Minor thing, I suppose, but I'm removing a buckhorn rear sight on a Shiloh Sharps rifle and replacing it with a tang aperture rear sight.

Why can't I find any sight blanks other than for a 3/8 inch dovetail?

I need a 7/16 inch blank. You would think I was asking for the holy grail.

It's like the mythical substance unobtainium. Not even on the periodic table.

Does anyone know where I can find one of these for the usual ten or twelve bucks you have to pay for a 3/8 inch blank?

Or do I really have to spend too much of my life making one?

Thanks for any leads.

Have you tried Dixie Gun Works or Track of the Wolf? they may have them. Or maybe New England Custom guns

Some of the older lyman front sights had a wider base. You might be able to find one and file it to shape, just a thought.

They should be .450; not 7/16ths. Shiloh used to sell them. That was 30 years ago that I got one.
I just checked; they still list a Dovetail filler Kit, for $35. It is held in place with a set screw.

Thanks. I’ll check those out.

I've never heard of this word prior to yesterday and now I've seen it twice in 2 days, weird.

It is a very old concept; when you remove the rear sight, it is common to install a dove tail slot filler so that is looks better and you don't cut your hand.
Young guys don't know what they are because barrels no longer have dovetails, and usually not rear sights.

I think he was referring to the word "unobtainium". Just Mike helping us to expand our vocabulary one post at a time

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
It is a very old concept; when you remove the rear sight, it is common to install a dove tail slot filler so that is looks better and you don't cut your hand.
Young guys don't know what they are because barrels no longer have dovetails, and usually not rear sights.

Ah; that! I have never used that term. But I know what it means from the root words.

unobtainium: Noun - parent alloy for primers of all sizes and 500 jeffery cases

Thanks to your help I have ordered and expect to obtain the unobtainium. Much appreciated!

Oxymoron would be the appropriate word here.
Certainly, you are welcome. My only job is to source, or make, anything.

You might also check with buffalo arms.

quote:

Originally posted by MNR:
I think he was referring to the word "unobtainium". Just Mike helping us to expand our vocabulary one post at a time

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
It is a very old concept; when you remove the rear sight, it is common to install a dove tail slot filler so that is looks better and you don't cut your hand.

Young guys don't know what they are because barrels no longer have dovetails, and usually not rear sights.

I do my humble best, Matt.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Oxymoron would be the appropriate word here.
Certainly, you are welcome. My only job is to source, or make, anything.

100% true, I am sure, and much appreciated in my erstwhile dilemma, dpcd.

But the word, in this case, would be hyperbole.