Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
Online
Just like he title says. I need a lyman tang sight for a model 1885 in 22 LR. Would prefer to be in 80% condition or better.
Thanks
Manuel
Offline
That is going to be a tough find. In all the years I have been collecting tang sights for my collection of Model 1885 rifles, I have only managed to find two of them with the “SB” application code. One is a No. 2A, the other is a No. 103, and both are now on rifles.
Bert
High-wall Take Down in 30 U.S. with No. 103 “SB” tang sight
High-wall in 22 Long Rifle with No. 2A “SB” tang sight.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Chuck said
What does the SB stand for?
I don’t know what SB stands for? Bert, could you chime in?
It does not have any specific meaning. It is simply the application code Lyman used. The “SB” application code is for the Model 1885 is 30/40 (30 U.S. or 30 ARMY) and 22 rim fire.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
rogertherelic said
What would be the current value of a 90% Second Generation “SB” sight?
What do you mean by 2nd Gen?
Sorry, I meant to “Second Variation”. Patented May 6, 1884. It was replaced in 1905 by the locking lever model. RDB
rogertherelic said
Sorry, I meant to “Second Variation”. Patented May 6, 1884. It was replaced in 1905 by the locking lever model. RDB
Hope this doesn’t sound like nitpicking, but the ’05 variation didn’t replace the earlier one–they were both produced simultaneously. (That locking lever, by the way, seems to me a useless “improvement,” because it did nothing to tighten up a loose staff, common in sights with much use; I’ll bet it was inspired by Marble’s locking device, which DID take all play out of the staff.)
Thanks for the information. So when did the ‘hair spring’ (second variation) production stop? And what is your estimation of value for a 90% or better sight?
rogertherelic said
Thanks for the information. So when did the ‘hair spring’ (second variation) production stop? And what is your estimation of value for a 90% or better sight?
ANY #1 or #2 Lyman tang sight coded for the SS used to bring about $300 years ago, but I’m so long out of the “buying” phase, that I have no idea if values have gone up or down. (And many have gone down!) Best way to find out is search “sold” prices on ebay.
It would take a collection of post-war Lyman catalogs to determine the year production ended, & I have none later than 1940. Stoeger’s listed it through 1945, but it was gone by 1949.
Please allow me to indulge one pet-peeve: “hairspring” is a very old watch-making term, having NOTHING to do with sights or firearms. Lyman called the spring you’re talking about an “axial bolt” or a “spring bolt.” It was that idiot Stroebel who first started calling it a “hairspring.” Try to get hold of the May, 2008 issue of Precision Shooting if you’d care to read a well researched history of this sight.
It appears that the information I got from the Stroebel “Old Gunsights” book was incorrect. Have you made this misinformation known to Mr. Stroebel? I am sure he would appreciate knowing the proper nomenclature. I looked in my 1939 “Stoger’s Catalog & Handbook” and was unable to locate the sight with the ‘spring bolt’ listed. Only the sight with the locking lever. Thanks for your input. I am still teachable, but when I get misinformation it’s not much help. RDB
rogertherelic said
I looked in my 1939 “Stoger’s Catalog & Handbook” and was unable to locate the sight with the ‘spring bolt’ listed.
Perhaps they were omitted from Lyman’s page in the ’39 ed. for lack of space, but both the #1 & 2 appear in the ’45 Stoeger’s. Both are also listed in Lyman catalog #27, 1941, which is the latest one I have.
Thanks for the data. My references are some what limited and apparently not all that correct in some cases. Best regards.
I was out of town for most the weekend, so I am just now catching up with this topic.
Roger, you asked for an estimated value, but you did not specify which variation of the sight … e.g. No. 1 or No. 2. In most cases the No. 2 will always bring a higher sale price over an otherwise identical No. 1. I have five or six Lyman tang sights coded “S” that I acquired years ago… and would not sell any of them for less than $350, and most of them would be higher. Today, it is not easy to find tang sights for the Model 1885, and when you do, be prepared to pay a premium for it!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert for your reply. I have the No. 1 SB sight with the No. 47 windgauge stem. I have been in touch with Manuel and it appears his luck for finding stuff is continuing. As luck would have it he is in the San Jose area and I am in Santa Clara. Go figure. RDB
Bert H. said
Today, it is not easy to find tang sights for the Model 1885, and when you do, be prepared to pay a premium for it!
That’s why it’s a lucky break for shooters that ANY sight with the correct hole spacing can be used! I’ve always wondered why Lyman saw fit to use a special base (which looks like the same one used for the ’86, though I’ve never compared the two side by side) for the SS model. In the case of the ’86, moving the stem attachment back may have been necessary to avoid its being struck by the long bolt-throw of the ’86. But what was the reason it was thought needed for the SS model?
1 Guest(s)
