Proper Express Leaf Configuration??

[5shot]

I've seen a lot of different express leaf configuration while doing research, and I was curious to see what the opinion was of those with much more experience than I.

Assuming that the front bead is a 3/32 dia, when filing the rear leaf, what is the proper way? Big Wide V (1), Narrow V with flats on both sides (2), a variation that I have seen of both 1 & 2, with a U cut in the center (3). In my opinion, 3 doesn't make a lot of sense, but I don't know for sure.

 

[sestoppelman]

There really is no proper way, but the one that allows the shooter to align front and rear the quickest with the best sight picture. I like the simple set up as in pic 1. But I am no expert in these sights and only have two rifles that wear them, my old Whitworth .375 and a hundred year old London Small Arms Enfield sporter, looks like a Lee Speed. I can shoot that old LSA surprisingly well from the bench given time. I will likely never hunt it so it hardly matters. You have to sample some different set ups and see what works best for you.

 

[5shot]

I should have also asked about the front bead...White or FO? Was leaning towards FO, but see more people suggest a plain white bead.

 

[sestoppelman]

No F-O for me, they just bleed and blur for me. Plain white bead or even brass. White is most easily seen though.

 

[IdaRam]

V#1 and a big white front bead for me.

 

[GuttormG]

White or FO?

FO?

I am having sleepless nights, tossing and turning trying to decide what open sights to put on my 404...

 

[IdaRam]

FO= Fiber Optic

Ocassionally FO is used to express soemthing else... Not very effective on DG though

 

[GuttormG]

FO to me means "fuel oil", probably brain damage after 29 years exposure to it

 

[Velo Dog]

I agree with those who prefer the wide, shallow “V” rear sight blade, as shown in example #1.

Large white front bead.

Warthog ivory never turns yellow with age.

Ceramic is a very good alternative as well.

If not white then, silver color seems to show a little better in the shade than brass color does.

“German silver” is a widely available material for front sight beads.

 

[CTDolan]

Definitely prefer #1, no additional leaves (as they're superfluous, in my opinion). The main thing is that the stock fits the shooter so that the sights naturally fall in line when shouldered. Most modern rifles haven't sufficient drop (the stock being primarily set up for scope use), and no cast, therefore the sights never fall in line, naturally, which means that the shooter must compensate. It's a compromise but better than nothing.

 

[5shot]

The stock does fit...CZ Hogback, which seems made for me. I have only used FO sights on a pistol, which I liked, but White definitely seems to be the preference, so I will likely try that.

 

[CTDolan]

Not having any cast you're no doubt still having to compensate but at least she's got some drop to her (assuming that the hogback does...never shouldered one).

 

[5shot]

It does have more drop, and for me, I have not noticed the lack of cast. When I pick it up the sights are right on every time.

 

[PeteG]

No1 works best for me.
I had number 2 on my CZ and hated it until I filed the sight myself to a shallow vee.
My Winchester has the U shape at the bottom of the vee and although accurate, it is slow to use.

 

[MS 9x56]

I should have also asked about the front bead...White or FO? Was leaning towards FO, but see more people suggest a plain white bead.

I paint mine with chartreuse nail polish to make it stand out. I filed down the U cutout to make a wide express at the correct depth.

 

[leslie hetrick]

the older remington 721-722,s have enough drop for their open sights, i have a 1947-1948 721 in 3006 and a 1953 722 in 300 savage and both are ready to fire as the rifle is brough up to shoulder.