Tang Sights

[skratch]

Were tang sights used on the original rifles? I have to use them on my old single-shot
 cartridge rifles. I was wondering if anyone had period pics or a reference to them. I'm
I'm reluctant to alter my rifle (contemporary) but my old eyes just can't focus on iron sights anymore.
I'll never sell it so value is not really an issue, but I want to make a set historically correct.
Thanks for any help,
John,,,,,

[bob in the woods]

There are some examples of peep sights. I've seen examples of peep type sights used on match locks too.  Those sights go back to the days of cross bows. You can make up a simple peep sight that fastens to your tang via the tang screw. Examples have been posted on this sight a few times, so do a search.

[Seth Isaacson]

Yes, they are found on some flintlock firearms and earlier firearms such as some Germanic wheellock rifles but not very commonly. On originally American flintlock rifles? Maybe in some very rare cases. They became more common once longer range percussion target rifles were being made. You see them on a fair number of percussion rifles from the Northeast in the 1840s and on.

[smylee grouch]

This one I made up for a light 40cal perc. target rifle.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I made a tang sight for a pistol gripped Hawken copying as near as I could, photos of an original.  I threaded the staff 1/4" x 80 tpi (thank you again Bob Roller for the tap and die).  It works a charm and as a diopter, clarifies the rear sight notch perfectly.

[john bohan]

Look at the Skinner sights, not long ago someone posted a pic. of one on their rifle. I looked them up on the websight and they look very well made, I think the ones for flint locks were around $40.00

[Bob Roller]

I made a folding type for my long range 451 about 20 years ago and it was an 8x40.40 Threads per inch is the standard thread for micrometers and each full turn raises or lowers the sight by ,025 (25/1000ths)of an inch and is associated with precise measurement.Windage was a simple standard 5x40.A good milling machine is required and I made the whole thing from a piece of 9/16" square 12L14.I called it a KISS job*.
Bob Roller
*KeepItStupidlySimple

[skratch]

Thanks all, I like D. Taylor's design, no base needed and no altering the rifle if the tang
screw is used. I have all the tools required, thinking I'll use brass to match the rifles brass.
Thanks again,
John,,,,,

[Stoner creek]

I can’t tell you about the original guns but I just did this and it’s in keeping with the style and architectural lines of what I enjoy about traditional Kentucky rifles. It makes my gun accurate at 150 yards too!

[Daryl]

This is what Taylor's sight screws into.
Taylor's:


The original:

[duca]

I can’t tell you about the original guns but I just did this and it’s in keeping with the style and architectural lines of what I enjoy about traditional Kentucky rifles. It makes my gun accurate at 150 yards too!




[/quote

Sweet!!! I think I seen a guy selling those at the Gunmakers fair if I remember correctly. That looks Great!

[skratch]

Using the tang screw hole only gives me 3/4" in height to work with so no go on
that idea. Stoner creek's looks good, the stock line wouldn't be changed when not in use.
Did you make it?
Couldn't find any thing on Skinner Sights, will check TOW.
Thanks, John,,,,

[Dphariss]

[foresterdj]

Skinner LoPro, simple threaded stem and aperture, no windage adjustment. They have models that do, but aperture center is then higher above top flat.