eyes.

Buckhorn rear sights with a globe front ........................next best thing to full "peep" sights.

Like everything else about Black powder.............what "works for me" doesn't do diddly for you!

Bruce
No-BS

and Thanks, Ron

[Idaho Ron]

I have two Lyman 17 aml's and 1 Lee Shavers with a Level. I know what you mean about helping to see through. I like mine.  Ron