peep sights vs open (notch and post) for accuracy

[mattri]

Have an old Stevens 325C (Savage 340) with the standard open sights.

Would like something more accurate without going to a scope.

What are the pros/cons of going to a peep sight like the Williams FP-340? What type of front sight would be required?

Will be trying to wring all the accuracy possible out of an old rifle, and want to be able to hunt with it as well. Are peep sights viable on a hunting rifle?

At what point are the advantages of going to a peep slim enough to negate the time/effort/cost of changing over from the current sights?

 

[fivering]

Going to an aperture (peep) sight is a good move.
All your target shooting Iron Sights are of this type.
You need to make sure the rear aperture is fairly good size, for rapid target aquisition, and you definitely need to practice with it, as most people don't know how to properly aim with an aperture sight.
A square topped front sight generally works the best.
Target shooting is done out to a 1000 yds, so you are making a big step forward in accuracy potential.
That being said, it will not make a poor grouping rifle shoot any better than it's potential.

 

[Dans40X]

The bolt handle & open rear receiver bridge hampers your selection for a good rear sight.
Globe front/aperture rear sights are excellent for bulls-eye/target shooting but suck on a hunting rifle.

Prescription glasses maybe!!
Try blackening the stock front & rear sights w/an acetylene flame.

 

[artbosco]

Have standard open sights. Would like something more accurate without going to a scope. What are the pros/cons of going to a peep sight. What type of front sight would be required?

When my eyes weren't as old as they are now, I always enjoyed the peep sight over an open sight.

The eye automatically centered it, so all I had to do was concentrate on putting the upper edge or tip of a simple front post in the center of the target, and commence blowing a big over sized round or tight clover leafed hole in the center of the target.

The peep sight get's two enthusiastic thumbs up from me.

 

[Greg110]

Do what has been said above; use a front square post and a large aperture. I usually do my load development with a small (.060") aperture and from the bench, then switch to a larger aperture for hunting work. You may want to buy an extra small aperture and drill it out as necessary for hunting. Remember, light and target acquisition are the primary limiting factors.

 

[Bulseyetom]

I also like the Twilight Aperature from Williams instead of the standard ones. Tom

 

[wapiti25]

I have gone to a rear "peep" on my muzzle loader for hunting as scopes are not allowed in most states I hunt in. I like the rear aperture. I used the william's guide sight. Use the aperture size (diameter) that allows enough light thru for your purpose and light conditions.

 

[fdshuster]

I'm using the Williams Foolproof receiver sights on both of my Silhouette rifles, ( iron sights required), with the .050" aperature. With my old eyes, the square front post is always sharp & clear. The old V-notch open rear sight would be impossible for me. For another example, I would never be able to use a 1903 Springfield with the original rear sight, but the 03-A3 is fine, even being as crude as it is.