peep sight question

[Curtis]

My Sporterized Krag has a Redfield peep sight.  It is my first exposure to such, and I really like it so far.  My question is how many of you sight at the top of the bead and how many sight the point of impact at the center of the bead?

Thanks,
Curtis

[Mikey]

Curtis:  whenever I have used a peep sight with a bead I have put the top of the bead at 6:00 on a target and adjust to hit a couple of inches high at 100m, which allows me to hold for longer ranges with a dead on point of aim/impact. 

I have tried to use a bead with a dead on hold for circular targets at 100m but the darn bead just about obscures the target or makes it tough to take a center hold even with a larger target.  It's probably my old eyes but I'm sure if the darn target was paitned on the side of a barn, and a big one at that, I could hit it well...............maybe...........

I think, but am still not certain, that a typical bead sight on a rifle amounts to about a 4" circle at 100yds.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Castaway]

For range work, as Mikey said, place the bead at the 6 'clock position on the target.  That gives me about two inches of elevation at 50 yards (45 Colt) which allows for hold on at 100 yards on a critter.

[beemanbeme]

I don't think it makes a whole lot of difference. I was taught in the military to aim at 6 o'clock. But then, we used a flat topped front sight. Now if I was using a peep with a bead front sight, I think I'd change it out or file it flat as old habits are hard to change.  If you're just starting out, do it however you want. The 6 o'clock hold does let you see where you want to hit instead of blotting it out.

[Badnews Bob]

I like the 6 o'clock hold because it lets me see what I'm shooting at. I have peeps on several rifles and the whitetails don't like it when I break one out.

[Curtis]

Thanks for the replies.  During my shooting session I tried both.  I liked the 6 o'clock sight picture best but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

Curtis

[woodchukhntr]

The 6 o'clock sight picture is better with flat-topped, or blade, front sights since the flat top is a more definite reference point.  The dot is meant for a center of the bead aiming point.  The problem is that the bead covers the target.  This is why it is not used for target shooting.  If you are going to use the top of the bead, replace it with a blade.  You will be happier.  I paint the blades fluorescent orange for hunting so I can find it easier.

[woodchukhntr]

I forgot to mention that military rifles have flat-top front sights.  They do that for a reason.