MVA Rough and Ready Site on '73 Uberti?

WaddWatsonEllis · October 05, 2011, 04:15:09 PM

Ever since I watched the last of the Lonesome Dove Series, I have wanted to put a "Rough and Ready Site on the back of of my Codymatic '73 Uberti. As well as a hooded front site.

I can find no history on these sites (i.e. when they were first invented and whether they were available on '73 Winchesters).

Does anyone have any history available on thest sites?

http://www.montanavintagearms.com/rough_ready.html

Montana Slim · October 05, 2011, 07:44:26 PM

Haven't seen that style on any original 1873 rifles....or others for that matter.......but for-sure that doesn't mean any existed.

However, there are some nice reproduction Winchester folding rear sights available...Dixie Gun Works used to carry a couple types & Smith Enterprises makes one - try Brownells for the Smith Enterprise sights.....

Of the bunch, I'd go with a repro Winchester or a Marbles for authenticity. The Smith Sight would be fine a fine choice for a big-bore long-range rifle...might be outta place on a saddle-gun.

Beech combo folding site is authentic, tho..seen those on 73's.

Slim

JimBob · October 05, 2011, 09:18:46 PM

That style rear sight was originally offered by Remington as an optional sight for their rolling block rifles,they designated it as a "Combination Open and Peep" rear sight.It started being listed in catalogs in the 1870s,perhaps as early as 1873 and definetly by 1877.Winchester offered nothing similiar in design nor did Lyman for the 1873 Winchester.Remington catalogs show it as only being available to fit their rifles.

WaddWatsonEllis · October 11, 2011, 08:16:21 PM

Hi,

This is my third attempt at posting and I will keep it short ....thank you all for your thoughtful repliies.

Grizzly Adams · October 11, 2011, 10:30:59 PM

Quote from: WaddWatsonEllis on October 11, 2011, 08:16:21 PM
Hi,

This is my third attempt at posting and I will keep it short ....thank you all for your thoughtful repliies.

The MVA description for that sight indicates that it is for a Remington rifle, and that is is a back barrel mount. In order to use it on a Winchester 1873, you would have to drill and tap the top of the barrel in order to mount it. Given the position on the barrel, I can see no advantage to such a set up in terms of sight radius, and the distance of the shooter's eye from the peep. Just the view from my saddle!

WaddWatsonEllis · October 12, 2011, 08:36:29 AM

Grizzly,

When I watched it being used, it seemed like a pretty good compromise .... open sites for up close and a rudimentary peep site for distance ....

But that was just this neophyte thinking aloud ... and I wanted the wisdom of others before I started drilling holes ...*S*

JimBob · October 12, 2011, 02:59:37 PM

The Buffington Trapdoor sight as well as the Krag M1901 sight and M1903 Spr. have peeps when using the ladder in the up position.If you know someone who has one of those sights on their rifle give a look through them to see if you can sight through a peep that far from your eye.Some can some can't.

wildman1 · October 12, 2011, 06:59:33 PM

The Buffington on my 84 Trapdoor is all I use, works very well for me. WM

w44wcf · October 17, 2011, 07:32:09 AM

WaddWatsonEllis,

This is the type of ladder sight that was used on the Lonesome Dove shot (see link to the shot below). The ad mentions Rossi '92 so I checked my Rossi and it has a 3/8" dovetail. I then checked my '73 Winchester and it also has a 3/8" dovetail. The dovetail is measured at the bottom of the slot.
http://store.stevesgunz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_20_26&products_id=47

Here's another...
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=18599/Product/M-95-LONG-RANGE-SIGHT

If your rifle has an octagon barrel...
http://store.stevesgunz.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_20_25&products_id=46

Lonesome Dove Shot

w44wcf

rbertalotto · October 17, 2011, 07:40:05 AM

I bought this sight from Brownells for my 1895 Marlin in 45-70.

But since I would be using it mostly in the "down" position, there was a big problem. It had no adjustment for elevation when folded down.

I had to modify it to accomplish this.

You can read about it here:

http://rvbprecision.com/shooting/smith-enterprise-long-range-ladder-sight-modification.html

It works excellent for my needs, shooting out to 300 yds. But I too wonder if a "peep cup" might improve upon the design. Or would the peep be to far out on the barrel to be useful?

rbertalotto · October 17, 2011, 07:44:48 AM

And for another option!

7 leaf rear sight on a Winchester 73

Montana Slim · October 18, 2011, 05:31:34 PM

Quote from: rbertalotto on October 17, 2011, 07:40:05 AM
.................................It works excellent for my needs, shooting out to 300 yds. But I too wonder if a "peep cup" might improve upon the design. Or would the peep be to far out on the barrel to be useful?

I don't think a "standard" cup would work...as you gather, it would be too far forward to be used (unless it had a very generous hole - which can be made larger with your drill!).

Another idea is to use a small piece of scrap shet steel, (or even plastic / cardboard) to create a mock-up. Then place it on your sight using tape for a test. This could work as sort-of a forward peep/ghost sight. If it works out, you'll have a good idea about the size of hole needed.

Good luck!
Slim