Can a sourdough blade front sight be used with a shallow V type rear express sight and if so, what is the correct sight picture?

The reason I ask is, I have entertained the thought of replacing a brass bead type front sight, with one of these sourdough type blades.....they just look like they would be a little more rugged.

I use that set up, but did file shallow square notch in bottom of V and regulated to 100yds. and works well and quick for me to line up. The bold brass post/blade stands out well and used to shooting posts. Have similar set up w/ ivory bead, but for me the brass post is more to my liking.

quote:

Originally posted by MHC_TX:
Can a sourdough blade front sight be used with a shallow V type rear express sight and if so, what is the correct sight picture?

The reason I ask is, I have entertained the thought of replacing a brass bead type front sight, with one of these sourdough type blades.....they just look like they would be a little more rugged.

Just when I think I have heard it all ....

Get yourself a big, white round bead front sight.

You need repeatability and consistency with iron sights and sight pictures.

Those would be damned nearly unattainable with the combo you are suggesting.

With that combo, both horizontal and vertical indices would be lacking.

Not good, IMHO.

Elmer Keith wrote of using such a combo. I would never doubt Elmer, but I must admit I don't understand how it would work.

File that V flat and then give it a square notch.
Then use the sourdough "patridge" (not partridge) to Elmer Keith perfection.
All else is folly with open iron sights.

I perhaps should further describe the shallow V and post sight set up I used and as mentioned, I did file nearly flat the V, but with the well defined square notch. Depending on your vision, the square cut needs to be of such size to permit the right amount of light to enter at the edges to center up the post in your sight picture. With the slight V shape and the vertical gold line leading to the bottom of the notch, the sight picture is well defined and quick to line up. Original poster mentions durability and have found the white beads, and those fiber optic inserts to be very vulneable to damage. Some say use the hood to protect the bead, but the hood was never intended to be used for actual shooting and only hinders your sight picture. Of the three elements involved, rear sight, front sight, target, the most important is the front sight which needs to be as clear and distinct as possible for accurate shot placement and that fairly wide and bold brass post does stand out against most backgrounds. It works for me.