What is the proper "Sight Alignment" for Express Sights?

[Shootist43]

I am very familiar with the proper sight alignment and proper sight picture for several types of iron sights including Buckhorn, Patridge, Peep, Ghost Ring and Tang. In the past year or so, I've purchased 2 rifles that came with Express Sights. Even though the Express sights were removed and replaced with NECG "Peep" sights by the respective rifles previous owners both of them included the original Express sights in the sale package. Some day I may wish to reinstall the Express sights and would like to know how to use them. Intuitively, I would align the top of the front sight level with the top of the rear sight, with the front sight centered in the "V." However, given that these types of sights are on rifles intended to stop a charge I'm not so sure how much actual aiming is done.

 

[Nkawu]

I'm no expert, the only 'charge' I've stopped was a warthog, but I would be shooting (in a charge) as if with a shotgun i.e. both eyes focused on target and front sight blurry, trusting muscle memory for proper sight alignment. My 2cents.

 

[Art Lambart II]

Here is the best picture I could find for using different types of iron sights.

 

[Newboomer]

I like the v notch and bead. Set the bead in the notch and the top of the bead at 6:00 o'clock on the target.

 

[IvW]

I like the v notch and bead. Set the bead in the notch and the top of the bead at 6:00 o'clock on the target.

What he said.

The most important is that the rifle fits the shooter.

You should with closed eyes lift the rifle briskly to the shoulder and when you open your eyes it should be all lined up. That is if you intend using the rifle for faster instinctive shooting(eg. possible charge situation). In short range charge shooting it is more instinctive shooting but in order for you to hit what you need to the sights have to line up properly. This can only happen when the rifle properly fits the shooter.

Another reason the six o clock hold is the best is that when you need to shoot in a hurry shots invariably tend to go high. This hold, once practiced and it becomes second nature, alleviates that to a certain extent.

If not intended for fast shooting, you will have more time to get your head in the correct position and aim properly before firing.

 

[Newboomer]

What he said.

The most important is that the rifle fits the shooter.

You should with closed eyes lift the rifle briskly to the shoulder and when you open your eyes it should be all lined up. That is if you intend using the rifle for faster instinctive shooting(eg. possible charge situation). In short range charge shooting it is more instinctive shooting but in order for you to hit what you need to the sights have to line up properly. This can only happen when the rifle properly fits the shooter.

Another reason the six o clock hold is the best is that when you need to shoot in a hurry shots invariably tend to go high. This hold, once practiced and it becomes second nature, alleviates that to a certain extent.

If not intended for fast shooting, you will have more time to get your head in the correct position and aim properly before firing.

6:00 hold gives you full view of your target, too.

 

[crs]

Another +1 for Newboomer on the express sight.

 

[Longwalker]

In my experience, a large aperture peep sight is superior to an express sight in every way. You already have the best, enjoy! A proper ghost ring peep is faster to use, and more precise than an express sight. It also minimizes the tendency of many shooters to shoot high when in a hurry. And the only thing covering the target when aiming with a ghost ring rear is the front sight.