Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Model 1886 Unusual Front Sight

I got to handle an ‘86 Light yesterday that had a unique front sight. It was a very small globe style which was barrel shaped, I.e. slightly smaller at either end and larger in the middle. The “bead” was three tapered bars similar in shape to the Mercedes symbol. The bars didn’t touch and there was a small gap in the middle for an open aim point. This was a very small sight, maybe 1/2” long and 3/8” diameter.


Any ideas as to maker, etc.?

Think I'm flunking the visualization test! Hope this isn't a timed exam! Doesn't sound Winchester!
Sounds more like a European single shot match gun of 19th Century!

If you have access to Nick Strobel's book on gunsights, perhaps something there. In the mean time, I'll have a beer and "conjure!"
Please advise how it all turns out!
Good Luck!
John

John,

Thank you for your informative and helpful comments. The thing that popped into my mind was “rook rifle”. The size is so tiny that I can’t imagine it on a match rifle. I can’t really see it aboard a big game rifle either…but it’s interesting. It might be handy for popping gophers on a bright sunny day with a good rimfire but I’d hesitate to use a light weight 45/70 for killing diggers.

I’ll try to get a picture or two and post them.