I don't like the iron sight on my Safari Express. What would you replace them with knowing budget was a consideration. I'm thinking Talley scope mounts with a Brockman pop-up peep and a fiber optics front bead. But, I really like the looks of a rear flip up express sight.

What is it you don't like about them? I only ask because the rear sight is NECG, you MIGHT be able to replace it with the NECG fiber optic rear sight. the front sight is Williams (with what I think a non-williams hood) and you can get any of their beads for it.

this of course is all if it is like mine, which was produced in 2001 I think. I just replaced the front sight bead with a fiber optic from williams looks good.

Red

Hey SBT, did you replace that 416 Rigby with a Winchester? Did you get tired of shooting tiny little groups?

Shumba,
No, It would be impossible to replace that rifle. I still can't believe how well it shoots. You trained it well. The Winchester is in 375 H&H and will serve as my "light" rifle.

Red,
I find it difficult to aquire the stock sights on the Winchester. Part of the problem is that the front sight is too small and I loose it easily, especially on a light colored background. I think I would be better served with express sights or a ghost ring, although I have neve shot with a ghost ring.

SBT Here is a thought or two. One, if you decide to sell the sights I'll buy or (preferrably) trade for something in a .375 or .416 flavor.

Two, and better for you I think; get a new blade from NECG (~$10.00). Have your gunsmith notch and mill it to whatever configuration you like best. Have him instal a fiberoptic front sight insert, again, these are cheap. it will show up against anything. I have just been having Jim Dubell insert warthog ivory into my front blades after I widen the rear notches. That stuff shows up against anything except a polar bear listening to the Beatles White Album on a foggy day north of Baffin Island.

LD

I can't remember cost for the fiber optic bead, was around 15 I want to say. I plan on having my new rear blade from NECG, which was 10 dollars, milled to a shallow V if it turns out there is enough metal after I shoot it. Then I'd like to have a gold line inlaid on it.

lawn can you post a pic of one of your front blades? I really wanted to go with the NECG fiber optic rear sight but then I would have no elevation adjustment to play with and I didn't like that idea. will have to try that setup on my next rifle.

Red

I don't know why NECG dosn't offer a plain "shallow vee" as a rear blade option. I much prefer it to the "shallow vee with a U notch". It seems like it would be very easy for them and MUCH easier for us. I guess I'll suggest it to them AGAIN!

quote:

lawn can you post a pic of one of your front blades? I really wanted to go with the NECG fiber optic rear sight but then I would have no elevation adjustment to play with and I didn't like that idea. will have to try that setup on my next rifle.

He, he, he, he. Have Jim Dubell send a picture. He got backed up on a guild gun project, but the batch of front blades should be ready "soon". My 416 with the white blade is in Greenville, NC right now. I will ask my God son to take a picture.

quote:

I don't know why NECG dosn't offer a plain "shallow vee" as a rear blade option. I much prefer it to the "shallow vee with a U notch". It seems like it would be very easy for them and MUCH easier for us. I guess I'll suggest it to them AGAIN!

Just order their highest blade, and mill it to fit.

Speaking purely as a hill billy doc who has taken a look at vision issues in shooting, these various sight options are all compromises:

The square hole and partridge (square) post is the most precise of barrel mounted sight options, much like a pistol target sight.

The shallow V and round white or gold blob up front is the fastest, though not as precise. It can be made even faster by having scroll cutter put a gold or platinum traingular or diamond shaped insert on the midline of the standing leaf of the rear sight.

The V with notch is midway between the upper options.

The fiberoptic "pipes" are good for our aging eyes.

Ghost rings are about as fast as shallow V's.

Aperature rear sights, to include ghost rings are probably the most precise over all. This is mainly because of the increased sight radius (almost doubled) over barrel mounted sight options.

For use on a big bore, any of the above options are fine. Go with what you like the best, and what works best for you.

The one absolute requirement for precision is that you be able to get at least a decently sharp focus on the front sight. The rear sight and target can be blurry, but that front sight needs to be at least somewhat sharp. I can still see my front sights, but eventualy will have a small lens insert put into the top of my glasses.

LD

If you get that brockmans popup peep you won't need it. I have a set of the brockman bases on my rifle and it is really nice. Accuracy is much better than the factory winchester sights. I noticed on the new stainless 375s that they have the same rear sight as the safari, I think its an NECG express sight, much better than the regular winchester rear sight that came on my stainless 375. One thing I noticed about the brockmans bases is that you have to use a fairly long scope to fit. I found the 1.5-5x20 leupold VXIII will just fit. I love that pop up peep though.

Thebear_78,

How much higher, if any, did you need to raise your front sight for the Brockman/Talley peep base? The Brockman peep looks as if it is higher than the standard rear sight.

Thanks,
Gary

You can put the NECG front ramp and fiber optic blades that are adjustable for elevation and then you only need windage in the rear. Thats what I have on a couple of rifles and I really like it. Looks good shoots good.

I was able to use the factory front sights with the brockmans peep.

zimbabwe, I thought about doing that, but didn't feel like messing with changing to the different brand of fron ramp due to my not be a gunsmith, if the hole was in the wrong place then I'd be spending money. I plan on almost never using the irons, just want them functional "in case". I plan on doing just that on my next big bore though, NECG universal front sight with fiber optic and their fiberoptic rear. I looked at them on a rifle they had at a show last year, I liked it.

LD, thanks for the information. I have seen the lenses you are talking about on somebodys glasses at the shooting range a while back. Good idea.

Red

I have the H & H front sight available from Necg in either the ramp or banded depending upon your barrel size.
It offers a fine sight and larger night sight white bead which I need as my eyes are going south fast. You might like to take a look.

On my .375 I went with the green "firesights" which are easy to pick up and don't glow as much as the red.
I agree with you about the shallow V or English rear sight. I find it is way easier to use in a hurry.
Frank
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/

NECG sells a dovetail cutter so you can use your ramp with their front sight blades. When I get home tomorrow I'll look up the size on it.