determining where the rear sight(fixed dovetail sight) on the barrel

[patkinson]

Does anyone have a method for determining where to mount the rear sight ,especially for older shooters?   Thanks

[alyce-james]

Good evening; sir, for myself and at the request of older shooters I hang with, the method I use is as follows: I use double sided tap in the top area flat of the barrel. Set sight on tape at point of aim on target face and check for clear vision. If not clear move sight forward as needed until vision is clear for these old eyes. (Strike 10 ring). Mark location on tape and cut sight dovetail in for rear sight location. Rejoin shooting at next weeks shoot and have a great time. Works for me. AJ.   

[Candle Snuffer]

And a darn good method it is alyce-james. 

[alyce-james]

candle snuffer; Thanks. AJ.

[smylee grouch]

I do about the same as candle snuffer but move the rear sight about an 1/8 inch forward from the marked position to factor in the next 10 years and I like to do all this outside and not in my shop because the outside light always seems to be different and thats where we do our shooting anyway.

[Hungry Horse]

 I use a piece of a refrigerator magnet, or a piece of a magnetic business card. Stick it on the barrel, and stick the sight to it. You can move it around easily, until you find the sweet spot.

  Hungry horse

[Kermit]

Outdoors light is important. I prefer a bright overcast day. I also avoud the balance point because I hate having that sight under hand while carrying.

[Standing Bear]

I do about the same as candle snuffer but move the rear sight about an 1/8 inch forward from the marked position to factor in the next 10 years and I like to do all this outside and not in my shop because the outside light always seems to be different and thats where we do our shooting anyway.

Exact-a-mently Sir Grouch

[Candle Snuffer]

Outdoor light, absolutely. Also, I like the 1/8th inch forward from the mark to factor in the eye aging process. Good info SG, I had not thought of that.

[Joe S.]

Outdoors light is important. I prefer a bright overcast day. I also avoud the balance point because I hate having that sight under hand while carrying.

The way my eyes seem to be getting I won't have to worry about the balance point , the rear site will be right behind the front one,LOL

[smylee grouch]

Some of the rear sight casting sold need to be opened up a bit also and I would also open the sight notch on those before cutting the dovetail as you will see more light through them when opened up.

[hudson]

I like the ideas on moving rear sight, had not thought of adding a little extra.
The one thing mentioned I have found a big help is opening up that rear sight notch. Get some light around that front blade.

[Daryl]

At some point, which is here now, there is NO position where either of the sights are clear, unless wearing .5 diopter reading glasses.

[Joe S.]

I know it's not traditional but I have taken that florescent green paint and carefully out lined the rear notch and painted the front blade end the same only in florescent orange.Modern hand gun sights are framed this way and if it helps why not.Rather be a little non traditional than look into an empty freezer

[Candle Snuffer]

On existing rear sights that have become blurry to me, I have widened more then one to pickup a better sight picture rather then re-cut another sight dovetail and fill the old one. I also have replaced my front brass sight with thicker brass. It keeps me in the game so to speak, for now.

[Pete G.]

For what it is worth, most original guns seem to have the rear sight placed just above the rear RR pipe, which ends up being somewhere around 12" from the breech.

[Bob Roller]

For what it is worth, most original guns seem to have the rear sight placed just above the rear RR pipe, which ends up being somewhere around 12" from the breech.

The few guns I made for myself were 99% finished and THEN I slid the rear sight along the barrel until it was clear to MY eyes. There is NO uniformity on custom made personal rifles.The last 3 had folding,calibrated peep sights.That was simply the simple opening of a hole in a disc until I could see the front sight.

Bob Roller