I have a 2009 CO Bull Elk hunt lined up(Building PPs in the mean time) and I want to get a good head start on load development and which sights to go with.

The problem is I can't decide which would be the best, peep or regular open sights.

My distance vision is 20/20 but, my near vision is not the best. This makes my open sights blur at time but I can usually manage to shoot them somewhat well.

I have a few questions I'm hoping you fellas can help me with:

Is it easier to focus on the target with a peep vs open sights?

How are peeps late in the afternoon vs FO open sights?

Does the variance in hole size in the peep effect the accuracy? (IE does a larger peep make it more difficult to achieve pin point accuracy)

I've only used peeps on archery equip and once on and old Benjamin pellet rifle. I have no experience with them on a rifle.

Thanks!

Reloader

I have used peeps quite a lot and I like them a lot. Since you will look through your rear sight don't worry about your near vision. Seems to me you want to focus on your front sight. I've heard that smaller apertures are better for precision shooting-however large apertures allow more light through which of course makes it easier to see the front sight, etc,etc. For hunting purposes, especially with a muzzleloader, as opposed to target shooting you should do just fine with the center disk removed entirely. I think you will shoot more accurately and faster than with open sights.

I have aperture rear sights on a variety of rifles including my Encore 209x50 (we're not allowed scopes except during the regular firearm season). As a rule peep sights are easier, faster, and more precise to use than open sights. An aperture that is too small can "run out of light" early or late in the day, especially in the woods. Some folks simply remove the aperture insert and create what many call a ghost ring - so named because it all but disappears when you concentrate on the front sight. Another option is to try the Merit No.4 adjustable aperture http://www.meritcorporation.com/products.html You need to give some attention to your front sight choice as well. I find round beads okay for quick work at close range - <100 yards - but a flat topped post holds elevation much better as the distance lengthens.

Focus on the front sight .I prefer a 1/8" square front and a 1/8" rear opening though that may be a large as 1/4". I find the 1/8"-1/8" combination fast and very accurate for hunting.Too many people confuse the "ghost ring pee" with target sights.

This setup works quite well, I'm very pleased:



It is a Williams WGRS-Guide Receiver Peep Sight "Ghost Ring" Aperture Aluminum Black


on a Williams WDOS Dovetail Open Sight Less Blade Aluminum Black


If I were to do some serious hunting, I think I'd install a tritium front sight if allowed.

This setup is a lot faster than a receiver mounted peep, you dont really lose your view when bringing the gun up.

For a fast, non traditional setup this is the way to go IMHO.

I think that there is several types of peeps. First off I think that a peep is a LOT easier to shoot with than a buckhorn sight. I have a Lyman 57 SML peep on my renegades. I use the larger HUNTER style peep and it is great for even target. The big improvement I saw with my gun was actually the front sight. I put on a Lyman 17 AML front globe sight. The original front sight would not only cover the target but the whole hill side. I went with the 17 AML and they were a lot better. But I thought it could still be better yet if the front sight was even smaller. That is when I got the Lee Shavers inserts for sharps rifles. This set has FINE crosshairs, and posts. I love the post but the guys I work with like the crosshair.
I shoot pretty good groups with the gun out to 250 yards. The 57 peep is adjustable instantly. If the range finder says 175 yards I set the sight on 175 yards. I hold dead on, no hold over. That is a great feature for accuracy.
This what mine looks like. Ron

Thanks Guys.

Reloader

I use peep sights on several mil surp rifles and love them. In my opinion you can't go wrong trying one.

I shot a lot of aperture sighted rifles at NRA and military matches, and they do work well. YOur eye is great at centering an aiming point in the circular field of the aperture or peep sight. I like the ghost ring version: the rear sight "ghosts out" when you look through it at the front sight (where you focus). They are well-matched to ML rifles. You can also use a FO front sight with them.

Several makers produce them, but I think Jim Brockman's Gen III sight is the best. He has pictures on his website.

jim

my set up is a lyman deerstalker .54.

I added the mod 57 peep to it and find it a great improvment to accuracy. The origonal sights are a white bead with a fold down lyman rear. When the sun go'es down under low light I pop off the peep and fold up the rear blade sight.

it makes for a great combo rig