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July 16, 2016
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Hi, What is the correct front sight height for a 1886 ? And , does a Lyman Beach sight look out of place on a 1886 ? Thanks, Dale.
35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71.
All gave some, some gave all.
April 15, 2005
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Dale,
The front sight height was dictated by which specific caliber/cartridge it was made for, and if it is an Sporting Rifle, an Extra Lightweight Rifle, or a Carbine.
The Lyman No. 5 series Combination front sight (formerly the Beach Combination sight) is not out of place on a Model 1886 Sporting Rifle if it also has a Lyman tang sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 16, 2016
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Thanks for the reply Bert. I have a plain Sporting rifle in 40-65. Any ideas on the height I need ? Thanks, Dale.
35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71.
All gave some, some gave all.
April 15, 2005
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Dale,
I do not, but possibly Brad Dunbar has that information in his research notes.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 1, 2012
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George Madis’ “The Sight Book” lists all the original sights used by model and caliber and it includes the height of each one.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
Dale,
The front sight height was dictated by which specific caliber/cartridge it was made for, and if it is an Sporting Rifle, an Extra Lightweight Rifle, or a Carbine.
The Lyman No. 5 series Combination front sight (formerly the Beach Combination sight) is not out of place on a Model 1886 Sporting Rifle if it also has a Lyman tang sight.
Bert
A Lyman No. 5 wouldn’t be out of place, but it might not be exactly “right,” because the original Beach was still in production as late, at least, as Nov. 4, 1902–I have one with that patent date stamped on it. And guess who owned that patent, #712863? WRA! This patent pertains only to a method of affixing a metal bead to any front sight, not the basic design of the Beach, long in the public domain.
The original Beach, not Lyman’s copy, is still illustrated in WRA catalogs as late as 1918. If not for this patent date, I’d assume the illustration was merely an old one that hadn’t been updated, as sometimes happens, but clearly the original Beach was still being manufactured long after Beach’s original patent (1867) had expired, presumably by WRA!
Lyman Centennial Journal doesn’t provide a specific introduction date for the No. 5, except that it was after 1891 at the earliest, probably later.
July 16, 2016
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Thanks Clarence for that info. Very useful.
Wincacher, where could I get that book ? Any ideas. Thanks, Dale.
35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71.
All gave some, some gave all.
July 16, 2016
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Went on Amazon and they had one. WOW !!! $110.00. Anybody have that book and would look up my rifle and tell me what height would be right for a common front sight ? Have a regular Sporting rifle in 40-65. Thanks, Dale.
35th Security Police Squadron, Phan Rang AB, RVN, May 70-71.
All gave some, some gave all.
May 24, 2012
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The Sight Book notes SIGHT 21A (SPORTING FRONT SIGHT-REGULAR) has a height of .358″ for the MOD. 1886 .40-65 FULL MAG, 26-INCH RIFLE, STD. & H.V.
James
