Got my .45 carbine! Problem.

[Blackhawker]

In my opinion, I don't really think it's so much "old eyes" as much as it is the type of sight.  For example, I have a Target Classic 38-55 with a Marble's tang peep sight and a Lyman front globe sight.  I also have a Thompson Contender 38-55 with a Simmons 3-9X scope.  Last week I was testing some loads in the Thompson Contender at 75 yards and much to my surprise, I found that I can shoot as well, and in some cases BETTER with the iron sighted Target Classic at 75 yards than I was able to shoot with the scoped Contender.  (this is shooting bullseyes on paper by the way)

All I can conclude from this is that I can see perfectly fine when using the correct sights.  I've always had trouble with buckhorn style sights and a bead type sight in front, especially when there is a white triangle painted in the middle of the buckhorn, such as on my Winchester 94's and the CR-45.  I think there is something to be said for peep style sights and not so perfect, aging eyes.  I'm gonna give a try to the peep sight.  Heck, it's only about $17.00.  Sure beats the price of a scope and ring set up for trials. 
It may be a while (several months) before I get around to trying it since I have other projects to work on but I'll post results when I finally do give it a whirl.  Thanks for all of the info guys!

[44 Man]

My new sights should be here on Tuesday, I'll let everyone know how it turns out.  BUT, I probably think that even with the new sights, I may end up with a small scope on it.  As much as I like the handling of this little gun and the looks of it without a scope, I can't imagine going into the woods without a scope (if I actually want to shoot something).  It's not just the sights, but also being able to see the game clearly.  44 Man

[gcrank1]

Dont I know what you mean! I do tolerably well with irons for pinkin' and steel, etc. but when it comes to 'getting on' a critter I just dont have that good sight definition to make feel confident of a clean hit. For that matter, I dont feel good about poppin' a critter anymore anyway, much less making a poor job of it.
My solution is to have (oh surprise!) rifles for funnin' and rifles for serious. No swapping sights to scopes and back that way, just grab & go.

[S.E.Ak]

Much as I like the looks of the rifle with out a scope, I have to accept the fact that I need a peep or glass to hunt with.  I owe it to the animals I hunt to do my best to make a clean kill.  I do like the looks of the Marbles peep you posted, if anyone has used them, I would like to hear how they like them.  DP

I have three of the sight and they work great in the thick stuff in SE Alaska where a scope won't work. I also always use the long sight,it gives more adjustment up

[Blackhawker]

Does anyone know the actual height measurements of the CR-45 front and rear sights so that if one were to buy replacements, they will match as close to perfectly or "stock" as possible?

I measured my current sights and the front, from top of the barrel to the top of the bead is 0.458", yet if I measure the entire sight from the base of the dove-tail to the top of the bead, it's really close to 0.530".  When buying a replacement, does one measure the entire height of the sight (from base of dovetail to top of bead) or from top of the barrel arc to top of the bead?

Next question:  According to my last shooting at 75 yards with my typical loads, the rear sight height measures 0.400".  If I buy an identical height front sight (or leave the current on in) what height rear sight should I buy to keep things in the range that they are in currently?  (I hope that makes sense)   I'm looking to buy one of those Marble's peep sights as discussed earlier or a similar sight.

Thanks!

[handirandy]

Before you try all the sight changing you might try this.  For target shooting and plinking there is a device that mounts on a pair of glasses that focuses light so the front and rear sight can be more easily picked up by the eye.  I did a search on but couldn't find it.  Maybe someone can help.  I tried one at a gun shop and it worked pretty well but I wasn't willing to pay the price. Plus I tend to be inventive so I went home and fashioned one out of paper sticky's and an old pair of glasses.  Although not perfect it sharpened up the front sight pretty well.  Never used it hunting because I am a scope man by necessity as are some others, but see no problem with carrying the "glasses" around the neck and slipping them on for use.  The firesight type front would make this even better.  They weren't around when I did this "experiment."  I like the idea of a standard scope with a brass finish.  Would love one for my BC.  AND finally am still trying to talk myself into (justifying) why I need a 45 especially when I really, really, really want a 35rem/444.

[quickdtoo]

Does anyone know the actual height measurements of the CR-45 front and rear sights so that if one were to buy replacements, they will match as close to perfectly or "stock" as possible?

Dovetail sights are normally measured from the bottom of the base to top of the blade, the front sight that came on my CR-45 barrel is marked 57W Marbles, their site says it's .570" tall which matches what mine measures. If I ever find the rear sight, I'll measure it.

Tim

http://www.marblearms.com/frontSights_info.html

[quickdtoo]

Before you try all the sight changing you might try this.  For target shooting and plinking there is a device that mounts on a pair of glasses that focuses light so the front and rear sight can be more easily picked up by the eye.  I did a search on but couldn't find it.  Maybe someone can help. 

Here ya go... http://www.gunblast.com/MeritOptical.htm

Tim

[Doublebass73]

Does anyone know the actual height measurements of the CR-45 front and rear sights so that if one were to buy replacements, they will match as close to perfectly or "stock" as possible?

Dovetail sights are normally measured from the bottom of the base to top of the blade, the front sight that came on my CR-45 barrel is marked 57W Marbles, their site says it's .570" tall which matches what mine measures. If I ever find the rear sight, I'll measure it.

Tim

http://www.marblearms.com/frontSights_info.html

My front sight measures the same - 0.570" and the rear sight is approx. 0.400" in it's lowest position.

I ordered a Lyman #20 globe sight that I'm going to try with a Williams FP target knob peep that I have.

[Blackhawker]

Hey thanks you guys.  The measurement of my fornt sight was an approximation because I tried measuring it in place on the barrel, with no straight side to measure from.  Mine is probably a .570 too. 

It seems that my problem is the large buckhorn in contrast with the narrow front blade and the large bead.  My Winchester 94 Trapper has a wider front blade with no bead and the rear sight with much less of a buckhorn (nearly flat) and I never have any problems shooting it.  I think my problem lies more in the sight style rather than failing eyesight, although admittedly, they are getting old.  Another thing that seems to throw me off is the white triangle on the rear sight.  It almost appears like it's not dead center when lining up the sights with a target....keeps me guessing when I'm shooting.

As for the glasses mounted "doo-hicky", while it may work very well at a bench, I just can't imagine walking the field with a big "glob" stuck to my glasses.  I'd more than likely trip and fall on my butt and end up shooting myself of someone else.   

This may sound crazy but I may try the Lyman globe sight with crosshairs up front and the Marble's bullseye sight in back. 
As another option; I have a 30-30 barrel to fit my CR-45 but haven't used it yet.  It has some very nice sights on it.  I think they're the standard sight from a Handi.   I'd be willing to get another set of those if possible.  Can these be purchased from any of the aftermarket suppliers; Midway, MidSouth, etc? 

Thanks again guys!
Chris

[Blackhawker]

I just went and checked out the sights on the extra 30-30 barrel.  They're Williams sights but they're tapped-mounted, not dovetailed.  There goes that idea! 

[shvlhead.45]

For those looking for an aperture sight that goes into the original dove tail, here is a alternative:  http://www.skinnersights.com/barrel_mount_6.html

Run across it by chance and thought it might fill the bill if other options didn't work so well.

v/r
Shvlhead.45

[gcrank1]

Depending on your eyes and what you are used to, the bead (and there are smaller and larger beads, 'gold' or 'ivory') or a blade may work better than the other. Other considerations are the background color or texture you are sighting against and the light. If you are intending to hunt in the woods and are sighting on an open range against a black bullseye on manilla paper you may not see the sights back in the woods.
Do your initial sighting in and getting acquainted on the range then go to conditions you will use it to find out.
BTW, its yours, so paint a color (white-out, model paint, fingernail polish) for contrast on the front sight that works for you.

[Blackhawker]

Does anyone know the actual height measurements of the CR-45 front and rear sights so that if one were to buy replacements, they will match as close to perfectly or "stock" as possible?

Dovetail sights are normally measured from the bottom of the base to top of the blade, the front sight that came on my CR-45 barrel is marked 57W Marbles, their site says it's .570" tall which matches what mine measures. If I ever find the rear sight, I'll measure it.
Tim
http://www.marblearms.com/frontSights_info.html

Thanks for the link and the info Tim.  I re-measured that front sight and it actually is 0.530".  Ironically, the Marble's site shows a 53W as well.  I wonder if they put a shorter sight on my carbine that some of the others.    In order to shoot on target, I have to lower the rear sight all the way down which fits the trend of a short front sight.