Looking for opinions on vintage aperture sights

[brionic]

Hi, I'm looking for an aperture rear sight for my Krag sporting carbine.

Apparently the Lyman 48 and the Redfield 70 are considered the cream of the crop, but are categorically harder to find for the Krag than for Mausers, Springfields, etc. As such they are fairly costly.

What are the pros/cons of either system? I understand that the Lyman would require tapping the receiver and possibly stock adjustment, whereas the Redfield is a "No drill" type but may require additional fitting of an internal screw to preserve feeding. Also, the Redfield interferes with bolt removal.

Beyond that, I know little about the smoothness, precision fitting, and of course élan of either except that they are both high end.

I have a line on one of each, and am interested in your input.

Oh, here's the carbine:



Thx!
--
Br.

[450ak]

Neat rifle. The Lyman 48 or the Redfield 70 are the best. If you change loads and need reapetability then spend your money once. If you shot one load then about any aperture sight will work.

[2 Dogs]

What a way cool carbine!!! Love it!!!!

[bradshaw]

brionic.... looks like your Krag has an multi-leaf express sight over the chamber. You might be able to mount an aperture in place of an express leaf. I've cobbled peep sights out of Williams Guide (aperture) and open sights, one of 'em mounted in place of the open sight on a Ruger Number 3 .45-70 another so mounted on a Remington pump. A mid-mount peep is not as refined as mashing your eye into a receiver peephole, yet it provides accuracy at dusk generally unavailable from an open sight.

The Krag as you know is beautifully machined and smooth and fast. And it is weak, accounted for with proper handloads. Writing now, as I would be reluctant to drill holes in the receiver. Your Krag might even shoot fine----loaded moderate with heavy cast bullets.

Reading Teddy Roosevelt last year, his company under fire in Cuba. Volleys of incoming 7x57mm flap the sky. Occasionally the fire sweeps American lines in a wave of death. Americans armed with Krags not the equal of the Mauser, thanks to rimless case and stripper-clip charging of the Mauser. Versus kitchen drawer loading of the Krag.... cartridges roll off palm one rim over the other. Order of the day: beaucoup lead. Troops on flank are armed with the Springfield trap door .45-70, and they are the slowest to lay fire.
David Bradshaw

[tek4260]

All of the Lyman 48's I ever saw mounted in front of the bolt handle on the right side. Is there enough room on that Krag for that sight to even be a possibility?

I'm not sure how precise they are, but I have seen peeps mounted on the rear of the cocking piece. That may be an option on your rifle.

[brionic]

Thanks men. This carbine came to me from a guy who picked it off the estate of the maker. Lots of really neat mid century touches. Commissioning this quality would cost me thousands, so I'm happy to have come across it.

Good suggestion on the leaf sight mod, David. I have considered it but am having difficulty fitting replacement blades. I'll get there. In the meantime, one of the blades is half round, and approximates the bottom of a semi buckhorn well enough for basic range work. The trouble is that without a shim, the blades close under recoil. So I'm working on that, too.

tek4620, both the Redfield and the Lyman 48 mount on the left side of the Krag, just behind the magazine side well. I prefer it on that side anyway, eliminating the possibility of interfering with bolt work. Lymans for the Springfield mount on the right, and I half expected the same for the Krag.

[0369]

I bought a bunch of molds at a gun show from a guy who bought out an estate and he had a Redfield or Lyman for a Krag. All of his prices were very reasonable so if I see him at the next one I can grab it for you.

[brionic]

Thanks man! If he has one, I would be interested in details. Looking chiefly at the Lyman 48 or the Redfield 70 or 102.

I appreciate it.

[0369]

No problem. I'll check the schedules and see when the next one is. His prices are fantastic and whay ever estate he bought out sure must have had a great collection.