Grabber front sights

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Howdy folks, haven't been here in a while due to some health issues but I'm returned and on the mend.

I have a dilemma: my Uberti '73 rifle shoots high at CAS distances so I'm going to install a new, taller front sight. I know that beaded ivory and brass front sights were used in the 19th century, and since one health issue is nerve damage in my dominant eye (similar to glaucoma) I want to put in a beaded brass sight. My choices are the Marbles and the Grabber.

The Grabber has two diameter choices, both are a few thousandths bigger than the Marbles. And Grabber is a modern company.  That would suggest that it would be NCOWS illegal. I did a thread search and the only remark I could find is that someone thought it "might" be illegal. Nothing definitive.

I can't find much information about beaded factory front sights from Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Marbles started manufacturing sights in 1892. Not sure when they produced beaded front sights.
Lyman made his tang sight in 1879. Again, not sure about fronts.

So, do we really know the diameter of the 19th century brass beads (as opposed to the modern ones offered by Marbles, Grabber, etc.)? I can't find a reference, and since I'm not independently wealthy I can't buy old Henry's/Winchesters/etc. or travel to firearms museums, micrometer in hand, asking to measure their exhibits.    Regardless of Marble's modern offering, do we know what they offered in 1892? Or Lyman or anyone else?

I could boil all this pratter down to the basic question: Is the Grabber legal? (specifically the .130")

[Cash Creek]

I also had to put a taller sight on my 73..I don't remember the name of it but it looks just like the one that came on the 73 but taller..I will see it I can fine it again on the net.. if the Grabber looks like the one that came on your rifle then I would think it OK..I had to do a little filing to get the new sight to fit..CA$H

[Yuma Kid]

J.D.
Happy to hear your are on the mend!  If the Judge doesn't jump in here, you can get an answer by contacting him directly by sending an email to judge@ncows.org
Yuma

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[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Thanks, ya'll.  I'm still trying to figure out what was available back in the day. The books that mention sights mostly talk about verniers, tang sights, etc.  They don't spend much time talking about the other end of the barrel...

[Major 2]

Peruse here http://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/874/6

all kinds of Period Sights ... I personally use the Rocky Mountain Sight
FS-TC-TWB front sight, extra tall .080" thick silver blade, brass base

BTW... Take a Dremmel Tool with a Cut wheel and 38 Spc Brass.
cut a 5/16 X 5/16 sq. slightly keystoned from the end.
You have made a perfect C shape shim.... line this up under the above dove tail and tap in with the sight.
There is both just enough shim & sping to hold the sight very snug...

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Great tip!  Thanks!

[Major 2]

you are most welcome... Sir

[Rowdy Fulcher]

Howdy
I put a Rocky Mountain Front sight on my 1873 . I used the brass blade it works good for me . Track of the Wolf will take care of you .

[Pancho Peacemaker]

A few things I found:

Madis "The Winchester Book" 
p. 197 - "an ivory, copper, or silver bead will be seen on a few front sights" (ref 1873 rifles)
pp. 582-583. Winchester Express sights were a special order.  Lyman listed these as "Jack" sights.

I personally have seen '86 rifle with a very generously sized gold "Jack" sight.  I have not seen such on a 73.  Madis book indicates this could've been a special order item.  I do know Lyman offered the "Jack" sight in at least two sizes.

One book I would love to add to my library is Stroebel's "Old Gunsights".  I'd bet that book would have a definitive answer to this quandry.  That tome is difficult to find.  Perhaps someone here has a copy.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Thanks, Rowdy. I may go that route but now that I've started investigating my curiosity is driving me for an answer.
And Pancho, thanks for the excellent advice.  I'm always amazed at the depth of knowledge here (it's one of the best things about NCOWS).

I tracked down Stroebel's latest book, "Old Gunsights And Rifle Scopes: Identification and Price Guide." Apparently it combines information from his previous books and adds new. It's about $25, so I can't buy it right now. But I might later.
http://www.amazon.com/Old-Gunsights-Rifle-Scopes-Identification/dp/0896896986/ref=la_B001KIM2O8_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345722005&sr=1-1

However, I tracked down a Nick Stroebel who sells vintage and repro (mostly black powder) gun stuff on ebay and sent him a question about the beads. Hopefully it's the right Nick, and he'll reply.

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Fast response from Nick:

"Hi JD, Yes I am the author of the books you mention. The size and diameters varied on each individual sight but the standard sizes normally offered were 1/16" 3/32" and 1/8" and bead colors were gold, silver, black and red, for as long as you care to go back gunsite history. Hope that helps. nick"

So, it would seem the 1/8" is close enough to the smaller Grabber to make it correct (especially considering machining and manufacturing tolerances, and especially on the custom sights).

[Pancho Peacemaker]

Great find.  Nothing like chatting with a knowledgeable author.

I did find a picture of a pre-1900 Lyman "Jack" with a big bead. It's mounted on a Savage rifle:

[J.D. Yellowhammer]

Doesn't look like they've changed at all. Of course, ain't any reason to change. Don't fix it if it ain't broke...