Original sight method?

[David R. Pennington]

Here is the business end of a relic barrel. My question is why is there a groove in the barrel parallel with the bore? There was obviously a base dovetailed into barrel flat. If blade was inlet into that groove the base couldn’t be driven in. Any clues to how or why it was done this way?

[Daryl]

The blade would have to be sweated on, after the base was in place & the longitudinal slot made, would it not?

[Tim Crosby]

 Could be the DT was for a replacement sight.

   Tim C.

[2 shots]

maybe it is a mix of two different mountings?? could a blade have been peened or soldered in the groove and maybe the dovetail added later??

[Dave B]

I think 2 shots has it right. The front site was either orignally in set then the dove tail sight was second replacement or that once the long bladed silver sight was installed it was peaned down fore and aft into the inlet to prevent its long thin length from being bent.  We see long sights with double bases so it could make sence that one could acomplish the same thing using a front sight chanel to keep it where it is suposed to be.