Bore Sights

[TommyG]

I know this is about as far from period correct as can be, but just curious if any use a laser bore sight system to help in the fabrication process for your sights(determining sight heights) and also to get them close initially on the bench before going to the range.  If so what is the system you use?

[Daryl]

With most calibres, the height of the front and rear sights is almost even, or level (above the centre of the bore), for a 25 and 50 yard zero.
The height above that bore is up to you - how high do you want them?
Final sighting-in is done at the range, at least, that is how I've/we've adjusted open sights for 59 years.
Of course, filing the sights at the range is easier with 2 people, one to hold the gun and one to file.

[Scota4570]

A couple of Jorgensen clamps is very handy to secure the rifle when filing sights.  I always take my digital calipers to set a zero and remove the correct amount of front sight rather than guessing.  Duct tape on the surrounding barrel is nice to keep from damaging the finish when the file slips. 

I find that if the bore is straight the rear sight ends up about 0.01 higher for a 50 yd zero. 

Sometime the bore is not straight.  A laser pointer bore sighter might be helpful with that. 

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

A good system that I employ for filing the front sight, is to use the plastic lid of a coffee can or the like.  Cut a rectangular slot in the middle that is a tight fit over the blade, and the disc will protect your barrel.  I keep one in my range box at all times.

[smylee grouch]

I have never used a Jorgenson clamp but have used those Quick clamps with the soft rubber pads on the jaws and when alone with no one to hold the gun they have worked good for me. The plastic lid to save scratching the barrel is a good idea. And yes, bring your caliper along too.

[TommyG]

Hi Guys,  Thanks for your replies and advice.  I pretty much do everything you all have mentioned.  I set the rifle on sandbags and file that way using some 35 mm film to protect the barrel, I also have dedicated, sharp files I use for nothing else but sights.  I was just curious if anyone had tried using a bore sighting laser while designing and fabricating sights to get the gun close before going to the range.

[smylee grouch]

Hi TommyG, I'm thinking that if you set your sights in the range that Scota and Daryl stated you will be on paper which is good for working up loads ( your best load ). Don't worry about filing the sights for sight in until you have your best load figured out then file the sights for sight in using that best load.

[smart dog]

Hi Tommy,
I use my SiteLite MagLaser bore sighter all the time.  It is very useful and easy to use.  As bought it has guides that work with all calibers up to 50 and then 20 and 12 gauge.  I made a guide for 54 and 58 calibers.  Using the guide I can always center windage pretty well before ever firing the gun.  I am experienced enough with it to now be able to get elevation fairly close such that the first shots at 50 yards are usually low but within the 7 or 8 ring on a 100 yard target.  I let the owner take it from there.  With the bore sighter I never have to fool with 25 yard shooting as a start. I can start at 50 yards and then eventually I move to 100 yards (with my own guns).

dave       

[TommyG]

Dave,  That is what I was looking for.  I realize that there is no substitute for final range work, nor should there be, but I often thought that a laser bore sight would be helpful especially since many of the guns we create have different styles, drops, combs, rollovers, etc..  Thanks for the info, TommyG

[Not English]

I pull the barrel and remove the breech plug when initially installing the sights. I clamp the barrel down on the picnic table and sight down the bore at a suitable target on the fence. I then drift my sights to match the bore sighting picture. This will always get me on the paper when working up a load and sighting in. Once in great while, the sights will be spot on with out any further ado.