Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Gun Building and Repair => Topic started by: Nessmuk on January 19, 2023, 03:08:51 PM

Title: Changing Sights
Post by: Nessmuk on January 19, 2023, 03:08:51 PM

The Pedersoli .45 Cal Kentucky rifle I bought off Gunbroker last year shoots 6" low at 50 yards. This normally would be an easy adjustment EXCEPT this rifle has tiny brass sights. I am talking really tiny, like .19" above the top plane of the barrel tiny. They look more decorative than functional. So I have ordered new sights from TOTW. The new sights have slightly larger dovetails than the rifle has. My question is simple, Which do I modify? Cut the rifle to match the sights or the sights to match the rifle?

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Ohio Joe on January 19, 2023, 05:10:01 PM

This is one of those personal choice things. Were it me, I'd modify the sights over enlarging the dovetails,,, but at the end of the day - it's your choice.  :shake

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Bigsmoke on January 19, 2023, 05:20:43 PM

Ditto what Joe said.
But on the other hand, what you have there is a standard metric dovetail.  If it were me, I would enlarge the dovetails on the barrel for one reason.  If you should ever want to change sights again and get a sight set the is standard 3/8" dovetail, you won't have to repeat the procedure.  File it once and be done with it.
I think the metric is about .360" and the standard is .375.  There is not a lot of filing to be done on the barrel.
John (Bigsmoke)

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Hank in WV on January 19, 2023, 06:15:38 PM

I'd be inclined to enlarge the dovetails for the same reason Smoke gave.

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: PetahW on January 21, 2023, 09:16:18 AM

.

If the sight you ordered isn't steel, I would think it would be a lot easier to file it, ILO the barrel - if it gets messed up, it's a lot easier to get another sight.

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Nessmuk on January 21, 2023, 10:34:48 AM

The sights I ordered ARE steel but a much softer steel than my barrel so I'm modifying the the sight first. Much lower financial pain if I screw it up! In future I can modify the barrel, if needed. Thanks for the help! :hairy

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Bigsmoke on January 21, 2023, 10:41:18 AM

If in the future you do decide to enlarge the dovetails in the barrel, here is a thought on the file.
Get a triangular one that has a smooth side.  Use the smooth side against the barrel.  As a guess, I would think Brownell's might have such a thing.
Yes, I just looked it up and indeed they do have such a thing.  A little pricier than I would have thought, but what else isn't?
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/files/60-dovetail-standard-slot-sight-base-files-prod698.aspx
John (Bigsmoke)

Title: Re: Changing Sights
Post by: Winter Hawk on January 21, 2023, 03:35:36 PM

Or, make your own with a regular 3 sided file and grind down one side.  Just go slow so you don't take the temper out of the steel.

~Kees~