Sight Set for Sharps Carbine

[Crowman]

I have a Cimarron Firearms Co. Sharps carbine ("Ted McNelly" 1859 cartridge conversion carbine replica) in .45-70 Government. The military style sights are nearly impossible for me to see, so I would like to install a tang mounted vernier sight and replace the soldered front sight with a dove-tailed sight that is easier to see. I am confused over the bewildering number of tang sights out there and wonder what the difference between a "mid-range" and a "long range" sight is? Also, would the "BEECH Folding Combination Front Sight" be a good choice for the front sight replacement on a 22" barrel carbine? It will be carried in a saddle scabbard. Given the ballistics of the .45-70, ranges will be somewhat short. I do not have access to a long-range firing range. I want to basically have a nifty carry about carbine to have fun with. Right now, it is no fun due to the bad sights. I will alternate between smokeless powder and black powder, depending on what's available on my bench at the time. I will be shooting hard cast 405 grain RNFP.

 

[.22-5-40]

Hello, Crowman. With that carbine..your probably wasting money on a long-range..or even mid-range tang sights..and for saddle scabard carry, they are both too delicate. I'm not sure Shilo still offers what they called their sporting tang sight..replica of original percussion/early ctg. conversion period. no vernier adj., flat "plate" on elevating staf, with built in windage adj. friction holds plate in place for elevation.
Or, the later style Lyman tang sights..by Marbles would be more rugged.
I have a Beech front on an original Ballard .22..I like it for hunting & target use.

 

[Jim Watson]

The difference between a midrange and a long range sight is that the long range sight is taller to give more elevation adjustment for, well, long range, with a high trajectory caliber.

I think a sporting tang sight like a Lyman or Marbles would be good but not as easily adjustable as a graduated or vernier tang. MVA makes a wide range of tang sights and you can look at what they offer. Hmm, "we are developing a new web site." Looks like you would have to call and ask for a print catalog.

I think a saddle scabbard would soon wipe a Beach Combination right off the barrel, they are not real sturdy looking gear. A lot of the guys on the Shiloh board like blade front sights made out of a real copper penny soldered into a dovetail base. It can be smoked for target shooting or rubbed bright for hunting.