Author Topic: Picking the correct sight combination  (Read 560 times)

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Offline dlbarr

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Picking the correct sight combination
« on: November 28, 2012, 11:25:03 AM »
I have an H&R Buffalo Classic in 45/70 - just rec'd it back from the factory fitting it. I have pretty much decided, unless someone can convince me differently, that I'm going to buy the Williams FP receiver sight to attach to the rear of the barrel. What I am having a challenge figuring out is what should the height be on the front sight - I want a globe sight, like the Lyman 17 series.
 
 The center of the aperture (at its lowest adjustment) is .325" above the plane of the barrel in the rear. The difference in diameter between rear & front of the barrel = .310". So, dividing that in half = .155" which means that the center of the rear sight aperture is .470" (.325+.155) above the plane of the barrel where the front sight will rest.
 
 So...ideally, should the front sight height be as close as possible to the exact measurement of the rear sight (.470)? And since it will likely be impossible to match this exactly, is it better to have a shorter or higher front sight given that the rear sight is measured at its lowest setting? Also, the fact that this is a 45/70 with its unique trajectory characteristics, how does that figure into these calculations?

I should probably add that my main interest is hunting and informal shooting. I can be convinced to start in some friendly competition at my local range, but shooting beyond 200 yds is probably not going to be much of an interest to me.
 
 Thanks a bunch for any help.

Offline tacklebury

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Re: Picking the correct sight combination
« Reply #1 on: November 28, 2012, 03:53:57 PM »
On my BC I zero the gun 2" high at 100 yards and with my loads, that puts it dead on at 175 yards.  I shoot it out to 300 yards with a 10" jump in height.  If I shoot a deer at 300 yards, I put the pin on the top of his shoulder and usually blast right through the bread box.  Unless you're shooting over 300 yards, I wouldn't worry about long range sights.  ;)
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.


Offline cooper

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Re: Picking the correct sight combination
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2012, 09:16:15 AM »
I don't have an answer to your question, but what I would suggest is to first buy the rear aperture sight and install it.  Then, using the factory front sight, sight-in your favorite loads. 
 
For me, I would want to end up with the rear sight fairly low, but still with a bit of room to go lower, just in case. Testing loads should then give you some idea of whether or not you want the front aperture sight to be higher, lower, or the same as the factory front height.