Best targets for open sights?

[FOTIS]

I have a few levers that can not accommodate scopes. Open sights are the only option on these rifles. Mainly they are:

Sharps 45-70..not worried about this one too much...vernier rear/bunch of front sight inserts
Win 1886 45-90
Browning 348 Win
Win 1873 44-40
Win 1895 405 Win.

All of these with the exception of the 44-40 have had their rear sights replaced with Williams peeps or Skinner peeps.
With my bad eyes shooting them is a problem. Use a 3" orange dot at 100 yds and the front sight covers it all. Use a 6 o'clock hold on same and can't see the dot. Big black circles are also challenging...black sight on black, etc. You get the idea.

So which type of targets are working for you guys? Anything that makes sighting in or testing accuracy in loads at 100 yards easier?

Thank you in advance.

 

[bdbrown66]

I'm curious to see what others have to say. This is something I deal with when shooting my muzzleloaders. I usually print my own targets at home, and what seems to work best is something with a 4-6" red or green bull, and then using a 6 o'clock hold on it, just setting that bull on top of the front sight. I also find that I need to get my sight picture and shoot fairly quickly; stare too long at the sights and target and they all fade together. Getting old sucks...

 

[FOTIS]

That is absolutely correct.

Both the sight picture and shooting- before everything gets blurry and the getting old part.

 

[bdbrown66]

That is absolutely correct.

Both the sight picture and shooting- before everything gets blurry and the getting old part.

I just thought of something that I'm going to try next time. I have something called an "Eye Pal" that I use when I shoot my pistols. Basically, it's a type of peep sight which you put on your glasses to enhance your focal length. The kit has one for rifle and one for pistol, and I've only ever used it for pistol. Need to try it with the muzzleloaders.

EyePal | Get back on the Range with EyePal

eyepalusa.com

 

[truck driver]

What is your eye problem Fotis? I had cataracts that were dead center of my pupil and had them removed and replacement lens installed, though I opted for the basic distance lenses they make lenses that will allow you to see distance and read without glasses.
I think it's Champions Choice that sells Nablock shooting glasses for target shooters that require special lenses to see the front sights.
I use a clear sight attachment that is no longer made which fits on the frame of my glasses and has different strength lenses and clears up the front sight but causes the target to be blurry and works great for shooting with open sights for target shooting.

 

[clearwater]

Working on that too. last time made an upside down T with dark duct tape and stuck an 1 1/2" orange circle at the intersection. Seem better than some targets Hold just below the circle/intersection. Better than a dot or a cross alone I think.

 

[aaronramsdale]

I use high-contrast square or lollipop targets, which are much easier to see with peep sights at 100 yards.

Trees Hate You​

 

[Wolfshead]

I shoot my 94 with peep sights often.
I believe peeps help a lot and make a difference over buckhorn sights.
As for targets, I usually just use those Splatterburst targets. For up close 25 & 50 yards I use a 6” target on a 8.5x11” sheet of paper, and at 100 or more I use a 12” Splatterburst target.
Mostly I have the target resting on the bead, or the bead covering the center. Obviously you can hold the bead where ever suits your purposes, but that’s simply suitable for me, and mine.

This is the 6” target at 50 yards. I was working on load development and this is with the target resting on the bead.
On this particular day, there was a used target that I just stuck my 6” target to instead of how I stick them on a sheet of white paper.


This is the 12” at two hundred. Top two shots were with the bead resting on target and bottom shot is with bead covering the center.
PLEASE NOTE the top two shots are more luck than skill!


This is how I usually set up

 

[FOTIS]

The main problem, other than normal aging eyes, is finding a target that works for me at 100 yards.

Truth is I have good days with the eyes and bad days.

I have shot sub MOA groups at 100 yards with some of these and have repeated the results at 50 yards to ensure it is not a fluke.

Now, 50 yards with a decent size circle is not really an issue. Example: 5" orange sticky @ 50.

And then I have my spectacular days at 100 yards even with small targets. Somehow I was able the place the front sight over this 2" circle at 100 yards perfectly for 6 shots.

If I have the right target for longer range, I believe I can solve my issue. Hence my question.

 

[xphunter]

@FOTIS ,
Beyond some traditional handguns and some 22lr's, I don't use iron sights for any big game.
Even some of my semi-auto pistols and revolvers have some kind of optic on them.
I have taken a few pd's beyond a 100 yards with a S&W 44 Mag, using irons, but that is the exception to the rule