Aperture size

[Charles McKinley]

Hello,

The rear aperture on my rifle makes it hard to find things that a running around in the leaves.  What size is recommended that keeps it on the small side for precision but allows more light through?

Or just get a scope? 

Thanks

[Scarecrow]

Merit makes variable apertures.
http://www.meritcorporation.com/products.html
See item #4 for hunting
A bit pricey but I use them and like them.
Good for LTR's too.
When it gets dark, ghost ring apertures allow more light through and are good enough for minute-of-deer.

[FiremanBob]

Which rear sight and aperture are you using? Several manufacturers make different sizes of apertures.

[jmdavis]

For general hunting, get a scope. A good scope let's you shoot during legal hours. Aperature size depends on vision (and age). While I used to shoot a .032, I know generally use a .040 or even .046 in even bright sunlight. Ghost ring is accurate enough not just for minute of deer, but minute of squirrels head as well. Try it. If it doesn't work go to a scope (2-7x is a good choice for a light rifle).


Mike

[Charles McKinley]

I'm using the Daisy rear site and need minute of rodent. 

I am a confirmed scope shooter but have learned to shoot peep sights fairly well.  The nice paper target has high contrast and doesn't move.

I have worn bi-focals since 3rd grade and have grown magnification dependent for target acquisition.

I like to be able to do well what I teach and want some off the range time with open sites.

Thanks

Stand

[jmdavis]

There is nothing wrong with using a scope. One of the worst things that has come from some in Appleseed is an attitude that using a scope takes less skill than irons. It doesn't! And a good shooter with good eyesight or good corrected eyesight will shoot the same or nearly the same score with irons or scope. To a shooter with vision issues (and particularly astigmatism), a scope can be a godsend.

Shooting high contrast targets (or even lower contrast targets) with irons is quite a bit different than hunting with them. Gray squirrel, still, on gray tree can be a difficult target.

Do what you wish, but I have corrected 20/20 vision and I still prefer to use a scope for my hunting with everything but the flintlock.

[FiremanBob]

I use a Williams .050 on the 7/8" disk rear aperture for my target 10/22, but its purpose is to block out the world outside of my target. On my deer rifle - Marlin 336 - I have a 1/2" diameter Williams rear sight with a bigger hole - .093. It is small enough for me to see a wide field around it. They also make a .125" aperture.

I guess the question for your Daisy sight is whether other apertures can screw into it; and if so, which ones.

[slim]

One of the worst things that has come from some in Appleseed is an attitude that using a scope takes less skill than irons. It doesn't!

I'll vouch for that. I'm one of those shooters that does worse with a scope because I can cheat so good with it and throw my NPOA right out the window... resulting in a lower score. 


When I shoot "action targets" like clay pigeons, pistol targets, etc., I completely disregard my rear sights. Ever notice a shotgun has a bead? My pistol has no rear sight either. Put the front post on the target and squeeze. For something as close as a rodent you should have plenty of bead on them when you shoot. No need to line up that precise rear. Just point and shoot.

[Charles McKinley]

Thank Mike,

When I have the $$ I'll drop a scope on it.  I just unscrewed the peep and the hole left in the sight worked amazingly well for the distance I'm dealing with.

I am a confirmed scope shooter and have been told by many instructors that they think is is harder to shoot and teach scope well than Iron sights.  I can now shoot irons competantly but still like good optics MUCH better.

[wingwrench]

I purchased a set of micro drill bits SnapOn / bluepoint YA246A. 0.0225 - 0.0635 inch. Drill holes in pepsi soda pop cans (dark blue), use a paper hole punch with drilled hole centered. Use RTV silicone to affix it in front of current aperture. Find the size you prefer. Hint; clamp can material between paint stir sticks for cleaner drilled holes...

[Charles McKinley]

The big aperture is better but I need magnification to pick rodents out of the leaf letter.

A scope will be going on it soon since I have tried the bigger rear sight and it just isn't enough.

Those little groups with irons are still amazing to me. 

Thanks for all the input!