Rifle Magazine and the 7x57

[alfsauve]

And this is where I have a slightly different opinion on front sight hoods.

I believe, and I'm frequently wrong, that with a rifle you're not focusing on the front sight the same way you would a pistol.  It's way-y-y-y out there.  It's closer to the same focal plane as a target.  What I want is a well defined, black sight that gives me a sharp sight picture.   I want more direct sunlight on the target than on the front sight.  Light on the front sight would is not desirable, but would cause the front sight to appear hazy or blurry or less defined.   Less contrast to the target.

I also believe that a hood, in the field, is a detriment.  Rather than protecting the front sight, they provide a place that can get clogged with dirt, snow and other debris making the sight unusable.  And a clogged hood is not easy to clean out quickly

SO, where can I find support for my theory.  What do the big boys, use?

If you accept Camp Perry as the definitive example of iron-sighted rifle shooting, then you'll notice many, if not most, use hooded front sights.  I don't think that with the precision involved they would leave those hoods in place unless there was an sight picture advantage to using them.   Protecting their front sights, at least while on the firing line, isn't a problem for them.

Then if you look at military arms, where front sight protection might be at a premium, none that I have found came with a complete hood.  (There could be some, I'm not the definitive expert) Many have "wings" on either side.   Wings would provide some protection but allow for quick removal of debris.

That's my belief.    Fire away.

[tombogan03884]

Then if you look at military arms, where front sight protection might be at a premium, none that I have found came with a complete hood. 

Most of the WWII and earlier Mausers were equipped with the hoods, Then there are AK's and SKS's.

[alfsauve]

So right, Tom.   Some did.  Some didn't  (AKs that is).   And I'm no expert on Mausers.

I think though my statement about Camp Perry shooters will stand up.   If it made a better sight picture without the hood, they'd be ditching them on the firing line.

[MAUSERMAN]

The front sight can be an issue for som shooters, I have yet had any problems sight in with either hood or no hood. The problem with most Mauser rifles is that there sighted in at 200m so they tend to shoot a bit high at 100m. Heck Mojo Peep sights make a nice replacement rear sight that really works. I have 91/30 Mosin I'm testing these sights on.

[alfsauve]

Update on the project:

Here's pictures of the stock mostly sanded down.  Still work to do around the pistol grip and cheek plate.

Look at the nice darker wood I found on the fore end and the pistol grip cap.

The fore end was also very square.  Basically not finished but the raw end of the wood.  I've contoured it some so that it's more pleasing.   Once I have it all cleaned up then a sanding sealer is next.  Probably several coats with sanded in  between.

[Sponsor]

[Magoo541]

Looks like it should finish nicely.  Wonder why Billy decided to cammo it up?

[alfsauve]

Darn, just missed out on a Remington 700 with Leupold 2-7x scope that went at auction for $525.   I knew I should have set a higher max.

There will be others I'm sure.

[alfsauve]

I'm staining the stock on the 1893 this week.   Will post pictures later on of my progress.

There is a pre-76 Ruger M77 (tang safety) on Gun Broker right now.  The seller posted 2 dozen guns and forgot to put a reserve on this one.   GB won't let him cancel.   He's posted updates.   Looks like I might be high bidder at $506, but I won't hold him to it.  Mistakes are made.   However I did send him a not saying that his $750 might just be a tad high as there are other

I'd really like a non-Mauser action for my "keeper" 7x57, but I'll take this one if it can shoot.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=312673365

[alfsauve]

Time for an update.   I'm between coats 2 & 3.    Haven't gone over coat 2 with steel wool yet to even up the finish.  Just set the action in the stock for the pictures

[jaybet]

What stain and top coats are you using for the finish. I have a Rossi lever gun I want to refinish.