Want to add open sights to my Sportster

[Plainsman]

I would like to add open sights to my .22WMR Sportster barrel.  It is not ready for open sights currently.  I am looking for options for getting open sights. 

I'm thinking I have two options:

1) I like peep/aperature sights and am willing to use the rear hole(s) for the scope base for one.  I would just keep the sight in the stock until needed if I have a scope mounted. (I'll use my Survivor stock on this rifle.)  So I'd get a peep/aperature rear and some kind of post for the front.  What would be some options for this type setup?

2) Get a factory type sight system mounted.  Would you recommend a gunsmith or send it back to H&R?  Does H&R even offer adding sights?  I couldn't find anything on the website.

Thanks for ideas!

[quickdtoo]

Gardner used to add sights for $47, I'm sure Ilion would too but probably for a lot more money, but so could any competent gunsmith. A call to Madison will probably get you an answer, toll free (866)776-9292.

The Peep and Firesights link in the FAQs will give you some ideas for front sights.

Tim

[gcrank1]

The little Williams peep used on the Buffalo Classic (used to be avail. from H&R but Brownells for sure) will
screw right on if you remove the scope rail. A ramp front like the Williams with a one screw mount would be easy to mount and they use the replaceable sights to get you to the right height.
If you must keep the scope rail on you can dovetail the very front of the rail for a low open sight and still be able to pop the scope on/off. Again, you will need the front ramp and an appropriate height front sight (probably pretty tall, though) to -0- in.
Or, you can mount the Williams Guide open rear sight (need to D/T 2 holes) on the barrel.
BTW, a friend used the peep on his open sight equiped 22 Hornet Handi and it worked OK with the factory cheapie front (may be avail.?) but the Williams front would be nicer.

[Plainsman]

Thanks guys!  Needing only one hole drilled and tapped would be ideal!

[spruce]

Another possible option for a rear peep would be one that simply clamps onto the Weaver style base.  It would allow you to leave the scope base on the rifle and switch back and forth between the scope and peep sight.

I think they're made by NECG (??).

[gcrank1]

Last I saw they were the better part of $100. I had their version for the Ruger No.1 and it was well made so I would expect the Weaver mount model to be nice too. With the proper front sight permanently installed it would be an easy matter to pop it on the rail.
BTW, they are in the Brownell's cat.

[shvlhead.45]

Seen where a poster here to this site to the Handi Rifle threads used a XS "back up" rear sight that went on his H&R sight base and put a front sight off of a .45-70 on the front of a .45/.410 barrel IIRC. 

Link to XS (middle of page; backup ghost ring) http://xssights.com/store/rifle.html

Leaves only one hole to drill and tap for the front sight.

v/r
SH.45

[45north]

I think the receiver mounted peeps from NECG are around $ 85.00 I have the weaver mounted one on my 375 H&H and I have the one that mounts to a ruger rifle it uses the ring mounts. Both are well made. Really all you need to do is have a dovetail cut into the brl. or D/T a front sight with a dovetail. And then go to Brownells order the front sight measure device. It is segmented and rather tall and mounts in the dovetail. You fire a round with the peep sight in the middle position and the front sight has peices that just break off until you are close to on target. Then just remove it and measure it for height. not to hard to do.

45north

[gcrank1]

A good approach if you have, or can do a dovetail yourself. If you have to pay someone to do it check cost of DT vs D/T screw hole(s) for something like the H&R cheapies or Williams Guide series.
To establish sight heights I have superglued or even electrician taped on sights, chunks of wood wittled to shape or once a small wood block with a finishing nail as a post. Once you are -0-ed were you like measure up and order what you need.
BTW, track of the Wolf (a muzzleloader supply) has inexpensive front and rear sights, but with dovetails required. Some careful work with a hacksaw and triangular file will make a dovetail.