Log In
November 21, 2025
Offline
A unique possible one of a kind barrel profile and funky sights make this an interesting acquisition. On its way to me to be the caretaker for a few years before it passes on to another.
Jack
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
November 19, 2006
Offline
Looks like a tack-driver.
April 15, 2005
Offline
What is the barrel length? Caliber?
I don’t understand why someone D&T’d the receiver frame for the peep sight when a tang mounted sight could have easily been installed, and would have provided an improved sight radius.
Nice looking furniture! 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
Offline
Bert-
Looks to me like the shooter wanted repeatable adjustments for varying distances and conditions. Sure messes up the classic lines but I think someone had good reason for hanging that sight on there. Seems he liked to hit stuff waaaaaay out there.
Mike
November 21, 2025
Offline
Here is the page for in in the Hartford Pope book Vol 2.
28″ 32-40
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
November 21, 2025
Offline
Second page
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
April 15, 2005
Offline
TXGunNut said
Bert-
Looks to me like the shooter wanted repeatable adjustments for varying distances and conditions. Sure messes up the classic lines but I think someone had good reason for hanging that sight on there. Seems he liked to hit stuff waaaaaay out there.
Mike
Mike,
A Mid-range or a Long-range Vernier tang sight is a highly “repeatable” sight, and today, they are much more valuable sights. Winchester routinely installed them on all of the higher grade Single Shot rifle variations. Additionally, it puts the peep aperture much closer to the shooter’s eye, also preferable. Having shot many rifles with both styles of sights (vernier tang peep sights and receiver peep sights), I shoot much better with the tang mounted sights, especially at longer distances.
The Lyman receiver sight on the OP’s rifle is not period correct (it was added decades after Pope built that rifle), and that is my personal & primary objection to it. I do like the unique barrel contour
Mid-range vernier tang sight
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
Offline
Bert-
Wasn’t aware the receiver sight was a later issue until I read the later post. I like the Vernier sight, even if I did need a refresher course on how to use a Vernier scale. I’ve never seen a receiver sight with that much elevation adjustment but it appears to be less than the Mid-range sight I enjoy on my SS 32-40. I can’t imagine using all the elevation the Mid-range sight has to offer. Can’t tell if the receiver sight has much windage adjustment but the Mid-range has plenty for me. As much as I prefer a tang sight I find the adjustments like those found on this receiver sight easier to use, even though I’d never drill holes to mount one in a receiver when the rifle already has holes for the tang sight. Front sight is unusual as well but I suppose a riser makes sense with the stepped-down octagon barrel. I like the sight package and unusual barrel and as you noted the stock is easy on the eyes. I like it, I’ll bet it’s going to be fun to shoot.
Mike
April 15, 2005
Offline
TXGunNut said
Front sight is unusual as well but I suppose a riser makes sense with the stepped-down octagon barrel. I like the sight package and unusual barrel and as you noted the stock is easy on the eyes. I like it, I’ll bet it’s going to be fun to shoot.
Mike
The front sight appears to be a Lyman No. 17A, and they are great sights when complete with all of their many inserts. I have one of them on my low-wall Single Shot in 25-20 S.S., paired with a Lyman No. 103 Micrometer wind gauge tang sight.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
Offline
Bert-
I was thinking it was a 17, no shortage of inserts around here if they haven’t changed since this one was made. I’m guessing it was added with the receiver sight. Someone did his homework figuring out that riser block. Nice work.
Mike
November 21, 2025
Offline
Bert,
I have that mid range Winchester sight on a DST 32-40 that I picked up at the Post Falls show last year.
I also just bought a DST 22 that has this sight on it. Not being an iron sight guy, do you know who
the manufacturer is?
Jack
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
April 15, 2005
Offline
There have been several different companies who have manufactured very similar sights. I believe that the original Mid-range vernier sights were made for Winchester by an inside contractor.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
1 Guest(s)
