Filling the gap

[Meeteetse]

This is a really simple question, but I guess I'm too slow to figure it out myself, and besides I'm terrible at searching the webb.

I am in the process of replacing the buckhorn type sights on two or three different leverguns with Williams or Skinner type peep sights. If I remove the buckhorn sight completely it will leave an unsightly gap along the top line of the barrel. Where do I find a filler for this space and what is the technical term for this filler?

Thanks for your help.

[Jeff Quinn]

www.brownells.com

www.williamsgunsight.com

[Hobie]

It is called a barrel sight or dovetail blank.

You know, it is a subjective thing, but I've got guns with and without dovetail fillers (blanks) and I just don't care so much anymore. Sometimes a fellow will just have to tell me that I can have that done and makes me feel like a moron for not caring about it. Of course he hasn't seen all the guns on which I have installed these little bits of metal.

[Meeteetse]

Thank you. I guess it was sort of a silly question, but on the other hand sometimes a person just needs to know these things. Thanks for your responses.
Dave

[Old Ironsights]

I had Steve leave the rear sight on my gun when he added the Williams. What I don't remember is whether or not the factory sight was what he left on or if the Folding Semi-Buckhorn is an aftermarket bit.

Folded down it's not in the way of the peep, and it's always nice to have a fallback sight if somthing bad happens. (yes, I carry a spare front blade in my kit bag...)

[Hobie]

Thank you. I guess it was sort of a silly question, but on the other hand sometimes a person just needs to know these things. Thanks for your responses.
Dave

It is NOT a silly question. I hope you didn't think I was implying that it was. What I wanted to say is that we all seem to have an urge to fill that dovetail but there really isn't any reason to do so unless you simply prefer to have it filled.

[Jayhawker]

Of course, if you catch your hand on that empty dovetail and rip a chunk of skin off, you'll understand why they make dovetail fillers and why some of us do install them.

[kimwcook]

Jayhawker, +1.

[AJMD429]

Of course, if you catch your hand on that empty dovetail and rip a chunk of skin off, you'll understand why they make dovetail fillers and why some of us do install them.

Yep on that one!

Somewhere I saw a nice photo of a gun the guy filled the blank in by just hand-filing some brass bar-stock to the size, and I believe gluing it into place and polishing it smooth with the contour of the barrel; very nice looking.

[Haycock]

I like the approach of using a Marble's folding-leaf rear sight in place of the factory rear, when a peep has been mounted. Then you have the option of raising it up and using it or just leaving it folded, neat and out of the way.

Haycock

[Haycock]

Just re-read the thread and noticed O.I.'s post.... sounds like he rigs them the same way I do....

Hay

[jdad]

Here's a nice one to use on octagon barrels.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ ... 20blank&s=

[meanc]

For you cheap folks, I bought a few of the cheaper 3/8" dovetail stamped rear sights at a gun show for $1.00 a piece.

I just dremmel off the rear half and round all the edges.

I definitely get more "blank" for the buck.

[Tycer]

.22 rimfire bullet tapped into the slot.

[Meeteetse]

Thank you. I guess it was sort of a silly question, but on the other hand sometimes a person just needs to know these things. Thanks for your responses.
Dave

It is NOT a silly question. I hope you didn't think I was implying that it was. What I wanted to say is that we all seem to have an urge to fill that dovetail but there really isn't any reason to do so unless you simply prefer to have it filled.

Sorry Hobie, didn't mean to imply anything about your answer. I just re-read my post and it seemed rather simple. If I had taken a little more time to search the various suppliers like Brownells, I could have answered my question. I guess I just enjoy reading what others have to say on various subjects. Often the answers are much more interesting than the questions, especially on a forum as polite as this one. . . Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. I may have to look into the folding sight option.
Dave

[Hobie]

Of course, if you catch your hand on that empty dovetail and rip a chunk of skin off, you'll understand why they make dovetail fillers and why some of us do install them.

I've never done that. Must be in how I handle a rifle. What might one do with a sight there? It sticks up, sort of reaching out for you...

[Hobie]

Thank you. I guess it was sort of a silly question, but on the other hand sometimes a person just needs to know these things. Thanks for your responses.
Dave

It is NOT a silly question. I hope you didn't think I was implying that it was. What I wanted to say is that we all seem to have an urge to fill that dovetail but there really isn't any reason to do so unless you simply prefer to have it filled.

Sorry Hobie, didn't mean to imply anything about your answer. I just re-read my post and it seemed rather simple. If I had taken a little more time to search the various suppliers like Brownells, I could have answered my question. I guess I just enjoy reading what others have to say on various subjects. Often the answers are much more interesting than the questions, especially on a forum as polite as this one. . . Thanks to everyone that has responded so far. I may have to look into the folding sight option.
Dave

Nothing wrong with talking about it! Nothing at all. No need to apologize either.

BTW, there's lots to be said for the folding sight option, particularly with tang sights.