New Sight for 1866

[Gripmaker]

Been looking at some longrange shooting with an 1866 in 44-40.  Has anyone used the aftermarket ladder sight offered by VTI and Uberti?  Supposed to be repro of mid-range sight by Winchester. Would only be shooting out to 500 yds max.  I know what some of you are thinking, 44-40?!?!! Where is that boy's head? I enjoy attempting what some consider impossible and relish the accomplishment.

[Silver Creek Slim]

Gripmaker,
My Henry came with a ladder sight. At this point I will be going to the GAF Muster, so we can play with my Henry to see if that is the one you want. 

Slim

[Doc O]

This has nothing to do with the 1866 sights.
But what is the GAF muster? I've seen it mentoined before. But yet to figure out what it is.
Thanks

[Abilene]

The ladder sight for a Henry is different than the ladder sights for '66 / '73 (whether or not it will fit the same dovetail I don't know).  The current '73 carbines have thiis ladder sight, and '66 short rifles used to have it (now they have the same semi-buckhorn as the 24" rifles).  A lot of folks have replaced these sights with other types, so it shouldn't be too hard to find a used one from someone that you can try out.  I don't know what the range would be with the ladder fully raised, but I'm thinking 500 yards is not very realistic.  But I'm sure some folks who have tried to reach out with these guns will comment.

[Silver Creek Slim]

This has nothing to do with the 1866 sights.
But what is the GAF muster? I've seen it mentoined before. But yet to figure out what it is.
Thanks

I sent you a PM.

Slim

[Buffalow Red]

so how about the rest of us that have been wondering what a GAF muster is

[Silver Creek Slim]

so how about the rest of us that have been wondering what a GAF muster is

This is not the forum to discuss it. More info can be found at http://www.grandarmyofthefrontier.org/ and http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/board,20.0.html.

I sent you a PM, also

Slim

[Gripmaker]

Slim,  Glad to hear you will be at the Muster.  Am looking forward to checking out your rifle and sight. 

A note to the Doubters (in distance/accuracy of 44-40).  I tested this rifle /load this summer at the Whittington Center and was able to consistently hit a rock at a measured 585 yds. The rock measures 16" tall by 30" long and the feat was witnessed by about 20 other shooters who were also consitently hitting it with everything from a Ruger 357 Blackhawk to a 50-120 Sharps and even a 22-454 that shoots straighter then I can see. The event was the Shootists Holiday and every year gets better than the last 25.

[Drydock]

FYI

Register now for the Grand Muster of the GAF! September 14,15 and 16.  Ackley Iowa.

Registration forms can be found on the GAF website, in "Dispatchs"  www.grandarmyofthefrontier.org

In addition, please indicate the rifle you intend to use, and what type of powder you will be loading.  Our intent is to run this match in a GAF unique format, classes based on the type of rifle used.  Battle rifles are encouraged, but not required.  Proposed Class structure below.  (Do not choose a class!  what you bring and the numbers demonstrated will determine the final class structure, IE cowboy style, GAF, or a mix of the two as needed)

Fees:  $25 per person shooting fee.
         $15 per person for the Banquet
         $20 per person for 2 days of meals on site (well worth it!)

Primitive camping on site.  Period camping encouraged.

Registrations to be sent to:

D.C. Luetkemeyer
400 N. Oak St.
Meta, MO.  65058

Checks to be made out to D.C. Luetkemeyer.

You may walk in and register on site.


These are meant to be GAF classes at a GAF only match, like a regional or National Muster. GAF classes are Rifle based, not handgun as per SASS and NCOWs.  Mode of hangun operation is considered irrelivant based on the use of one gun and reloading.  All weapons shall start with no more than 5 rounds loaded.  Reloads are unlimited.

Much of this is based on the concepts as put forth in the "Battle Rifle" standards.  THese are all 2 gun (rifle and pistol) unless specificaly stated.  Please review the "Battle Rifle" entry.

Those wishing to use C&Bs may use more than one revolver/cylinder, but will have to cap on the clock in liu of reloading.

All Calibers in the Milspec class will be milspec, with case by case exemptions granted.  (Example: a properly outfitted Winchester 95 carbine in .30-06 may be accepted in liu of the Milspec .30 US caliber)

All calibers will be loaded to CAS spec.  Rifle calibers will be all lead, no more than 405 grains lead at no more than 1400 FPS. Calibers greater than .501 may use up to a 480 grain bullet.  Hangun calibers all lead at no more than 1000 fps.  Further requirements for minimum pistol loadings are under discussion.

Handgun Calibers in "Non Milspec" classes (Militia, Scout, Buffalo Scout and Forager) will have a minmum bore diameter of .357.

For purposes here, Spencers are considered "Repeaters," not lever actions. Winchester 95s are also considered "Repeaters".  "Lever actions" utilize underbarrel magazines.

1-Milspec Repeating Rifle, smokeless powder.
2-Milspec Repeating Rifle, Black Powder.
(combine if numbers warrent)

3-Milspec Single Shot, Smokeless Powder.
4-Milspec Single Shot, Black Powder.
(Combine if Numbers warrent)

5-Militia-Lever action rifle calibers, single action revolvers.
6-Scout- Lever action pistol calibers, single action revolvers.
(Combine if numbers warrent.  Each can be seperated by powder type, should numbers warrent)

OPTIONS
7-Staff Officer- Handgun only, Milspec or of documented Military use in the Victorian era.  No loading aids.
8-Infantry-Milspec rifle only.
9-Buffalo Scout- Single shot hunting rifles (no ejectors), single action revolver.
10-Forager- Single shot (ejectors allowed) double barrel (No ejectors) or lever action shotgun, single action revolver. (Bummer class!)

For those wanting a Spencer class, If you think about it, BP repeater will most likely be just that.

Reviewing the Battle rifle standards, you will see that it refers to hanguns, not single action revolvers.  It means just that.  That they should be related in PERIOD to the rifle used in the Milspec classes gives a great deal of flexibility.  MILSPEC classes will be shot in accordance with Battle Rifle Standards

Should numbers dictate then, a match could be shot with as few as 3 classes, or as many as 12.

[Montana Slim]

My 1866 has the factory folding ladder with sliding bar. Using the 44-40, 200 gr lead, stoked with genuine gunpowder, I've shot out to 400+ yds with good result. The slider markings were even reasaonbly close on the yardage setting. The rifle and cartridge is certainly up to the task, but results are a bit inconsistent due to holding your head up and off the stock (you're using a "neck-weld, instead of a cheek-weld). The sight pitture itself is a bit crude, but workable. Sighting error iis the biggest problem, IMO.

Best,

Slim