Got my tang sights (photos)
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- KirkD
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Got my tang sights (photos)
Gentlemen, I'm 58 years old and with open iron sights I have seldom been able to shoot five-shot groups at 100 yards smaller than 2" for the past few years. It has been a reminder that the 'old grey mare just ain't what she used to be' or, in my case, the old stallion ain't what he used to be. I finally decided to get me some original tang sights to fit my original Winchester Model 1886 45-70 and my original Winchester Model 1873 44 WCF (44-40). A friend of mine put me in touch with an expert in old Winchester tang sights over in Main. I told him the Model of Winchesters and serial numbers so he could figure out which tang sights were originally used on these old classics. I wanted originals because both rifles are in original condition.
Well, this past week they finally arrived. What neat pieces of 1800's craftsmanship! The first one here is the earliest version of the Lyman #1 with fine knurling, the open bottom and a patent date of May 6/84. My '73 was received in the warehouse in 1889, so this sight would have been used on '73s at that time. Here is a photo of the little beauty mounted on my '73 and precisely centered for windage ....
Here is a photo of the other original tang sight on my '86. It is a Lyman #1a with locking stem and flip down aperture. When the bolt is levered back, the sight fits perfectly in the rear notch of the bolt.
Well, I got both tang sights mounted and precisely aligned in windage. The wife told me I had an hour till supper so I took off with my '86 to the range just before supper to get a quick few shots in to try 'er out. Wow! These tang sights make everything razor sharp .... rear sight notch, front blade and target. Even a half-blind, falling-down drunk with a serious case of the shakes could get tight groups at 100 yards with these things. I have to say that I am thrilled. Anyway, all I had loaded up were some 45-70 cartridges with 405 plain base bullets. I have other loads that are significantly more accurate, but I had no cartridges loaded up at the moment with those more accurate loads. Anyway, I got a five shot group of 2 & 3/4" at 100 yards without hardly even trying. I still had the rear sight on and I found it to be a bit of a distraction in centring the front bead, but I'll remove and archive that rear sight and load up some of my accurate loads and try it out later this week. Anyway, here's a shot of the target with my poor accuracy load. This tang sight should allow me to shoot one ragged hole if I have an accurate load. I'll be experimenting.
Boys, if you got a fine old lever gun and those open sights are starting to look like a bad blur to your old eyes, I would highly recommend a tang sight. It is almost cheating, they sharpen things up so nicely! You can take your scope and give it a heave. With these tang sights, I figure I'm good for a lot further than 200 yards once I get my loads fine tuned for accuracy. The originals are dadgummed expensive. I'll be eating dried crusts and water for the next while. You can get modern reproductions of these from Lyman and Marbles for a fraction the price. I just wanted originals on my two old guns.
Well, this past week they finally arrived. What neat pieces of 1800's craftsmanship! The first one here is the earliest version of the Lyman #1 with fine knurling, the open bottom and a patent date of May 6/84. My '73 was received in the warehouse in 1889, so this sight would have been used on '73s at that time. Here is a photo of the little beauty mounted on my '73 and precisely centered for windage ....
Here is a photo of the other original tang sight on my '86. It is a Lyman #1a with locking stem and flip down aperture. When the bolt is levered back, the sight fits perfectly in the rear notch of the bolt.
Well, I got both tang sights mounted and precisely aligned in windage. The wife told me I had an hour till supper so I took off with my '86 to the range just before supper to get a quick few shots in to try 'er out. Wow! These tang sights make everything razor sharp .... rear sight notch, front blade and target. Even a half-blind, falling-down drunk with a serious case of the shakes could get tight groups at 100 yards with these things. I have to say that I am thrilled. Anyway, all I had loaded up were some 45-70 cartridges with 405 plain base bullets. I have other loads that are significantly more accurate, but I had no cartridges loaded up at the moment with those more accurate loads. Anyway, I got a five shot group of 2 & 3/4" at 100 yards without hardly even trying. I still had the rear sight on and I found it to be a bit of a distraction in centring the front bead, but I'll remove and archive that rear sight and load up some of my accurate loads and try it out later this week. Anyway, here's a shot of the target with my poor accuracy load. This tang sight should allow me to shoot one ragged hole if I have an accurate load. I'll be experimenting.
Boys, if you got a fine old lever gun and those open sights are starting to look like a bad blur to your old eyes, I would highly recommend a tang sight. It is almost cheating, they sharpen things up so nicely! You can take your scope and give it a heave. With these tang sights, I figure I'm good for a lot further than 200 yards once I get my loads fine tuned for accuracy. The originals are dadgummed expensive. I'll be eating dried crusts and water for the next while. You can get modern reproductions of these from Lyman and Marbles for a fraction the price. I just wanted originals on my two old guns.
Last edited by KirkD on Mon Aug 20, 2012 7:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Kirk,
Nice tang sights, but they both look like #1's. The #2 had a screw in eye piece. The second one appears to be a #1a combo. It has the locking stem and should have the flip down inner aperture.
Doesn't really matter since your happy and they do look nice.
Nice tang sights, but they both look like #1's. The #2 had a screw in eye piece. The second one appears to be a #1a combo. It has the locking stem and should have the flip down inner aperture.
Doesn't really matter since your happy and they do look nice.
I know a whole lot about very little and nothing about a whole lot.
- KirkD
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Jdad, I'm sure you are right. I corrected my original post according to your info. I didn't know what it was, (the fellow didn't mention any details) so I went to the Lyman web sight and found one that looks like the one on my '86 here http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/sights/1886.php They called it a #2, but I don't know the difference between a #1 and a #2. Mine does have the locking stem and the flip down inner aperture. I'm not particular as to the Model or type .... I just wanted original tang sights that the old timers would have screwed onto their old guns back in the day, even if it were some years after they first bought it without any tang sights.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
- ollogger
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Them are sweet kirk,I know what ya mean with the eyes
ollogger
ollogger
- Canuck Bob
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Very nice Kirk. Those sights do indeed look like they belong there.
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Kirk they look good I think I have the same #2 on my 92 38wcf rifle. What a difference in the woods shooting with them. I know you will like the results.
I got to the point where I couldn't see the sights in the woods but the tange and a German silver blade are still good.
I got to the point where I couldn't see the sights in the woods but the tange and a German silver blade are still good.
- O.S.O.K.
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
I want your guns.
Well, OK, no, I want guns just like yours though
Very nice and I completely understand the insistance on matching the sights to the vintage of the firearms.
Well, OK, no, I want guns just like yours though
Very nice and I completely understand the insistance on matching the sights to the vintage of the firearms.
NRA Endowment Life
Phi Kappa Sigma, Alpha Phi 83 "Skulls"
OCS, 120th MP Battalion, MSSG
MOLON LABE!
Phi Kappa Sigma, Alpha Phi 83 "Skulls"
OCS, 120th MP Battalion, MSSG
MOLON LABE!
- AJMD429
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
It's NICE to see such beautiful guns be in the hands not of some wealthy stuff-collector, sitting unused in a vault or display-case, but actually being USED afield, as was intended. Somehow it just seems right...!
Doctors for Sensible Gun Laws
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
"first do no harm" - gun control LAWS lead to far more deaths than 'easy access' ever could.
Want REAL change? . . . . . "Boortz/Nugent in 2012 . . . ! "
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Very nice indeed, glad your happy with em Kirk.
Because I Can, and Have
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
-------------------------------------------------------------
USAF-72-76
God Bless America.
Disclaimer, not responsible for anyone copying or building anything i make.
Always consult an expert first.
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Kirk, fine rifles and fine sights. I know what you mean about the increase in sight/target clarity with them. I've been singing the virtues of tang sights for years. The significantly increased sight radius is good but with a small target aperture so close to one's eye the DoF increases dramatically even for us farsighted afflicted souls. Together, those two improvements give one a dramatic improvement in accuracy. It's almost magic to have both the front sight and the target appear as clear as that through the little hole. Keep us posted on your results with your 'accuracy' loads.
Steve
Retired and Living the Good Life
No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
Retired and Living the Good Life
No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
- Ysabel Kid
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Exactly! We are all living vicariously through you Kirk!!!AJMD429 wrote:It's NICE to see such beautiful guns be in the hands not of some wealthy stuff-collector, sitting unused in a vault or display-case, but actually being USED afield, as was intended. Somehow it just seems right...!
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
I know what you mean Kirk...
@50yds
@50yds
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"IT IS MY OPINION, AND I AM CORRECT SO DON'T ARGUE, THE 99 SAVAGE IS THE FINEST RIFLE EVER MADE IN AMERICA."
WIL TERRY
WIL TERRY
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
You are so right. i now have tang sights on almost all my traditional lever guns --not on my winchester 88 or ruger 96 : )
with a folding rear leaf sight [ or a blank for the slot ] i can once again begin to realize the real accuracy my rifles offer.
and the tang sight works really well for fast up close shooting too, for me a lot easier than a scope for a close in running shot.
with a folding rear leaf sight [ or a blank for the slot ] i can once again begin to realize the real accuracy my rifles offer.
and the tang sight works really well for fast up close shooting too, for me a lot easier than a scope for a close in running shot.
cable
- Borregos
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
They look great Kirk.
I started putting tang sights on my levers a few years ago (my eyes are 11 years older than yours) and to me it was just like fitting a scope, everything got sharp
I started putting tang sights on my levers a few years ago (my eyes are 11 years older than yours) and to me it was just like fitting a scope, everything got sharp
Pete
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
Sometimes I wonder if it is worthwhile gnawing through the leather straps to get up in the morning..................
- Griff
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
I have tang sights on only two of my leverguns. Both mdl 94s as I use them for hunting. Since I use the pistol caliber stuff for CAS, and pinpoint accuracy is the least of its' demands... I don't have a need... in fact, I rarely even use the rear sight... just put the front sight on the target and slap the trigger!
But... some fellars say they're faster to sight with. I don't find that to be the case... but maybe I SHOULD try it! I couldn't go much slower!
But... some fellars say they're faster to sight with. I don't find that to be the case... but maybe I SHOULD try it! I couldn't go much slower!
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession!
AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Excellent tastes sir, as ever.
I look forward to your range reports.
Nath
I look forward to your range reports.
Nath
Psalm ch8.
Because I wish I could!
Because I wish I could!
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Well done Kirk, they look great.
JerryB II Corinthians 3:17, Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
JOSHUA 24:15
JOSHUA 24:15
- Whit Spurzon
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Inspiring.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
"There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves." -Will Rogers
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Looks GREAT and works better!
Oly
Oly
Cheers,
Oly
I hope and pray someday the world will learn
That fires we don't put out will bigger burn
Johnny Wright
Oly
I hope and pray someday the world will learn
That fires we don't put out will bigger burn
Johnny Wright
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Very nice Kirk. You've got style.
You know, it's getting on toward the end of this year and I don't have a calendar to hang in my gun room yet. Am I gonna have to go to ChinaMart and get one with a bunch of kittens or are you going to grace us with one this year?
Pretty please?
Cat
You know, it's getting on toward the end of this year and I don't have a calendar to hang in my gun room yet. Am I gonna have to go to ChinaMart and get one with a bunch of kittens or are you going to grace us with one this year?
Pretty please?
Cat
- KirkD
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Cat, I would really like to produce a calendar for 2013. I'm planning to do it, but can't commit myself to it yet. If I do, I want to have it ready by October 30th. I'm working on it.
Kirk: An old geezer who loves the smell of freshly turned earth, old cedar rail fences, wood smoke, a crackling fireplace on a snowy evening, pristine wilderness lakes, the scent of
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
cedars and a magnificent Whitetail buck framed in the semi-buckhorn sights of a 120-year old Winchester.
Blog: https://www.kirkdurston.com/
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Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
Oh right on!!!
Don't know how I could help, but if I can just let me know, be happy to. Thanks.
Cat
Don't know how I could help, but if I can just let me know, be happy to. Thanks.
Cat
Re: Got my tang sights (photos)
WOW.
Mike Johnson,
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot
"Only those who will risk going too far, can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Eliot