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December 9, 2002
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Here’s a nice Winchester model 1866 from member Martin Rabeno, with an unusual rear sight, spring steel attachment. #20312, MFG. in 1869.
March 31, 2009
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I’ve seen these before but without the rear spring. It is not a normal Henry or 1866 sight? It doesn’t even look like some of the Repo sights.
June 4, 2017
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That style of sight was called a musket rear sight, that does not mean it only went on muskets. It was found on rifles and carbines. What is disturbing to me is the cut in the receiver for the spring, would that not weaken the area that the barrel is threaded in. I have never seen that before and would doubt that’s factory work. T/R
December 9, 2002
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Chuck said
I’ve seen these before but without the rear spring. It is not a normal Henry or 1866 sight? It doesn’t even look like some of the Repo sights.
Chuck,
I thought the sight looked right! As far as the sight itself. The spring steel metal under the sight that’s cut into the receiver is something that I wasn’t familiar with.
TR said
That style of sight was called a musket rear sight, that does not mean it only went on muskets. It was found on rifles and carbines. What is disturbing to me is the cut in the receiver for the spring, would that not weaken the area that the barrel is threaded in. I have never seen that before and would doubt that’s factory work. T/R
TR,
You bring up some interesting points. I know that I have never seen it before, as I stated. It would have to be examined further, to determine it’s originality, and even then, I’m not so sure it can be determined any further.
Tony
February 22, 2024
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I am just as baffled as you are on this sight setup. The rifle is in great condition showing little wear and a great bore. There is no indication of any refinishing on the metal and frame.
The spring in question is shaped like a muzzle loading lock spring in as on the end under the sight it is doubled back on itself thus suppling the pressure to the sight. The other long end lays flat on the barrel It could then slide to the rear and dislodge itself if not for its attachment to the frame. Is it unique? Yes. Is it factory? I don’t know. But there is no indication of any other spring set up and is done very well. not a cobble job. The gun is early with a Henry marked barrel So I don’t know
December 9, 2002
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With this picture and information in George Madis book on the rear sights used on the Henry and M-1866 Rifles and Muskets, the one on the 1866 in question sure looks like the bottom picture, with the added spring metal to it. As far as the spring being cut into the receiver and possibly weakening the receiver, as TR mentioned, surely is a concern. IMO!
Sure wish the picture didn’t turn!
I tried to turn it, as I was instructed awhile back, and even in a smaller size, but it still turned!
Tony
April 30, 2023
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My 1866’s rear sight of similar looks is very floppy (no underneath spring tension or it’s missing)….perhaps someone had the same issue and a talented gunsmith fashioned his own “forever fix”?
May 23, 2009
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TR said
That style of sight was called a musket rear sight, that does not mean it only went on muskets. It was found on rifles and carbines. What is disturbing to me is the cut in the receiver for the spring, would that not weaken the area that the barrel is threaded in. I have never seen that before and would doubt that’s factory work. T/R
I have not seen that style of sight or the receiver being cut in such a manner either. I have seen more than one rear sight that was dovetailed on the actual receiver of early Henry, above the side plates. I’m doubtful its factory work as well.
Maverick
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March 31, 2009
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Maverick said
TR said
That style of sight was called a musket rear sight, that does not mean it only went on muskets. It was found on rifles and carbines. What is disturbing to me is the cut in the receiver for the spring, would that not weaken the area that the barrel is threaded in. I have never seen that before and would doubt that’s factory work. T/R
I have not seen that style of sight or the receiver being cut in such a manner either. I have seen more than one rear sight that was dovetailed on the actual receiver of early Henry, above the side plates. I’m doubtful its factory work as well.
Maverick
TR is right on. This sight is for an early 1876/78 Musket and was modified to fit the 1866. You can see it in Stroebel’s Old Gunsights & Rifle Scopes book on page 285 and in his Old Gunsights book on page 285 or in Winchester’s 1878 Catalog.
December 9, 2002
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Chuck said
Maverick said
TR said
That style of sight was called a musket rear sight, that does not mean it only went on muskets. It was found on rifles and carbines. What is disturbing to me is the cut in the receiver for the spring, would that not weaken the area that the barrel is threaded in. I have never seen that before and would doubt that’s factory work. T/R
I have not seen that style of sight or the receiver being cut in such a manner either. I have seen more than one rear sight that was dovetailed on the actual receiver of early Henry, above the side plates. I’m doubtful its factory work as well.
Maverick
TR is right on. This sight is for an early 1876/78 Musket and was modified to fit the 1866. You can see it in Stroebel’s Old Gunsights & Rifle Scopes book on page 285 and in his Old Gunsights book on page 285 or in Winchester’s 1878 Catalog.
Chuck, page 285 in Stroebels ‘Old Gunsight ‘, book.
Tony
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