1884 buffington rear sight

[Major Tom]

I read on Al Frasca's website, a reprint of the original instructions of how to use the sight. It was slightly confusing to me. Can someone offer a simpler explanation of it's use?

[Dick Hosmer]

When sight is folded down flat it is set for 265 yards with the service (45-70-500 BP) load. It will be about a foot high at 100yds with most other loads. Most serious shooters replace the front sight blade with one which can be filed down to put their pet load on at 100 yds. Pin must be tapped out from LEFT side. Keep the original blade!

When rear sight leaf is up, loosen the screw and set the line (and arrow) running throught the (lower) peep using the graduations on the RIGHT edge. These are STILL calibrated for the same round, so you will likely still be quite a bit off, depending on load used. Tighten the screw to hold the setting.

A shooter today would never need the extreme range sighting capability, which is obtained via the UPPER peep, set (using the OFFSET arrowed line) on the LEFT side graduations.

Windage is obtained by turning the knob on the fixed base. Some are stiff with dried grease. If WD40 doesn't free it, it MAY have been pinned to prevent adjustment - quite a few were. If you suspect that, remove the sight and see if a pin is visible on the underside. If so, either live with it, or, if not a capable machinist, consult a gunsmith.

Hope that helps.

[Major Tom]

Thank you Dick.

[John Sukey]

And we put basicaly the same sight on the 03 Springfield:eek:

[Major Tom]

Interesting info John, thanks

[45govt]

This is how I would use it, remove it, and replace it with an 1879 model!!!!

[Major Tom]

If it was just a 'shooter' valued at $5-600, I probably would replace the sight. But, this is an all original M84 built in 1889 and in splendid condition. Original bright blue finish and case-colored breech block. Wood shows no wear and has semi shiny finish, like a satin finish. Looks like Springfield just made it.