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Thread: Question on modifying the front sight of a Spiller and Burr

  1. #1
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    Question on modifying the front sight of a Spiller and Burr

    I bought myself a Pietta Spiller and Burr for Christmas. I have yet to take it to the range, but I'm betting it shoots high, as most revolvers do, which will necessitate a new front sight.

    A friend of mine recently made these modifications to his (not for N-SSA shooting):





    I have considered simply replacing the short post with a taller one, but my fear is that such a thin post, being roughly 1/4" high, will easily snag on anything and perhaps snap the post off, even if I solder it in place. So I like the blade idea as it would not be as fragile.

    I've read section 19.9.1 of the rules.

    I think the relevant parts are:

    a. Front sights, except as noted under rule 19.9.1(l), may be modified or rebuilt provided the resulting sight is a metallic blade on an original type base, in the original location for the model of arm concerned, not to extend beyond the base and with no limitation as to height or thickness of blade.

    and

    k. Front sights on revolvers and long arms may be secured to the barrel using a dovetail base in the original position. The attachment of the barrel-sight combination, after the insertion of the dovetail, must conform to the original configuration. The sight must be permanently affixed. There can be no method of adjustment built into the front sight.

    It sounds to me like the blade would "extend beyond the base", and they would not "conform to the original configuration".

    So, I'm guessing I'm out of luck for using this kind of blade modification for my Spiller and Burr for N-SSA shooting?

    Steve

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    Quote Originally Posted by Maillemaker View Post
    I have yet to take it to the range, but I'm betting it shoots high, as most revolvers do, which will necessitate a new front sight.
    Steve
    My 1851 Navy repro shoots low left. Where do you get these crazy notions Steve?

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    My 1851 Navy repro shoots low left. Where do you get these crazy notions Steve?
    You probably shoot 2 grains of powder in it, right?

    Every single revolver I have has needed a taller front sight to hit point of aim at 25 yards.

    Steve

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    Yeah but Steve these are Italian guns. Let's hope cross eyed Luigi didn't run your bore out crooked.

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    No

    No you can't make it like that. N-ssa rules ..... I see you read them ............. short & sweet is to make it the same big diameter as the base of the sighting pin, yes you can make it shorter or taller.
    Last edited by Bruce Cobb 1723V; 04-04-2018 at 07:07 PM.
    N-SSA Member since 1974

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    Yeah, that's what I figured. That "big" diameter is .106". I'm afraid a .106" pin sticking off the end of the barrel will be weak. We'll see.

    Steve

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    Too Bad, the rules allow the massaging of other sights in so many ways.

    But based on the rules a tall post sight IS allowed?
    Mark Hubbs,

    Eras Gone Bullet Molds www.erasgonebullets.com

    Visit my history/archaeology blog at: www.erasgone.blogspot.com

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    Yup. Has to "conform to the original configuration". Which in this case is going to be a 1/4" pin sticking out the top of the barrel.

    Steve

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    Hallo!

    IMHO...

    It is easier to understand the spirit or intent of "conform to the original configuration."

    But not quite so easy when we visualize versions obviously NOT found on the original firearms such as 1/4 inch rods or mini-axes serving as front sights one could chop wood with. Or say "peep" (aperture) holes on M1855/M1861 rear sight leaves.

    "Conform" is hard to operationalize when we try to mix History with modern range target shooting sometimes.

    Curt
    Curt Schmidt
    Formerly 17 years a Sherman's Bodyguard
    Married to a descendant of Senator John Sherman's wife

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    Read 19.9.1

    Please read the rules for the correct information for front sight modifications. It is very straight forward.
    N-SSA Member since 1974

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