Picked up a no 1 in 45 70 a while back. Good thing I reload, cause I love shooting this thing. Don't really want to scope it, was looking at a rear peep sight for it. I see Skinner makes one that screws right on, but would like some input before I drop the $75 they want on their web site. Any advise would be appreciated. First time to post here, so please be gentle.
Peep Sight for Ruger no 1
- Thread starter RickAZ
- Start date
New England Custom Gunsmiths (NECG) makes a peep sight which fits on the Ruger quarter-rib. It usually works with the factory front sight, but NECG sells different front sight inserts if you need to change the height.
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/item_info.asp?Brand_id=5883&ST=Ruger Peep Sight
While this sight uses standard apertures, and comes with two different sizes, it probably shouldn't be called a "ghost ring" -- the diameter of the aperture is just too small.
I had one of these set up for a Ruger No. 1 and it worked quite well, but when I had it rebarrelled, I did not order a front sight. So, now I use it with a Ruger 77/44.
I believe that, due to the design, they can be removed and reinstalled without any real change in zero. You may need to use some lok-tite on the adjusting screws to make sure they don't move if you plan to swap between iron sights and a scope.
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/Gun_Services/item_info.asp?Brand_id=5883&ST=Ruger Peep Sight
While this sight uses standard apertures, and comes with two different sizes, it probably shouldn't be called a "ghost ring" -- the diameter of the aperture is just too small.
I had one of these set up for a Ruger No. 1 and it worked quite well, but when I had it rebarrelled, I did not order a front sight. So, now I use it with a Ruger 77/44.
I believe that, due to the design, they can be removed and reinstalled without any real change in zero. You may need to use some lok-tite on the adjusting screws to make sure they don't move if you plan to swap between iron sights and a scope.
Thanks for the input, I'll look at the NECG and Williams also. Mostly just shoot at 100 yds at the range, but this gun will hopefully see a few cyotes and maybe a deer or two one of these days. I hadn't thought of the aperture size, that's a good point. The skinner has several different sizes that can be changed out, or they say you can take it out for a .200 ghost ring effect.
FYI, in most peep sights, the aperture can be simply removed, allowing shooting through the resulting "ghost ring" more easily than permanently drilling out an arpeture.
(The internal threads make NO diff, since a shooter's supposed to only look through the peep//ghost ring, w/o actually looking AT it)
The only two peep sights that aren't easily adaptable are the XS Ghost Ring, which can be ordered with a threaded ring for apertures ILO a smooth Ghost Ring - and the NECG clip-on peep sight for Ruger rifles.
The NECG's sight is designed so the (1) the aperture tightening/loosening is the vertical adjuster & so cannot be removed for shooting; and (2) the inside side-edges of the sight body will intrude upon the sight picture, squaring it off, if the aperture is drilled out very much. (Don't ask how I found out
)
.
(The internal threads make NO diff, since a shooter's supposed to only look through the peep//ghost ring, w/o actually looking AT it)
The only two peep sights that aren't easily adaptable are the XS Ghost Ring, which can be ordered with a threaded ring for apertures ILO a smooth Ghost Ring - and the NECG clip-on peep sight for Ruger rifles.
The NECG's sight is designed so the (1) the aperture tightening/loosening is the vertical adjuster & so cannot be removed for shooting; and (2) the inside side-edges of the sight body will intrude upon the sight picture, squaring it off, if the aperture is drilled out very much. (Don't ask how I found out
).
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
New member
RickAZ,
If your rifle is a #1s model, - 22" barrel with Alexander Henry forend, - your rifle should have iron sights from the factory.
I'd suggest trying what you have, before putting out the money for a peep sight.
The reason ------------ Well, when I bought the my #1s - 45/70 I fully intended to scope the rifle, but before I got the scope in hand, I thought I may as well shoot the rifle with the irons as a possible back up.
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to the max! Because of the low head position required to use the irons, the same as would be required with a peep, the rifle beat my face to the point I wondered if I was going to be "man enough" to continue shooting it.
The loads were NOT high end wall banger loads, the boolit was an RCBS 405gr cast.
Thankfully I went ahead and mounted the scope and suddenly shooting the rifle was a totally different and better thing.
The higher head position prevents the pain which was extremely evident when trying the iron sights.
Having now hunted with the 45/70 and cast boolits for three seasons, the scope is, for me, the only way to go and that would still be true even if the iron sights would have worked.
This is a hunting rifle, and for that, I like glass on my rifles.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
If your rifle is a #1s model, - 22" barrel with Alexander Henry forend, - your rifle should have iron sights from the factory.
I'd suggest trying what you have, before putting out the money for a peep sight.
The reason ------------ Well, when I bought the my #1s - 45/70 I fully intended to scope the rifle, but before I got the scope in hand, I thought I may as well shoot the rifle with the irons as a possible back up.
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! to the max! Because of the low head position required to use the irons, the same as would be required with a peep, the rifle beat my face to the point I wondered if I was going to be "man enough" to continue shooting it.
The loads were NOT high end wall banger loads, the boolit was an RCBS 405gr cast.
Thankfully I went ahead and mounted the scope and suddenly shooting the rifle was a totally different and better thing.
The higher head position prevents the pain which was extremely evident when trying the iron sights.
Having now hunted with the 45/70 and cast boolits for three seasons, the scope is, for me, the only way to go and that would still be true even if the iron sights would have worked.
This is a hunting rifle, and for that, I like glass on my rifles.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
Thanks Crusty,
I too ran into the face pain when I first started shooting this rifle. I load 405 RNFP cast for taking to the range. I loaded mild to pretty wild loads to get a feel for the rifle. Finally settled on 32 gr IMR 4198, a comfortable load to plink with at the range. Still, I added a cheek pad to the stock and that made all the difference.
I'm not against putting glass on the rifle, and with my old eyes might not be a bad idea. What scope did you settle on? I was thinking, before the peep sight idea, I might scope it, maybe something in a low power with good eye relief. I am open to suggestions. I don't see ever taking a shot at critters more than 100 yds.
Thanks for the input.
I too ran into the face pain when I first started shooting this rifle. I load 405 RNFP cast for taking to the range. I loaded mild to pretty wild loads to get a feel for the rifle. Finally settled on 32 gr IMR 4198, a comfortable load to plink with at the range. Still, I added a cheek pad to the stock and that made all the difference.
I'm not against putting glass on the rifle, and with my old eyes might not be a bad idea. What scope did you settle on? I was thinking, before the peep sight idea, I might scope it, maybe something in a low power with good eye relief. I am open to suggestions. I don't see ever taking a shot at critters more than 100 yds.
Thanks for the input.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
New member
RickAZ,
Just noticed your post number is low, welcome aboard!
I would like, I think, a Leupold 1x4 or 1.5x5, but put a 2x7 Leupold on the rifle as that is what I could come up with in good used condition at the time.
The rifle is carried on 2X as I learned long ago to not make the mistake of carring on the higher power.
I have had time on most critters to turn the power up, however, at the higher power I do not get a full field of view. Still it works fine on the bench and given enough time in the field. 4 deer and 2 elk down so far, all with cast boolits! YES!!!
I am currently looking at another scope as I am thinking about putting the 2x7 on a new RUGER AMERICAN "06".
However, giving "some" thought to another 2x7, but this one with the Leupold "CDS" system. Not sure on that at the moment, hoping to get in touch with Leupold this morning - tech support - to find out if the CDS system will work with the 45/70 and big slow boolits.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
Just noticed your post number is low, welcome aboard!
I would like, I think, a Leupold 1x4 or 1.5x5, but put a 2x7 Leupold on the rifle as that is what I could come up with in good used condition at the time.
The rifle is carried on 2X as I learned long ago to not make the mistake of carring on the higher power.
I have had time on most critters to turn the power up, however, at the higher power I do not get a full field of view. Still it works fine on the bench and given enough time in the field. 4 deer and 2 elk down so far, all with cast boolits! YES!!!
I am currently looking at another scope as I am thinking about putting the 2x7 on a new RUGER AMERICAN "06".
However, giving "some" thought to another 2x7, but this one with the Leupold "CDS" system. Not sure on that at the moment, hoping to get in touch with Leupold this morning - tech support - to find out if the CDS system will work with the 45/70 and big slow boolits.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
New member
PatahW,
I hear your comments on the lighter boolit, however, as indicated it was not because of a "wall banger" load that the 45/70 was beating me, rather totally because of the low head position.
I wanted a different boolit profile then the RCBS 405gr, so went to a much lighter LBT 355gr with the WFN.
Never could get that lighter boolit to shoot good groups or consistantly for whatever reason.
Doing reasearch, I found that on average, a 45/70 just shoots cast boolit of over 400gr., better then those of lighter weights.
Settled on a 465gr WFN boolit, which I am putting out the end of the tube at just over 1600fps and it is simply over the top awesome when it comes to taking game.
During load development/testing, I use a sissy bag at the bench, but then I do that for anything much over a .243, and as such can do extended range/bench sessions with no problem.
I suspect the recoil is not a lot different now or with the 355gr then with the origional loads shot with the iron sights, so the low head position was 100% the cause of the pain.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
I hear your comments on the lighter boolit, however, as indicated it was not because of a "wall banger" load that the 45/70 was beating me, rather totally because of the low head position.
I wanted a different boolit profile then the RCBS 405gr, so went to a much lighter LBT 355gr with the WFN.
Never could get that lighter boolit to shoot good groups or consistantly for whatever reason.
Doing reasearch, I found that on average, a 45/70 just shoots cast boolit of over 400gr., better then those of lighter weights.
Settled on a 465gr WFN boolit, which I am putting out the end of the tube at just over 1600fps and it is simply over the top awesome when it comes to taking game.
During load development/testing, I use a sissy bag at the bench, but then I do that for anything much over a .243, and as such can do extended range/bench sessions with no problem.
I suspect the recoil is not a lot different now or with the 355gr then with the origional loads shot with the iron sights, so the low head position was 100% the cause of the pain.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
New member
Rick,
The new Leupold VX-2 with CDS is on order and should be here early in the new year.
Leupold said they can make up the custom adjustment dial even for pellet rifles, so the 45/70 won't be a problem.
I just need to come up with a workable "B.C." to give them something to work with.
Get the itch to get things changed over, but could possibly get the winning ticket for a local buffalo hunt and if so, don't want to be between scopes if I'd happen to have the winning ticket.
So, will wait with the switch until after the drawing just to make sure.
Have already put one buffalo down with the 45/70, but that was helping put one down to butcher for some friends. Behind the ear with the 465gr boolit was real quick, but sure wouldn't call it any kind of a hunt.
CDOC
The new Leupold VX-2 with CDS is on order and should be here early in the new year.
Leupold said they can make up the custom adjustment dial even for pellet rifles, so the 45/70 won't be a problem.
I just need to come up with a workable "B.C." to give them something to work with.
Get the itch to get things changed over, but could possibly get the winning ticket for a local buffalo hunt and if so, don't want to be between scopes if I'd happen to have the winning ticket.
So, will wait with the switch until after the drawing just to make sure.
Have already put one buffalo down with the 45/70, but that was helping put one down to butcher for some friends. Behind the ear with the 465gr boolit was real quick, but sure wouldn't call it any kind of a hunt.
CDOC
Crusty,
Read on another forum someone had, and liked, the VX1, 1-4x20. (on a Ruger no 1, 45/70) Others recommended going with the VX2 or 3. Be interested in knowing how yours works out when it comes in.
Been a handgunner and reloader for a lot of years. Just this last year started getting into rifles and loading for them, so I am really a novice when it comes to long guns and scopes. Appriciate any advice.
Rick
Read on another forum someone had, and liked, the VX1, 1-4x20. (on a Ruger no 1, 45/70) Others recommended going with the VX2 or 3. Be interested in knowing how yours works out when it comes in.
Been a handgunner and reloader for a lot of years. Just this last year started getting into rifles and loading for them, so I am really a novice when it comes to long guns and scopes. Appriciate any advice.
Rick
NoSecondBest
New member
You can do something about the low peep sight...get a higher front sight and raise the peep sight. I have four 45-70s and shoot light loads in all of them. No problem at all with recoil hitting me. My Winchester High Wall is a very light gun and it's still a pleasure to shoot. As for scopes, I have a Leupold 2.5-8x36 VX3 that I feel is perfect for this caliber. Decent eye relief in case of recoil (again, I shoot light to medium loads). Price is still affordable and it's one of the clearest scopes I've ever owned. I just bought a Williams FP receiver sight for my model 1886 and a Merit aperature. The Williams has a fixed aperature that just screws out (you can get different aperature sizes for it) and use it as a ghost ring and you can put the Merit in and have an adjustable aperature size as conditions require. Lots of options here.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
New member
AS said, welcome aboard, Rick.
You'll find a bunch of us Ol'Coots that think we know what we think we know and surprising, once in awhile we really do know what we think we know.
With your being a bit new on the rifle and I assume bottle neck cartridge loading, I have a document you might be interested in. It deals with the manufacturing tolerences and the setting up of full length sizing dies to get the longest brass life and fit of brass fired in your chamber and reloaded to again be chambered in YOUR chamber.
If you or anyone is interested, just send me a personal E-mail (PM) with your personal e address and I'll gladly send it along.
In some cases, the manufactures instructions for sizing die set up are miles away from reality, making it possible to reload your brass, but many time causing VERY short brass life.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
You'll find a bunch of us Ol'Coots that think we know what we think we know and surprising, once in awhile we really do know what we think we know.
With your being a bit new on the rifle and I assume bottle neck cartridge loading, I have a document you might be interested in. It deals with the manufacturing tolerences and the setting up of full length sizing dies to get the longest brass life and fit of brass fired in your chamber and reloaded to again be chambered in YOUR chamber.
If you or anyone is interested, just send me a personal E-mail (PM) with your personal e address and I'll gladly send it along.
In some cases, the manufactures instructions for sizing die set up are miles away from reality, making it possible to reload your brass, but many time causing VERY short brass life.
Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
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