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Author Topic: Looking for sight ideas  (Read 689 times)

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Offline olywa

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Looking for sight ideas
« on: April 02, 2011, 07:50:06 AM »
I recently traded into a very nice 45-70 Contender barrel. It is the Super 16 with the factory brake. Total length is around 17.5" and it has the stock removable front sight. I intend to keep this set up in a pistol configuration on a blued G2 frame with the Pachmayer Decelerator stock and forend. I already have a Ruger No. 1 in 45-70 for shooting the hot stuff, so I will probably work up some hard cast loads that are running just barely sub-sonic for this one. Maybe some 300 grainers but probably 405s. I want a light and handy thumper for walking around and general carry on my property during deer season. Shots will be limited to 100 yards or so.

So here's where I need some ideas.  I really like the way this carries without a scope. I currently have a Williams Guide WGRS peep on it that I had laying around. I'm not entirely satisfied with that setup though, and I'm looking for other ideas that might be kinder to my mid-50's vision. I have numerous rear sights in my Contender drawer, and I have Weaver or MGM scope rails to fit the 4-hole factory mount holes. I also have a Burris 2x or a Leupold 4x that I can throw on it. Not interested in a red dot and the associated battery dependence.

I'd prefer to keep irons on it though, and I'm playing around with the idea of upgrading to a Williams FP (with or without the target knobs), and putting an XS white line front sight on it. I've got that XS sight on all my Marlins and my eyes really like it. However I'm finding that a peep sight at arms length is a bit of a stretch for me. Should I just bite the bullet and throw a scope on it? Or do you guys have some suggestions that I might consider? All ideas are welcome.
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Offline P.A. Myers

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Re: Looking for sight ideas
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2011, 11:26:31 PM »
I never have cared for scoped pistols. I use the T/C Williams style 'wrap-around'. They usually have the white outline blade.  The biggest problem I have is losing the front sight when lighting is marginal. White or orange on the back of the front blade really helps. I have tried fileing the front blade so it is shiney, doesn't help.  A brass bead works good and the beads for that can be had. You need a drill press or an ultra-steady hand to install the bead. I have sights on a dash 3 Smith that has two white dots in the back and one in the front.  That is my favorite, but I have never seen a three dot system on a T/C.

Good LucK,  P.A.
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Offline bilmac

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Re: Looking for sight ideas
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2011, 02:43:11 AM »
Oly probably has it right about poor light. Otherwise if the light is good, the Contender factory sights are very good. I'm 65 and wear glasses and I bought into the common lore that old guys can't shoot iron sights. Then I tried again, for the same reason you want them, a scope clutters up a nice carrying gun. I find that a a set of good post and blade sights like the Contenders have are not impossible for me to shoot.

I have learned to pay attention to what coaches from long ago were saying, focus on the front sight. Let other parts of the sight picture blur a bit. Hard to do, we want to see that target, but going back to basics has revived my interest in the irons.

 Another thing that can blow your mind when shooting irons is strong light from the side. I have been ready to throw some of my good shooters away when I get an attack like this, but when I shoot the same gun under different conditions all is well again.
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Offline Dezynco

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Re: Looking for sight ideas
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2011, 03:42:35 AM »
Quote
I use the T/C Williams style 'wrap-around'

The "wrap-around" style won't work on the G2 because the G2's frame is wider at the top.

I use a scope on all my Contender barrels because I have a hard time finding the rear sight notch, but after reading what bilmac said, I may try again using open sights.  :D
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Offline olywa

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Re: Looking for sight ideas
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2011, 07:48:54 PM »
Thanks for the input Gents. I think I'll try the XS white line front with my existing peep. That's proven to be very effective for me on my Marlins. Still not real sure about using a peep at arms length, but I'm game to try it.
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Offline Junior1942

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Re: Looking for sight ideas
« Reply #5 on: April 04, 2011, 03:42:29 AM »
Here's the red fiber optic rod I installed on the non-removeable front sight of my octagan 357 mag barrel.  The rear is a  Williams #009671 WGRS T/C with a Williams #070919 Firesight Ghost Ring slide with two green fiber optic dots.  The combo works just fine at arm's length with my 68 year old eyes.


http://www.castbullet.com/makeit/photos/tc/tc35704ct.jpg
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