Looking for a patched ball shooter

[Keith Lewis]

I am considering getting a side lock percussion rifle to shoot in some competitions just for fun. I think many require that you shoot a patched round ball. My eyes will not focus on the rear sight anymore so I will be looking at a rifle that will accept the Lyman 57 peep sight. I think if you are over 60 they allow peep sights. What are the suggestions? Lyman obviously, probably the Great Plains version as I think twist is 1 in 60. Other suggestions??

[quickdtoo]

If you get one with long enough barrel, placing the rear sight closer to the muzzle helps up to a point, but you end up with a short sight radius. It's the only way for us old guys to shoot open sight. :?  I have 3 dovetails cut in my flinter as I moved the rear sight farther from my eyes to stay in competition! :wink:

[Birddog6]

IMHO, the Lyman GPR is the Best Buy for the money.  Much much less loss in value if you decide to trade or sell it later, compared to the $ lost from new to used on a T/C & some others.

The Lyman peep does well on target but not so good hunting (for me anyway) as not enough light for early mornings or late afternoon shots in the woods.  But the targer groups were the best I ever gto from it.

[crow_feather]

You might also look at the H & A underhammer that comes with a barrel made on the machines bought from Douglas.  

They make a target rifle version.

C F

[tryit]

Keith, I have the same problem. I use the Merit shooting eye (Brownells,Dixie,gun books) with a high degree of success. If you want to remain authenic then a piece of black tape with a small hole drilled in it and adjust with different size drills until you get a clear picture of the sights attached to your glasses. Also get another sight blank that will allow you to drill a peep sight in it will also work. Not much for hunting but you will certainly make the youngsters sweat. Tryit.