Aperture Sights by Andy Larsson of Skinner Sights
Key Takeaways
Transcript
Hi, I’m Andy Larson with Skinner Sights, and today we’re discussing the different sight systems available for lever-action rifles and how to use them effectively. As a sight manufacturer, this topic is especially important to me.
Most lever-action rifles come standard with a notch or buckhorn-type sight. To use these, you align the bead on the front sight with the notch in the rear sight and then align both with your target before taking the shot. This process can be tricky, particularly as our eyes age.
This is where the peep sight, also known as the "magic sight for old eyes," becomes invaluable. With a peep sight, you still use a front sight, typically a brass bead, though it can also be a flat-top blade, a fiber optic, or even a crosshair in a globe. The brass bead is the most traditional.
The beauty of the peep sight lies in its simplicity: you look through the hole without focusing on it. Your eye naturally centers the front sight in the aperture. Smaller apertures also improve depth of field, allowing you to focus on both the front sight and the target simultaneously.
When using a peep sight, remember these key steps:
Look through the aperture, focusing entirely on the front sight.
Align the front sight with the target.
Maintain steady breath control and a smooth trigger squeeze.
Avoid any distractions, such as glowing rings or crosshairs on the rear peep, as these can interfere with your eye’s natural alignment capabilities.
This particular peep sight is mounted on the bolt, ensuring consistent alignment as the bolt opens and closes. With this setup, the rifle maintains its accuracy, shooting just under one minute of angle (MOA).
Optics for Lever Guns
Sometimes, adding an optic to your lever-action rifle enhances its capabilities. For example, this Henry Long Ranger in .308, capable of MOA or better accuracy, is paired with the Skinner Sights 1-6x24 low-power variable optic. This scope features a lit one-MOA dot in the center and performs exceptionally well in the field.
We’ve used it successfully on a variety of hunts, including antelope, whitetail deer, mule deer, and mountain goats. The setup is effective at lever-gun ranges, even extending to 500 yards with the Long Ranger.
To make it even more versatile, the scope is mounted using our Skinner Express Scope Mount with an integral peep sight. This innovative design allows you to quickly detach the scope and use the peep sight when needed.
Conclusion
At Skinner Sights, we’re continually innovating and field-testing our products to ensure they meet the highest standards. Whether you prefer a peep sight or a scoped setup, our sights and optics are designed to enhance your shooting experience.
You can find more about our products at skinnersights.com. Remember, we’re saving the world one gun sight at a time!
– Andy Larson, Skinner Sights
