Books on Buffington sights?

[Sportsdad60]

I've had my 1873 out 3 times to the gun range and am getting pretty accurate at 75 yards with the irons sites (buff down). :icon_rolleyes:

I need to push it to 100 then 200 yards.

Is there any publications for using the buffington sights out there?

Much appreciated!

Brian

[butlersrangers]

U.S. Ordnance Department Manual, 1898 printing, is widely available as reprint.

[butlersrangers]

Clearer copy:

30048

[Mark Daiute]

Also Spencer Wolfe's book covers the topic and, If I recall correctly, using the materials already sighted.

[mr.j]

I'am guessing this book has info on all four models of rear sight's used on the model 1873-1888 rifle and carbines? Am i correct?

[Dick Hosmer]

IIRC, the original stepped 1873 sight (and the very similar 1877) have been dropped by the 1898 edition, but it hardly matters, for a shooting discussion, since they are very simple and totally obvious in operation.

Only the Buffington, with its' multiplicity of apertures and arrows, seems to confuse people.

The one point common to ALL TD sights, unless you go to some lengths (Wolf) to duplicate the original load, is that the graduations will be off, and you will have to record what works for your load.

[butlersrangers]

I am not sure whether Mr. J. is referring to the 1898 Manual or the Spencer Wolf Book. The 1898 Printing of the U.S. Ordnance Department Manual explains two rear sights, the 1879 'Buckhorn' sight and the 'Buffington' sight. I am sure that in 1898, these were the most prevalent sights on 'Trapdoor' Springfields being issued to State Troops mobilized for the War with Spain. Earlier models of Springfield sights were covered in earlier manuals and were probably considered obsolete in 1898.

(p.s. The 'For Collectors Only' book, "The .45-70 Springfield", by Joe Poyer and Craig Riesch, gives a lot of detail on all the .45-70 'trapdoor' sights for very little money).

3005130052

[11mm]

I shoot my trapdoors a fair amount. I use the Buffington sights because the peep gives me the best results. Whatever you read, heed Dick Hosmer's advice above:"The one point common to ALL TD sights, unless you go to some lengths (Wolf) to duplicate the original load, is that the graduations will be off, and you will have to record what works for your load."
It is difficult to exactly duplicate what the Army did in the 1890's. I am not sure it is worth trying. But as the Buffington sights are really quite adjustable, you can shoot well with many loads using them, but record your adjustments.

[Sportsdad60]

All,
Thank you VERY MUCH! Love the information sharing!
My goal is to take an elk in Montana once I become proficient with this rifle. But it will be a couple years before I begin that hunt once I boot the youngest off to college in 2017.

Bulersrangers, I have that book! Been reading it...it explained a lot of information but wasn't very exact on setting sights.

Dick, I believe you're right. Pencil and paper pad with me next time at the range now that I have the correct front sight mounted.

Thanks all very much!

[Sportsdad60]

I shoot my trapdoors a fair amount. I use the Buffington sights because the peep gives me the best results. Whatever you read, heed Dick Hosmer's advice above:"The one point common to ALL TD sights, unless you go to some lengths (Wolf) to duplicate the original load, is that the graduations will be off, and you will have to record what works for your load."
It is difficult to exactly duplicate what the Army did in the 1890's. I am not sure it is worth trying. But as the Buffington sights are really quite adjustable, you can shoot well with many loads using them, but record your adjustments.
I have been using the peep sights as well. I'm also using 'repeatable' loads (Powder River low pressure loads) in order to be predictable.

I will publish my results once I finish dialing it in now that I have the 'era-correct' front sights.

I believe each one of the rifles most likely had their own little 'sweet spot' whereas the shooter knew what the mark was for a given distance target given the era!