front globe sight inserts

[Dan1953]

Hello all.  this is a very basic question i am sure but since i don't know the answer be gentle sweet prince.  i just bought a blackpowder rifle with a globe front sight.  it came with multiple inserts. i understand the standard post insert but what is the purpose/use for the inserts with a circle instead of a post?  they have different sizes so i am sure that is also significant.  thanks

Dan

[rfd]

Hello all.  this is a very basic question i am sure but since i don't know the answer be gentle sweet prince.  i just bought a blackpowder rifle with a globe front sight.  it came with multiple inserts. i understand the standard post insert but what is the purpose/use for the inserts with a circle instead of a post?  they have different sizes so i am sure that is also significant.  thanks

Dan

That's a peep sight, one of the most accurate of all iron sights.  Coupled with a rear peep, such as a used with a Gibbs muzzleloader, makes for quite capable of excellent accuracy to 1000 yards.

[mesabi]

The "circle" inserts with the different sizes are for different size circular targets/bullseyes at different ranges.

[Daryl]

The "circle" inserts with the different sizes are for different size circular targets/bullseyes at different ranges.

These globe sights with circle inserts are used with an aperture rear sight, so you have double apertures. These are used with round
bullseyes, as has been noted. The perfect set-up is an even reduction in "light' around the 3 circles, rear, front and bullseye, so they
appear to be perfectly stepped. I was able to shoot a 7/8" group at 100 meters with this setup in an 1874(ish) rifle with 10 shots. As
noted, this is a very accurate setup for target shooting. The rear aperture, if used with a blade or bead makes for a good hunting sight,
but the rear aperture needs to be large enough to admit enough light to see the front sight, in shaded bush, for example.
When I was shooting modern guns prone competition, I found double apertures, rear and front, allowed me to shoot pretty much the same
sized groups at 200 yards (1970's) as I was able to shoot at 200 yds, when the gun was scoped.

[rfd]

"Peep sights" are the norm for long range (300-1000 yard) target shooting.

Circle targets are typically the norm but it's kinda hard to paint a circle on a bison that's 400 yards distance, out on a midwest plain, with yer trusty percussion Gibbs .45 muzzleloader. )

[Eric Laird]

From the great Gary Larson (Far Side)

[Daryl]

LOL That was the cartoon i instantly thought os when i read rfd's post.

[Scota4570]

The hole in the front disk is sized to allow for a thin ring of white around the black round target.  Observing a sighting error is much easier than with a post. 

[T*O*F]

Circle targets are typically the norm but it's kinda hard to paint a circle on a bison that's 400 yards distance, out on a midwest plain, with yer trusty percussion Gibbs .45 muzzleloader. )

Actually, they make front inserts with a buffalo cut-out for use at 500 yards.  They also make various animal cut-outs for their designated distances.  They are for shooting long range silhouettes.

[Dan1953]

thanks so much for the helpful comments.  it is greatly appreciated.