Milspec Sight Question

[Long Juan]

Would replacing the standard rear sight on a Sharps Carbine with a Buckhorn disqualify it from shooting Milspec category?  If so, I assume one could shoot in scout or miitia category.  Right?  Thanks in advance. 

[Drydock]

Why do you want to replace the sight?  Describe the new sight.  Is it a full buckhorn or partial?  Is it still a flip up ladder style sight? Is this to accomodate poor vision,  or is it for percieved faster targed aquisition?  Normaly the alteration of a weapon from milspec would place it in a scout class  (buffalo Scout in this case)  but allowances can be made on a case by case basis.  If the  sight is still in the same general class as the original, I'd allow it.

Is it enough of a difference to really make a difference?   IE  replacing the standard  Lawerance sight with a half  buckhorn  lawerance sight is of no concern.  Replacing the lawerance sight with a sliding ramp full buckhorn would be.

[Long Juan]

Thanks, Drydock.  I am still learning, so please overlook any misuse of terminology in the following.  I have a Cimarron Armi Sports Cavalry/McNelly Sharps Carbine.  Armi Sports literature describes the rear sight as an "adjustable rear sight."  Reviewing other information, including photos, I would say my current rear sight is a replica Lawrence Ladder Rear Sight.  With the range of the GAF rifle targets we are shooting at Plum Creek in Lockhart, I have not been raising the ladder.  Even with the slide at its lowest point, it causes me to shoot high.  With the ladder down, there is a sight of sorts, but not much of one.  It's pretty flat, with a very, very small "v" to allow pick-up of the front sight.  To give me a more reliable sight picture, I was thinking of substituting a buckhorn or semi-buckhorn ladder sight, like the ones offered by Shiloh Sharps. 

http://www.shilohrifle.com/

If that url does not take you directly to the sights page, you should be able to navigate there easily (if you have time and the inclination).  I am thinking about either Part #100 (semi) or #102 (full), both of which look like buckhorn ladder sights, but I am not sure if they are qualifying "Lawrence" buckhorn ladder sights.  If not and you know of one that would keep me in the milspec class, I would appreciate some direction.  If either or both of the Shiloh Sharps sights work for milspec, that is likely the route I will go.  I am leaning right now toward the semi-buckhorn. 


Sorry to have gone on for so long.  My bigger problem with the Sharps (new-to-me) is heavy trigger pull.  Need to get that fixed or I will have a hard time hitting anything regardless of the sight.  Right now hoping to be ready for the national muster in Lockhart in November.  Do not want to embarass myself with poor shooting.  Thanks again for your guidance. 

[Drydock]

OK! the  #100 is fine,  go ahead.  Its basicaly a Lawerance sight, pretty much standard issue on Sharps Military carbines.  I'd personaly rate the #100 as a more accurate "Milspec" sight than the so-so  sights  that come standard on the italian reproductions.  The #100 is in fact the factory barrel sight on Shiloh's military models.  Glad you asked.   

[Long Juan]

Many thanks!   

[Trailrider]

I'm not sure if the manufacturers are following the original sight patterns in terms of how they are sighted at the lowest setting, but if they are following the originals, most U.S. military long arms of the 19th Century are sighted for about 232 - 3?? yds a the lowest setting.  This tends to make them shoot 15-18" high at 100 yds.  If the front sight is replaceable (pinned into the base), then it is easy to put on a higher front sight, which isn't really noticeable.  The reason for this was to make use of the rainbow-like trajectories of the .50-70 and .45-55/70 ammo, in creating the greatest "danger space", including a man on a horse!

[Capt. Montgomery Little]

Long Juan,
                 Don't worry about embarassing yourself with misses. It has happened to all of US..... MORE THAN ONCE! Just get as ready as you can and come with an attitude of having more fun than you could ever imagine.

Looking forward to returning to Texas now that the Statute of Limitations is over.

LTC Montgomery Little, Senior Chaplain, GAF, Commander, Div. of MO.

[Long Juan]

Chuckling at the Chaplain's reply and, yes, I am in it to have fun.  I am having more fun already than I could have imagined.  Not worried about being competitive, except as to my own goals.  Look forward to being part of the army in Lockhart, both now and in November. 

Trailrider, thanks for your comments on sights.  Had not realized how high the lowest setting would be sighted.  Had thought about 100 yards with the higher levels designed for longer range shots, particularly with the military carbine.  Understand the buffalo Sharps would be set up for longer range.  Will take a look at my front sight, but otherwise will just learn to adjust.  Did fairly well last weekend.  I think most of my misses were because of the heavy trigger pull, not the sights.  Shot 2 of 5 stages clean.  Missed only one each, I think, the other 3 stages, shooting seven .45-70 rounds each stage.  Not too bad for my first match outing with the Sharps.  I was slow with itps, simply because I kept squeezing the trigger until the shot went off and sometimes I had to squeeze a LONG time with the heavy, heavy trigger pull before the shot occurred.  Have gotten leads on 2-3 gunsmiths who might be able to lighten the pull a little for me.  Not trying for modern match quality, just something closer to 10-11 pounds instead of the 20+ pounds I am sure it is now.  As I may have mentioned, I have a Spencer that iis even worse. 

Anyway, back to the fun comment, that's what I am having for sure. 

[Drydock]

Hold 6!  'Course, Chaplain Little is the man ringing a 211 yard gong with a fixed sight SAA.   And thats a "close" shot for him!

[Pitspitr]

Long Juan,
                 Don't worry about embarassing yourself with misses. It has happened to all of US..... MORE THAN ONCE!

I've embarassed myself with my Mrs. too... frequently!!! Oh wait, you mean missing the target Come to think of it I've embarassed myself that way too.  There aren't many ways to embarass yourself that I haven't tried

But seriously... You'll want to remember that with a heavy, slow round like the .45/70 or .50/70, even if the sights are adjusted dead on for 100 yds, it'll be on target at about 13 yds, but at 50 yds it'll be 6" to 8" high

[Long Juan]

Got it.  Thanks to all who have responded.

[River City John]

Long Juan,
just for perspective.

The sights I have on my rolling-block carbine are not period correct.
Not only are they not period correct, they're not accurate.
Not only are they not accurate, I can't see 'em most of the time.
Not only can I not see 'em, I shakes a bit.

But am I still having fun? Oh yeah!

RCJ

[Long Juan]

Yes, that certainly puts it all in the proper perspective, River City John!