Tang sight on Henry

[PJ Hardtack]

Blair

We are playing a "fantasy game", even the most dedicated, dyed-in-the-wool NCOWsBoys and their valiant attempts at historical purity. And if it's his money - what the hey.

On the BP forum of this site, there was just a convoluted discussion about re-inventing the wheel and the impracticality and difficulties of doing it, not to forget about the cost.

If someone has the talent and/or money to pursue this sort of thing, why not? Look what it did for the BPCR silhouette game and the way it raised the bar for long range BPCR shooting. Ever increasing rates of twist in the barrels, heavier bullets, etc. have left the historic cartridges far behind.
The only resemblance between them and the historic rounds is the headstamp on the casing.

[Yeso Bill]

Swede,

     It looks like if your centers are anywhere from 2" to 2.250, the sight will bolt up.  The rear hole in the sight is oblong, measuring about .332" in total length, giving quite abit of wiggle room.

Billy   

[The Swede]

Swede,

     It looks like if your centers are anywhere from 2" to 2.250, the sight will bolt up.  The rear hole in the sight is oblong, measuring about .332" in total length, giving quite abit of wiggle room.

Billy   

That sounds great. I will check it out.

Thanks,

Swede

[The Swede]

Once you have done the measuring, you may want to see if you can find an original Henry with a tang sight.
Only "one" will do. Even if it is aftermarket.
One should satisfy a couple of hundred for the modern CAS/SASS gamers.
On the other hand, If you can't find even just "one"... then leave it alone?
Just a thought.
Blair

Blair you have been very helpful. My main reason for thinking about a tang sight was eye sight issues. I  hadn't planned on getting a henry  initially I was going to go the Spencer route. But after careful thought I didn't. Not being able to break a minute on my times helped to.
I had also thought about short stroking the Henry as well (Gasp!). =-O
But I gave up that idea too.
I love the history behind the sport, but ultimately it has to be fun. That is why I only shoot black powder.
Keep in mind that all of you out there are why this sport is fun.

Swede

[The Swede]

Thank you all for your help, advice, and insight! 

Thank you all!

Swede

[Blair]

Swede,

Here's a thought, and, it is documented on original Henry's.
Try moving the rear barrel sight back to the top of the receiver. Just far enough so the ladder, when folded down. will not interfere with the ejection port.
This will bring the rear sight closer to your eye and increase the overall sight radius.
My best,
Blair

[PJ Hardtack]

I often wondered about the dovetail slot seen in pics of original Henrys.

While it would provide a longer sight radius as Blair said, there has to be a reason why it was not the standard sight position.
Putting the rear sight so close to the eye is not the optimum position for most normal eyesight, hence the placement of rear sights out further on the barrel.

Only way to find out is to make a cardboard rear sight, tape it on the receiver and see if it works for you.

[Will Ketchum]

I actually cut a dovetail on the receiver for the rear sight.  it didn't work with the stock sight because it was just a blur.  I never tried the full buckhorn there it might just have worked.

Will Ketchum

[Blair]

Will.

When "you" are shooting ... what do you or your eyes focus on during sighting?
Blair

[Will Ketchum]

Will.

When "you" are shooting ... what do you or your eyes focus on during sighting?
Blair

Blair, it depends on what type of shooting I am doing.  For CAS and combat style shooting I concentrate on the front sight and the target.  For precise target type shooting I try for a good sight picture and let the target blur out.

Will Ketchum

[Blair]

Will,

Same for me.
In most (maybe not all) cases, my eye focuses on the front sight only.
Everything out fare, or close is very much a bluer.
With age, making this sighting change becomes more difficult.
This factor is very important for most folks.
My best,
Blair

[Sleepy Floyd]

Mr. Ketchum,

The sight you mentioned,  Does that fit without and problems or modifications?

Mike

[Will Ketchum]

Mike, I put on both a 66 and a Henry and it fit the dovetails as best as I can recall.

Will Ketchum

[Sleepy Floyd]

Thank you.

Time to order.

Mike