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October 14, 2024
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Hello everyone.
Several months ago, I started a post regarding a Winchester – Hotchkiss 1883 sporting rifle that I acquired. The rifle is currently with Mark Douglas who will be performing restoration services and a re-barreling.
I am a novice when it comes to all the details about Winchester rifles. I will need to replace the front sight which is not original. The rear sight that came with the rifle is of a ladder configuration.
I assume that the original site would have been a blade but was wondering if a Beech site could possibly be an option to use. I shoot my rifles recreationally and I hunt with them. I’ve never used a Beech sight, and I was wondering if it would be a good option to try in this situation.
Thanks in advance.
May 2, 2009
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A Beach would be a sight you would use with a tang sight and you definitely don’t want it on a gun that is used in the woods. They are very delicate. I’m not familiar with a Hotchkiss, is the front sight dovetailed into the barrel or is it on a ramp?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
October 14, 2024
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Hi Bob thanks for your response. As far as I can tell, the front sight should be dovetailed. Here’s a link to my other thread:
Thanks for your input regarding the delicate nature of the Beech sight. Obviously not a good choice for PA deer hunting.
October 14, 2024
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PS. Is it Beech or Beach?
May 2, 2009
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It does not look like you have a dovetail on the front. Its a ramp sight but I’m not sure how its attached. I edited a photo from your posts and lightened it up. Its spelled Beach at least Winchester spelled it that way in their catalogs.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
October 14, 2024
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The barrel that was on the rifle was a replacement done at some point in its life. It did not have any Winchester markings, and it would not chamber a 45-70 cartridge.
September 22, 2011
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kevindpm61 said
PS. Is it Beech or Beach?
Beach.
May 2, 2009
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So your replacing the barrel?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 9, 2008
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This is a sporting rifle I have, with a sporting Leif and rocky mountain front. The same sights that were offered on the 1876
October 14, 2024
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Mark will be replacing the barrel to bring her back to the original configuration. She letters as originally having a 28-inch round barrel. Apparently, Mark has had a job of it trying to find somebody to replicate the contour and rifling twist.
Thanks for the pics of your rifle CJ. I like the turned down bolt handle.
March 31, 2009
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Mark will be replacing the barrel to bring her back to the original configuration. She letters as originally having a 28-inch round barrel. Apparently, Mark has had a job of it trying to find somebody to replicate the contour and rifling twist.
Thanks for the pics of your rifle CJ. I like the turned down bolt handle.
I don’t have a commercial Hotchkiss but here is what the Military front sight looks like. Rifle and carbine used the same front sight.
If you use a barrel with a front dovetail you could use the Beach. Usually it is just a blade.
