Before answering the question- how to install a peep sight for a rifle, let us first understand what a peep sight is on a rifle.
The peep sight is a small opening through which the front sight is lined up to aim the target. It also has an adjustable metal piece.
Being the most decisive part of the gun, it is inherently more accurate. Compared to others like holographic or high-priced red dot sights, peep sights are quite affordable to be equipped on every rifle. Peep sights use the natural ability of our eyes to peek through the small circle further improving the vision.
Prior to the installation process, every shooter should know how to use a peep sight.
HOW TO USE A PEEP SIGHT ON A RIFLE?
Beginning with the basics:
- Choose the right peep sight
- How to install and adjust the peep sight?
- Enter the peep
Choose the right peep sight (size)
This is an essential step, choosing the correct size of a peep sight can help shooters be sure of the result. Compared to large peep sights, smaller ones are more accurate. So when small peep sights are used chances of misjudging minimizes. Further, small peep sights offer a large depth of field.
How to install and adjust the peep sight?
Peep sights do not line up with the rifle at one go. The shooter may have to manipulate the sight so that the sight and the center align with the track of the shot. For first-time installers, it could be a bit time-consuming. But peep sights have many adjustable rings; it proves to be quite helpful in installation.
Keep the peep sight collateral to the axis of the gun barrel.
For parallel alignment, you need to screw the tripod firmly to the rifle’s body then accordingly adjust the arm.
Once the rifle is set, line up your sight to aim the target. Adjust the zoom knob by moving it to minimum zoom size. Bang on, now you can fire your first shot. Peep sight would help you spot the bullet holes on the target.
Enter the peep
Peep sights help in strengthening your eye’s ability to see the front sight referring to the target as it enhances the notch and posts open sights. So, when you look through the peephole, the vision automatically epicenters the front sight.
Thus, set the front sight component in range with the target and shoot and accordingly estimate the precision.
STEPS TO INSTALL THE PEEP SIGHT
Moving ahead, we will learn particularly about the skinner peep sight installation which has a dovetail peep sight and is mounted to the receiver. The installation process is similar to other sights like marlin peep sights, marlin 1894 sights, and henry peep sights which are known for their elegant and functional look.
Steps to install the peep sight :
- Take off the factory rear sight.
- Cover the holes which were in place of the factory sights.
- Pull off the factory screws.
- Mount the peep sight (using incorporated set screws).
1. Take off the factory rear sight
Before installing the peep sight on your rifle, you need to remove the rear factory sight from your rifle. Take out the rear factory sight, with the help of the drift and hammer.
(Drift or brass punch prevents damaging the rifle finish compared to that of steel punch.)
2. Cover the factory sight holes
Once you remove the rear sight, you will be able to see an open slot. If you are among those who prefer the finished look of the rifle, you may close the slot using a decorative plug.
3. Pull off the factory screws
To install a peep sight on a Henry rifle, you need to remove the two screws on the top of the receiver. Then clean the holes in the receiver as well as the peep sight to remove the excess oil (oil removal reduces the chances of using thread locker).
4. Mount the peep sight
The peep sight can be mounted to the receiver connecting existing holes. Finally, the factory sight is replaced with the peep sight. The peep sight is ready to spot the target.
WRAPPING UP
We hope that the above-mentioned information helps you install the peep sight easily and swiftly. Happy shooting!
