Log In
Looking to buy a Rocky Mountain front sight like the ones in the pics below in good condition. Too many incorrect labelled Rocky Mountain sights that are knife blade or poor condition on eBay right now.
RickC
July 31, 2005
Offline
Hi RickC,
I have these two original Winchester Rocky mountain front sights. Both are used and appear to have been removed from rifles.
According to Madis’ “The Sight Book” the one on the left with the smaller profile is a 79E. It is .285″ high.
The one on the right is I believe a 79G. The height is .360″ but I think it’s a little worn. The distance from the bottom of the base to the bottom of the blade is about .75″ but it’s hard to get a precise measurement.
You are correct about eBay, there is a lot of mis-marked stuff. Either the sellers don’t know or they are being deceptive. From my experience and knowledge from reading all the resources I can find, only Wincheser made the base with an elliptical shape at the top.
You can have either one for $55 US or both for $100, plus shipping. 
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
July 31, 2005
Offline
RickC said
I sent you a pm Bill.Rick
I saw it, that is fine. I sure miss being able to troll the gun shows!
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
May 26, 2017
Offline
Just popped up on eBay, not sure if it’s the correct one,but wanted to share anyways
eBay item #293809896138
Bill Hanzel said
Just popped up on eBay, not sure if it’s the correct one,but wanted to share anywayseBay item #293809896138
That’s a knife blade but appreciate the heads up Bill.
RickC
May 2, 2009
Offline
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 26, 2017
Offline
No problem, I don’t know my sights that well, and apparently the person listing it doesn’t either
1873man said
That is not a Rocky Mt.Here is one on Ebay but its been files on. Ebay filed on Rocky Mt
Bob
Saw that one Bob. Thanks. A little too rough on the sides of the base for my 73’s. Prob could file it rounder in the front but the sides of the base are beat.
RickC
Bill Hanzel said
No problem, I don’t know my sights that well, and apparently the person listing it doesn’t either
I thought the same Bill until I acquired an actual vintage Winchester catalog.
RickC
May 26, 2017
Offline
Difference is Like night and day.
Was there a particular model that the knife blade came with or was ordered for?
RickC
May 2, 2009
Offline
The knife blade as far as I have seen was a special order or added later. The extra heavy 73 I posted picture of lettered with a German silver knife blade.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks Bob. The oldest catalog I have is 1891 & both sights are in it.
RickC
April 15, 2005
Offline
RickC said
Was there a particular model that the knife blade came with or was ordered for?RickC
Rick,
There are a fair number of Model 1885 Single Shot Rifles that letter with a Knife Blade front sight. The Rocky Mountain front sight was considered standard for the high-wall rifles & calibers, and the No. 21 Sporting sight was standard on the low-wall rifles.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Rick,
There are a fair number of Model 1885 Single Shot Rifles that letter with a Knife Blade front sight. The Rocky Mountain front sight was considered standard for the high-wall rifles & calibers, and the No. 21 Sporting sight was standard on the low-wall rifles.
Bert
Thanks Bert. That makes sense & why I didn’t know because I’ve never owned any 1885’s…yet.
RickC
It would appear a 73 deluxe((special sporting rifle) from the Winchester Catalog1899, came with a Rocky Mountain front sight as standard?
RickC
April 15, 2005
Offline
Rick,
While Winchester may have pictured the Model 1873 Special Sporting Rifle with a Rocky Mountain front sight in their catalogs, I am not of the belief that it was the “standard” sight used. During the past many years, I have looked at a lot of original Model 1873 Fancy Sporting Rifles, and almost none of them had a Rocky Mountain front sight installed on them. As a point of interest, I checked several of my Winchester catalogs and found that Winchester used that same picture you posted at least through the 1914 catalog. Oddly, they changed the nomenclature from “Special” to “Fancy” sometime after the October 1905 catalog and before the October 1911 catalog.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Rick,While Winchester may have pictured the Model 1873 Special Sporting Rifle with a Rocky Mountain front sight in their catalogs, I am not of the belief that it was the “standard” sight used. During the past many years, I have looked at a lot of original Model 1873 Fancy Sporting Rifles, and almost none of them had a Rocky Mountain front sight installed on them. As a point of interest, I checked several of my Winchester catalogs and found that Winchester used that same picture you posted at least through the 1914 catalog. Oddly, they changed the nomenclature from “Special” to “Fancy” sometime after the October 1905 catalog and before the October 1911 catalog.
Bert
Can’t argue that Bert. Good to know. Thanks for clarifying.
Rick
1 Guest(s)
