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I have a 1873 in 38-40 Mfg date of Aug 1888, wanting to verify if the right sights ar installed.
My understanding is that the front sight should be .360 tall, mine is .310 without screw and the rear sight has serrated edges no screw.
It shoots well, but even BP loads are 3.5″ high at 25 yds.
Sights look good to me. Does the rear sight have the adjustable leaf and screw? About this time you could have one with the leaf. But Winchester never threw anything away and would use what they had until they ran out.
Did you measure the front sight correctly? The front sight height measurement includes the entire front sight if you measure it removed from the gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
It was shooting so straight, I tried to measure the sight (including dovetail base) without removing it.
I went ahead and removed it this morning and the new and improved measurement is .325.
I searched through all the sight posts before posting my question, but got a little confused on when the rear sights switched to the screw adjustable version.
Is mine correct or should it have the screw adjustable rear sight?
The screw was added Nov. 87. I did some math and if its correct you would have to raise the front or lower the back .077″
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
This 1873 SN 252806 was received in the warehouse November 15, 1887 and shipped out the next day. Rear sight is an early 1884 long base sporting type without the screw and adjustable leaf as mentioned by Bob. Winchester using up older parts would be typical.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
I appreciate you doing the math 1873man, thank you.
It appeares I need a significantly taller front sight (rear sight is bottomed out) or a different rear sight.
Since my rifle shipped from the warehouse Oct 1888, would it be safe to assume mine should have the screw adjustable rear sight?
If so, which one would be appropriate?
Sorry about all the questions, but I have no 1873 specific references.
Additionaly my only book on sights is Stroebel’s, which seems to clash with some of the info on the forum.
I would go with the screw rear sight since finding one in the condition you need would be easier than finding a taller front sight in nice condition.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I would not be concerned about changing the sights unless the rifle shoots too high when the rear sight is in it’s lowest position. You never want a sight that is newer than the rifle but an older one might just be one that was sill in inventory when the rifle was assembled.
But if you are an absolute purist maybe both sights should be changed. Save your money no one is going to measure that front sight height.
What info in Stroebel’s book seems to be conflicting? His books are the best we have unless the info is in another original catalog. I can’t find my book right now but another of Stroebel’s book says the front sight should be .435″.
Thanks 1873man, greatly appreciate your assistance.
Would this be the correct sight to look for: https://www.ebay.com/itm/326159672138
What is the total height of the sight?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Chuck said
I would not be concerned about changing the sights unless the rifle shoots too high when the rear sight is in it’s lowest position. You never want a sight that is newer than the rifle but an older one might just be one that was sill in inventory when the rifle was assembled.But if you are an absolute purist maybe both sights should be changed. Save your money no one is going to measure that front sight height.
What info in Stroebel’s book seems to be conflicting? His books are the best we have unless the info is in another original catalog. I can’t find my book right now but another of Stroebel’s book says the front sight should be .435″.
My rear sight is bottomed out right now and still shooting high.
The info I saw in the book has the screw adjustable sight starting in 1890 (Pg. 287), forum info is the screw adjustable was Nov 1887.
I’ve also seen the 1873 front sight listed repeatedly at @.360 vs .435 in Stroebel’s book.
I’m not trashing on anyone just looking for info.
I shoot all my guns, just want my sights on and as as close to period correct as possibloe.
1873man said
What is the total height of the sight?Bob
I sent the seller a message asking for dimensions, waiting for a reply.
Jim Farris said
Chuck said
I would not be concerned about changing the sights unless the rifle shoots too high when the rear sight is in it’s lowest position. You never want a sight that is newer than the rifle but an older one might just be one that was sill in inventory when the rifle was assembled.
But if you are an absolute purist maybe both sights should be changed. Save your money no one is going to measure that front sight height.
What info in Stroebel’s book seems to be conflicting? His books are the best we have unless the info is in another original catalog. I can’t find my book right now but another of Stroebel’s book says the front sight should be .435″.
My rear sight is bottomed out right now and still shooting high.
The info I saw in the book has the screw adjustable sight starting in 1890 (Pg. 287), forum info is the screw adjustable was Nov 1887.
I’ve also seen the 1873 front sight listed repeatedly at @.360 vs .435 in Stroebel’s book.
I’m not trashing on anyone just looking for info.
I shoot all my guns, just want my sights on and as as close to period correct as possibloe.
I just looked it up, again. If you go to page 304 of his first book he states that the front sight for the 1873 Sporting rifle is a No. 21H and is .435″. Starting on page 303 he lists the sights by Model.
I saw that and the 21H is listed with a set screw, but my sight had no set screw.
Which is why I hit the forum for additional info.
The rear sight height for the 73 is in the range of .460″ to .480″. The Nov 87 date is the date the screw type rear sight showed up in the catalog.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
The rear sight height for the 73 is in the range of .460″ to .480″. The Nov 87 date is the date the screw type rear sight showed up in the catalog.Bob
Thanks for the info.
Jim Farris said
I saw that and the 21H is listed with a set screw, but my sight had no set screw.Which is why I hit the forum for additional info.
The early front sights did not have the screw.
Jim Farris said
Chuck said
I would not be concerned about changing the sights unless the rifle shoots too high when the rear sight is in it’s lowest position. You never want a sight that is newer than the rifle but an older one might just be one that was sill in inventory when the rifle was assembled.
But if you are an absolute purist maybe both sights should be changed. Save your money no one is going to measure that front sight height.
What info in Stroebel’s book seems to be conflicting? His books are the best we have unless the info is in another original catalog. I can’t find my book right now but another of Stroebel’s book says the front sight should be .435″.
My rear sight is bottomed out right now and still shooting high.
The info I saw in the book has the screw adjustable sight starting in 1890 (Pg. 287), forum info is the screw adjustable was Nov 1887.
I’ve also seen the 1873 front sight listed repeatedly at @.360 vs .435 in Stroebel’s book.
I’m not trashing on anyone just looking for info.
I shoot all my guns, just want my sights on and as as close to period correct as possibloe.
It is my opinion based on the manufacture date of your rifle, that the sights appear to be correct.
I’m not sure why it is shooting high. At the time that rifle was made black powder and a 180 grain bullet were standard for .38 WCF. Have you tried playing with the powder and bullet weight combinations?
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
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