1858 Rear Sight

[Michael Bodner]

Can anyone explain to me what makes the 1858 Rear Sight (for US arms) different from the 1855 or 1861 sights?

The question comes from the Drake Alteration to the Mississippi which requires an 1858 RM rear sight.

Info and most especially, pictures of the '58 are proving difficult to find on the net.

Thanks in advance!

-Boots

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Boots,

The 1858 rear leaf sight is actually the second rear sight adopted for the M1855 rifle-musket, the first sight being a long range sight. It noticeably differs from the M1861 rear sight by having a concave contour to the top of the sight leaves and a step at the rear of the sight base. There may be some dimensional differences between the 1858 rear sight for the M1855 rifle and M1855 rifle-musket. I would think that the M1858 rifle sight would be appropriate for the Drake conversion Mississippi rifle but I could be wrong.

Jim Burgess
15th CVI

[Michael Bodner]

Thanks Jim. According to SAC, it is the correct Drake alternation sight, hence my quest for it.

The SAC sheets says 'M-1858 Rifled Musket 3-leaf'. But is that truly the 1855 3-leaf sight?

Thanks!

[Michael Bodner]

I got my answer via private email....

Thanks Tony!!

-Boots

[Ben Nevlezer]

I would love to hear the long version of the answer to this question. Knowledge is power, and at times I'm underpowered........

[Michael Bodner]

Ben,

A past Regional Small Arms Inspector sent me the page from their book that shows the Drake Conversion rear sight... Its an 1858 type Musket Rear Sight without the dovetail extension base. It also shows the mechanical drawing from 3 views of what the sight looks like with dimensions...

Also has the front sight.

The lesson learned is: ASK the SAC Inspector for help... The books contain all the information you need... Plus you'll know exactly what is being measured/examined so you can 'get it right'.

-Boots

[Robt. Propst]

Should you wish to see a Drake Conversion with its slightly different rear sight, go to John Gunderson Militaria and scroll down to Civil War arms, Drake Conversion Mississippi. Interesting sight.

[Michael Bodner]

Kool Bob! Thanks for the tip...