What height front sight do I need

[rhernandez914]

Hi Gang,

I want to add a standard Marbles .531 width 3/32 gold bead sight to my H & R Buffalo rifle. What height front sight do I need? I have the standard WGRS sight and I am looking to get an extra square notch replacement blade (cowboy action). I plan on using standard hunting & cowboy 45/70 loads. I checked the FAQs but came away more confused (So much information). 

[quickdtoo]

Use one of the sight height calculators in the Peep and Firesights link in the FAQs. FWIW, the correct height for use with the WGRS is .494", that's from the bottom of the dovetail to the center of the globe on the 17A sight.

Tim

[gcrank1]

If you have the globe front sight out wittle up a hardwood or plastic or brass dovetail to fit, drill a hole in it and epoxy (or superglue gel) a small finishing nail in the center for a 'sight pin' (dont glue the dovetail into the barrel, just the nail into the base). Use a nail long enough that you can clip, file, dremel it to height with your rear sight. Once its is working good for you pop it out, measure it up and hit the gunshop or order what you need.

[rhernandez914]

Thanks for the help.

[Lefty Dude]

I would reconsider that 3/32" bead for your application. Kinda wide in my estimation.

For long range Cowboy action side matches, the big ball, not so good. If the application is Plainsman event then the 3/32" would be the go.

[rhernandez914]

Good point. 1/16" would be a better choice right? Or is there a better front sight to consider for cowboy action shooting?

[gcrank1]

Ive always done pretty well with a good 'patridge' type front post. Solid, square sight picture, maybe undercut a little on the backside, and make sure you have a rear sight groove with a good bit of light on each side of the blade when viewed. Too little light and you have to take too much time 'centering things', unless youve got young eyes.