Old Eyes...

[Blumpy]

I own a .50 cal. Pedersoli Missouri River Hawken. It comes with a .5" front blade and rear Buckhorn sights. I'm 66. I can see a target at 75 yds., but past that the target fuzzes out really badly.... I mean like to the point that I'm not sure if the pumpkin is even sitting on the post. I need sights that will help me out at longer ranges. You can't hit what you can't see.
A friend has an old bull barreled .22 target rifle and had me try the big 'ol pie plate rear peep and globe front sights on it last night. I could see much better through them. I guess it was kind of like the old punch a hole in a piece of paper and hold it up yo your eye trick. I figure that if that works, maybe I should get a soule tang sight with a Hadley adjustable aperture and maybe a globe front sight with interchangeable inserts since the tang on my rifle is drilled and tapped for sights and the globe would go in the front sight dovetail.
Then again, I thought that maybe a period correct scope like a Hi-Lux Malcolm 6x long scope would be better since it only LOOKS period correct but has modern coated optics, and is nitrogen filled making it more like a modern small objective scope. I KNOW I could see through that!
The costs of the two options would be comparable... for the parts etc., but I would have to get the scope mounted by someone experienced (probably not cheap).
I want to do a lot of target and some hunting. I'm retiring soon and will have the time for load work-up, scouting etc.
Weight wise, the soule sight and globe would be well under .5lb., and the scope would add about 2lb. The rifle is a little ove 9.5 lb. For hunting, the soule/globe combo wins... although I could lug that much weight with the scope to a tree stand or ground blind. I'm not going to be doing much stalking, but would be willing to carry it to the kill. Target... I don't care how much it would weigh.
I am leaning towards the scope just because the sight picture would be so much better.

I'm just wondering if there are some old eye-failing BP shooters out there and what your opinions might be. You might just help me make a decision. I'm torn.

 

[Blumpy]

By the way, I'm not overly concerned with weapon and ammo correctness. I do this because I just like all the time, effort, and study it takes to learn what it takes to be good with what I have. I also shoot an 1858 Remington and a Rogers & Spencer revolver. Great time killers.

 

[arcticap]

You already know about your scope options, but there is also a Merit Optical Attachment that is basically
an adjustable iris that attaches to eyeglasses that will help to clear up any open sight, whether rifle or pistol.

It attaches with a suction cup, and swings out of the way when not in use.
If you don't wear eyeglasses then it can be attached to safety-shooting glasses that are used during shooting-hunting.
Among its claims is that it is perfect for viewing open sights on rifles and muzzle loaders.
---->>>> It works. <<<<----

http://www.meritcorporation.com/products.html

Home Page: --->>> http://www.meritcorporation.com/index-2.html

P.S. There are also non-adjustable disposable aperture rings on the market that work similar to the adjustable model.
But they don't swing out of the way when not in use, and I don't know if they work quite well enough for every shooter's needs.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I have tried the Merit thing Arcticap talked about, used to call it the poor man's peep sight. It works.

 

[4v50 Gary]

They do work and I should get one myself. Mind you it may not be useable for competitions.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Don't neglect to optimize your eyes themselves. Make sure your corrections (spectacles) are appropriate for the style of shooting you do. If you have cataracts that are blurring your vision even a little, don't hesitate to have them removed and replaced. I just had mine done and oh what a difference it makes. Sharp, clear distance vision and with lower reading correction through progressive bifocals also perfect close vision. You know it is free with Medicare unless you want to upgrade to a fancier replacement lens.

 

[drobs]

How's your Health Insurance? I have 2 friends that got laser corrective eye surgery and love it. One is a left handed shooter and had his left eye optimized for up close (iron sights) and right eye optimized for distance.

 

[rpenmanparker]

How's your Health Insurance? I have 2 friends that got laser corrective eye surgery and love it. One is a left handed shooter and had his left eye optimized for up close (iron sights) and right eye optimized for distance.

How to do that best is somewhat questionable. I know all about focusing the dominant eye on the front sight, but you also have to see what the sight picture is covering on the target. At 20 yards even with good distance correction I can hardly see a 1 inch bullseye with correction for close vision, the actual target would just be a blur. Should the dominant eye be set for close or far? Personally I dunno.

 

[arcticap]

I know a rimfire rifle shooter who needed a better prescription for shooting glasses to fire his rifles with, especially indoors at 50 feet.
His eye doctor had him bring his gun to the doctor's house so that they could figure out what would work best.
They ended up going out to the backyard to see how the lenses would work at different distances.
It helped that the eye doctor was also a shooter who was happy to accommodate him.

 

[drobs]

How to do that best is somewhat questionable. I know all about focusing the dominant eye on the front sight, but you also have to see what the sight picture is covering on the target. At 20 yards even with good distance correction I can hardly see a 1 inch bullseye with correction for close vision, the actual target would just be a blur. Should the dominant eye be set for close or far? Personally I dunno.

Probably helps to shoot both eyes open with that setup.

 

[Blumpy]

Arcticap & Jackrabbit 1957... Wouldn't a Hadley adjustable aperture on a sloule do the same thing as the merit thing, or would that be too far from eye. I DID see better at distance through my friends sights. Does the merit concept work because it's so close to your eye?

 

[Blumpy]

Arcticap and Jackrabbit 1957... Wouldn't the Hadley Aperture on the Soule do the same thing as the merit? I DID see better through my friend's sight setup. Maybe the merit thing would be better since its so close to the eye. Can you use the merit AND a soule sight?
I've got an appointment with my optometrist next month to update my prescription. It needs updating. I'll speak with the doc about whether I might need different scripts for work and shooting. I have Bifocals and my last script had some distance correction as well as the bifocal for close up. Probably could use some more by now.
My insurace is ok, but not great. I've thought about laser. I'll check, but would be worried about my costs with my work insurance. Been thinking about dropping it and getting a medicare advantage plan. My company has just been bought out, and we're not sure what the new ins. will be like. I'm already drawing my full SS check. Waited until full age before starting it.

 

[Blumpy]

I always shoot with both eyes open... Iron sights or scope. I consider myself a good shot, but I don't think I've ever taken a shot over 175 yds. in my life. That one, the deer fell over... period. My dad taught me well, but now I want to go for the long shot. I think I have decided on the Hi-Lux 6x Malcolm long sight. With the rifle, I think it might be the only thing that will do the distance, but I will definitely look into the merit for revolver shooting. I don't think my budget will allow me to try to put the scope on AND keep my iron sights for the quick short shot- not on a Pedersoli Missouri Hawken rifle. The scope mounts will use both the front and rear dovetails. I don't think I could afford extensive machine work.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I don't really know how it works, may be how close to the eye and limiting light gathered from the sides. I haven't used mine in a long time as my eyes decided to improve themselves. I had to stop wearing glasses about 5 years ago because of headaches, found if I took off the glasses the headaches stopped and I could see better and more clearly. I now have 20/20 vision, but will have to have cataracts taken care of.

 

[arcticap]

Arcticap and Jackrabbit 1957... Wouldn't the Hadley Aperture on the Soule do the same thing as the merit? I DID see better through my friend's sight setup. Maybe the merit thing would be better since its so close to the eye. Can you use the merit AND a soule sight?

I looked up the Hadley Aperture and yes, it does look to be very similar in function which I didn't realize.
I don't think that a person could use both sights at the same time or want to (unless you wanted to be a pioneer )
The Merit is economical and they will give your money back if not satisfied.
But I dont think that using a Merit would be better than having the Hadley sight fixed directly onto your rifle.
The Hadley is a top of the line adjustable aperture sight that would be the most dependable and reliable choice IMHO.
The Merit was basically mentioned for the benefit of anyone who reads this thread and didn't know about it.

 

[Blumpy]

You know what... after taking another look at the Merit Master lens model with the wide rubber shade, that actually might be the way to go. Having a shaded adjustable aperture with an internal ground prescription lens that will replace the aperture on a Lee Shaver medium distance Soule sight sounds like it would clear up the target and reduce the rifle's overall weight. Good for targets, and good for hunting. Wonder how much a gound lens would be? No matter how much the lens would be, the probable overall cost would be much less than the scope and mounting. You could even get different lenses for short and longer distance.
OK... the winner is Lee Shaver Soule sight with Merit Master adjustable lens model replacing the stock aperture.
I think this combo will give me the ability to hunt out to over 200 yds. with my rifle, and opens up possibilities to work up bullet/charge loads for longer distance. I may as well get a long range sight instead of the medium I was planning on getting. Ooooohhhh. the time I can kill! All the better.
Thank you Arcticap. Your lead to Merit was instrumental to my decision. I came to this forum because I heard you can get information and help. I'll have to spend more time on the High Road gathering more knowledge. Maybe sometime I'll be able to help someone.
I'll have to see if I can find another pic to use sans scope.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Maybe sometime I'll be able to help someone.

Not all of us are capable of being helped.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

A friend has an old bull barreled .22 target rifle and had me try the big 'ol pie plate rear peep and globe front sights on it last night. I could see much better through them. I guess it was kind of like the old punch a hole in a piece of paper and hold it up yo your eye trick.

Correct, just like those old DIY "pin-hole cameras" the peep is acting as sort of a lensefor you.
Have you considered shooter's prescription glasses?
Well as far as the peep sights, there are lots of options, as well as the option of moving the rear, open sight down the barrel, closer to the front sight.
Anyway..., There's lots of peep sights that one can mount on a muzzleloader.
A lot of us older guys are going with Lyman target globes for front sights https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...-sku539017360-7959-20213.aspx?sku=539-017-360, coupled with a Williams Peep in the back. https://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=peep+sight+octagon+barrel&userItemsPerPage=48 but there are all sorts of variations from Williams for either on the barrel, or on the tang.

Now as much as I'm a traditionalist..., you should know that the peep will reduce the light coming into your eye, so shooting in low light looking through the peep might not work while at the same time when not looking through the peep at a deer,at say 25 yards, you might be able to see it, just not through the sights..., it's frustrating, let me tell ya.

A scope, however, if you spend enough, should actually gather some light for you. You should be aware of that.

LD

 

[whughett]

Tri focal lenses on my eye glasses did it for me. I brought a pistol to the doctors office, he adjusted the center focal plane to the front sight. That was 20+ years ago. Tri-focal have been part of my prescription ever since.

 

[rpenmanparker]

Tri focal lenses on my eye glasses did it for me. I brought a pistol to the doctors office, he adjusted the center focal plane to the front sight. That was 20+ years ago. Tri-focal have been part of my prescription ever since.

And progressives properly placed wouldn’t have accomplished the same thing? Just wondering.

 

[whughett]

And progressives properly placed wouldn’t have accomplished the same thing? Just wondering.

Yes I think they do the same. I’ve just stuck with what I’ve used for decades. By Progressives I think you mean the same three prescriptions are there just not apparent looking at the lens’s.

 

[expat_alaska]

Hi folks! Just my $.02 worth.

I am 66 and have been wearing glasses for myopia since the first grade. Started wearing bifocals 20 years ago. Old age has taken a toll on my eyes plus 45 years of silver-soldering, brazing, and welding during my career as an HVAC/R mechanic.

I have been diagnosed with cataracts for at least 2 years now and I am now on Medicare so I have been putting it off. I had surgery on both eyes last month and can see better now without glasses for long distance. Each eye cost $3900 but with Medicare my out-of-pocket is only $370 per eye. Medicare only pays so much and the cataract clinic just eats the rest, so I figure the clinic passes the bulk of the costs on to folks who have good, expensive insurance.I can see long distance about 90-95%, but only about 4' or greater away from me. I use off-the-shelf +3.0 reading glasses for the computer and books, but 2'-4' away is no-man's-land. I go into the OD next week for a final eye exam in order to get corrective lenses for my condition.

I was a bit apprehensive of anyone doing surgery on my eyes at first, but it was painless and everyone there was very kind and very professional. Cataract surgery is so much in demand with the old farts in our area that it is almost like running them through like cattle, and that is not a cut. I was very impressed, and that is just about all the clinic does.

If you are deemed to have cataracts and have the insurance, don't put it off.

That's why I don't shoot much anymore. It is the pits for an old guy who was taught to shoot a .22 rifle at age 9.

Jim

 

[tbob38]

Hi folks! Just my $.02 worth.

I am 66 and have been wearing glasses for myopia since the first grade. Started wearing bifocals 20 years ago. Old age has taken a toll on my eyes plus 45 years of silver-soldering, brazing, and welding during my career as an HVAC/R mechanic.

I have been diagnosed with cataracts for at least 2 years now and I am now on Medicare so I have been putting it off. I had surgery on both eyes last month and can see better now without glasses for long distance. Each eye cost $3900 but with Medicare my out-of-pocket is only $370 per eye. Medicare only pays so much and the cataract clinic just eats the rest, so I figure the clinic passes the bulk of the costs on to folks who have good, expensive insurance.I can see long distance about 90-95%, but only about 4' or greater away from me. I use off-the-shelf +3.0 reading glasses for the computer and books, but 2'-4' away is no-man's-land. I go into the OD next week for a final eye exam in order to get corrective lenses for my condition.

I was a bit apprehensive of anyone doing surgery on my eyes at first, but it was painless and everyone there was very kind and very professional. Cataract surgery is so much in demand with the old farts in our area that it is almost like running them through like cattle, and that is not a cut. I was very impressed, and that is just about all the clinic does.

If you are deemed to have cataracts and have the insurance, don't put it off.

That's why I don't shoot much anymore. It is the pits for an old guy who was taught to shoot a .22 rifle at age 9.

Jim

Good advise, Jim. I'm 79 and I had cataract surgery last year and then Lasic in one eye. During one of my follow up visits, I got the Doctor to write a prescription for shooting glasses. You might see if you can do that too.