MidwayUsa lists barrett files in the gunsmithing tools of their on-line catalog

maybe it would be safe to say that this will be a personal preference thing.I will start with a flat top and cut to suit if required.Now to get hold of one of those files!!

Head over to Brownells and run a search on 'barrette' to find these. Look like a modified 'warding file', with safe [no cut] bevelled edges and back.

Just got the new #57 Brownell's catalogue this week, and I'm having a browsing session.......

My own preference is to NOT file the V as deep as the height of the bead. A fair number of the Brit doubles I have owned actually had no "V" at all...just a vertical gold or platinum line up the middle of the blade, and a perfectly flat top. I found that style to be faster and easier to use than the V type, for me. Just set the bead atop the line, and either shoot at the middle of the animal or use a six o'clock hold, whichever you prefer (and have used when adjusting the sights), and pull the trigger.



One caution...I always like to file-in sights on a day with a pronounced overcast. Otherwise, it is quite possible to get the "V" off a little for windage. With the sun bright and coming from a bit to one side, that side of the bead will be what you are seeing... If you center the "V" to put that view of the bead dead on point of aim, the next time you shoot if the sun is on the other side of you, you may have a very detectable bit of windage error. At least, that has been my experience. Certainly won't cause you to miss a fatal shot on an animal at 75 yards or so, but if you're a perfectionist, it will be enough to annoy you forever after.



Also, remember to file the leaf closest to you for the shortest distance, and the leaf farthest from you for the farthest distance. Otherwise, the longest distance one will "cover" the other two up in actual use.



Best of luck,



Alberta Canuck

The barrett file is a flat file that tapers to a point at the front. The sides of the file are also tapered so the edges are thin.

Thanks Roger;is the Barrett a specialised file designed for this job and is it triangular in shape or flat?

I use a barrett file for "V" sight adjustment. Start by making the V deep enough to rest the front sight completely into the V with the top of the front sight even with the top of the rear sight. Fire your test group for location. If(when) further adjustment is needed, deepen the V and lower the top of the rear sight along with it.

Yes, do your sight adjustment before you get the rifle blued.

I have a set of Recknagel express sights with 2 leaf folding rear on my 416 Taylor and am unsure about the correct way to go about filing the two leaves to suit my prefered load.What type of file is best to use and how deep should the initial cut be.As this rifle is being slow rust blued I imagine all this needs to be done whilst it is in the white.(?) Thank You.