Bert H. said
Interesting… none of my pre-1900 Model 1885 rifles have a screw in the right side of the rear sight lobe. The serrations on the edges of the buckhorn did not get eliminated for many years after 1900.
My 1885 shipped in 1887, 1886 shipped in 1889, 1892 shipped in 1894, 1894 shipped in 1898 all have the new sporting rear sights with the screws.
The earlier sight has a cross hatched pattern on the sides of the buckhorn instead of the later horizontal lines. These are approximately 3/8″ shorter in overall length too.
I do have 2 1885’s with the flattop sight but no screws.

Chuck said
Bert H. said
Interesting… none of my pre-1900 Model 1885 rifles have a screw in the right side of the rear sight lobe. The serrations on the edges of the buckhorn did not get eliminated for many years after 1900.
My 1885 shipped in 1887, 1886 shipped in 1889, 1892 shipped in 1894, 1894 shipped in 1898 all have the new sporting rear sights with the screws.
The earlier sight has a cross hatched pattern on the sides of the buckhorn instead of the later horizontal lines. These are approximately 3/8″ shorter in overall length too.
I do have 2 1885’s with the flattop sight but no screws.
Any pics Chuck of the crossed hatched & non screw ones.
The primary difference between the two (Rocky Mountain vs. Knife Blade), is the material/color. Most of the Rocky Mountain sights are blued steel with a Platinum line insert. The Knife Blade sights are predominantly German Silver or Ivory.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
The primary difference between the two (Rocky Mountain vs. Knife Blade), is the material/color. Most of the Rocky Mountain sights are blued steel with a Platinum line insert. The Knife Blade sights are predominantly German Silver or Ivory.Bert
I think the primary difference is the shape of the blade as well as what you said. The knife blade is much more blunt at the front end.
Here is a picture of a flat top. I have 2 of these and both have smooth edges and no screws. The later ones, by 3/1898 do have a screw but are slightly arched on the top, not as flat. The screw is smaller than the regular sporting sight because there is less room. I have to admit that the flat top 22 and 24 are confusing. In Jim Gordon’s book he shows 1873’s as far back as 1875 that have flat tops. One has more arch than the other, neither have a screw, but he does not show the sides or get into the exact Model No.
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