I just picked up a new Winchester 1885 Traditional Hunter in 45/70. It has a tang peep, which I like. But I would like to replace the front with a Lyman tunnel sight. Also want to take out the buckhorn rear and put a dovetail blank in it. Dang, what a cool rifle !

Questions --

What height specification on the front sight should I use ?

What size are these dovetails ? 3/8" ?


thanks, dxr

I have a Traditional Hunter in 45 Colt and installed a Lyman 17A front sight and put a blank in the rear sight slot. The inserts for the 17A are of various heights, so the height of the "tube" is not important.
Pete

Check how far down your tang sight will adjust.
The lowest Lyman 17A is .404. The 17A is also made in .494, .584 and .852 heights. If your rifle can sight in with the .404 it will give you most or all of the vertical adjustment for longer ranges. The 17A is also made in .494, .584 and .852 heights.
It is easy to figure out what height sight you need by zeroing with your existing front sight and measuring it's height. If it is about .400 high use the .404 Lyman 17A. If your front sight is taller (I doubt it) and you have extra vertical adjustment you might use one of the lower sights.
I can help you with the math if you need it.

check out Lee SHavers GLobe sights. The inserts are WAY better than the Lyman if you want to shoot out to 300 yards or more. Lee Shavers sights also have a level which is also great for long range. Here is a link and a picture of my Lee Shavers mounted on my TC Renegade. Ron

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.as...EVEL%20FRONT%20SIGHT
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.as...BE%20SIGHT%20INSERTS