Scope and open sights on 45-70

[workin man]

I'm thinking about putting a scope on my 45-70 using quick detach rings so I can still use the open sights if I want to. I'm just wondering if the factory sights are still useable with the scope rail in place or is the rail too tall and obstructs a clear view of the sights?

Jim

[spruce]

With a Weaver rail on my .44mag I'm still able to use the open sights (just).  The Weaver rail is "dished out" in the center, but I'm guessing that with a picatinny style rail the sights would be obscured.

[workin man]

Thanks Spruce. Is it a true Weaver rail you have or a Weaver style rail from a different manufacturer? I'm just wondering because I haven't ordered one yet and there are a few different ones to choose from. I was considering the H&R one that comes with the hammer extension, rather than buying the extension separately. From looking at the pics of the different rails in the FAQ's, it looks like some sit lower than others, but its hard to tell from just a picture.

Jim

[whitetailmaniac]

I have the weaver (the weaver brand base) base on my 44 as well and you can see the open sight. I have the H&R base on my 45-70 and you cannot see the open sight.

     Chris

[quickdtoo]

I have the weaver (the weaver brand base) base on my 44 as well and you can see the open sight. I have the H&R base on my 45-70 and you cannot see the open sight.

     Chris

The only difference you're seeing is due to sight height, the Weaver #82 rail is a tad taller than the H&R rail, it's 277" in the valley compared to .265" for the H&R. The flat spot at the rear of the Weaver #82 is not Handi friendly in the least, so it's the last choice by most of us unless that flat spot serves a purpose like making room from an ocular bell on a short shotgun scope mounted low, or mounting a peep sight!!    If you want a lower scope rail, use the Weaver #62 either modified to fit the mounting holes, or drill and tap the barrel to match it.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,166264.msg1098758956.html#msg1098758956

[workin man]

Thanks for the help guys. Sounds like the Weaver 62 is what I want. Tim, does it have the same flat spot as the 82?  If it does can I put it on backwards, with the flat spot to the front? I will be modifying the rail to fit the gun, not the other way around.

Thanks,Jim

[quickdtoo]

No, the Weaver #82 is the only POS that has that,  you can see pics of it in Carbineman's post in the link I provided.

Tim

[workin man]

Thanks Tim, I didn't notice the link the first time around. I believe I mentioned before that I am internet challenged at times. The rear sight on mine is quite a bit further forward than the dovetail slot in that pic, so there should be no issues with the rail or scope hitting the rear sight. Is the Weaver #62 info in the FAQ's and I just didn't look hard enough? It might be a good addition if its not already there.

Thanks, Jim

[quickdtoo]

Yes, but it's the just a link to the same thread.

Tim

[xit]

 ???Excuse my ignorance Tim but why is the weaver#82 rail not handi  friendly?

[quickdtoo]

See the pic in the FAQs, that inch long flat spot at the back of the rail makes a big difference in where the rear ring is mounted which with most scopes doesn't allow the scope to be mounted to clear the hammer and/or provide correct eye relief.

Tim