Changing apertures on Skinner peep sights

[PT7]

I might be asking "dumb" questions, but since I don't know the answers, here goes anyway....

I have Skinner peep sights on my two Henrys (listed in my signature line). Both sights are new-to-me within the last few months. I just ordered the two smallest apertures from Skinner, .040" size and .070" size, and want to try them on both rifles. I installed on my H006M a barrel-mounted sight, .125" size. Skinner states this size is good for dim lit hunting, which I plan to do next fall deer season. The H001TLP comes stock from Henry with a Skinner receiver-mounted .096" aperture. Skinner again states this size is good for "quick target acquisition and accurate alignment."

I've sighted in both rifles at 50 yards, and they secure POA quite well. When I change to the smaller apertures, is it necessary to re-sight the rifle each time? My (hopeful) guess is that it is not necessary....but still would like to gather in your experience and/or expertise.

Second question is: does it make any difference which way the aperture is screwed into the sight post -- receiver or muzzle end of the rifle?

Thanks for your help.
PT7

[Sir Henry]

It should not matter as long as the post is the same. Most people install them from the receiver end. Not sure it would even fit the other way.

This is a Steven's No 105 three-hole peep. One peep does it all with just a quick change.


Check this link out. Andy makes and markets great stuff.

http://www.skinnersights.com/apertures_8.html

[PT7]

Good to know that each aperture change does not require re-sighting the rifle! That was my main question/concern. I also tried two different size apertures tonight, and both screw easily into either side of the post...so that's good engineering on the part of Skinner.
BTW, the link you provided is exactly where I ordered my apertures.

Agreed, the Skinner peep sights are quality. I'm glad I chose them as they have helped my shooting accuracy quite a bit. Hoping the smaller ones will make it even better! Thanks for your help.
PT7

[Squatch]

The reason they screw into either end is this gives you 1/2 turns of elevation for adjustment. You should install it from the breech end. Closer to the eye. The smaller peeps work great with the Lyman target sight up front. I normally use the smallest at .040" in both my Golden boy and Big Boy with receiver mounted Skinners. Barrel mounted Skinners will likely need a bigger aperture. Same for dim light.

[Sir Henry]

The reason they screw into either end is this gives you 1/2 turns of elevation for adjustment. You should install it from the breech end. Closer to the eye. The smaller peeps work great with the Lyman target sight up front. I normally use the smallest at .040" in both my Golden boy and Big Boy with receiver mounted Skinners. Barrel mounted Skinners will likely need a bigger aperture. Same for dim light.

I thought he meant not turning the post but just using the other end.

[Squatch]

Same difference. Both sides of the stem are the same. The aperture is designed to be looked through from the black side. Though if someone wants to do it the other way. Go for it.



Tall peep stem.

[Owly]

What are you guys doing with the rear dovetailed sight when you install the Skinner peep on top the reciever? Do you drift it off or can it be left in place? What do you use to fill the empty dovetail in the barrel if removed?

Lots of questions I know, but I'm considering a Skinner for my H012 and want to know what others are doing to eliminate the rear barrel mounted sight.

Also, does the Skinner general work okay with the Henry front sight or is it common to need a taller blade?

[Sir Henry]

What are you guys doing with the rear dovetailed sight when you install the Skinner peep on top the reciever? Do you drift it off or can it be left in place? What do you use to fill the empty dovetail in the barrel if removed?

Lots of questions I know, but I'm considering a Skinner for my H012 and want to know what others are doing to eliminate the rear barrel mounted sight.

Also, does the Skinner general work okay with the Henry front sight or is it common to need a taller blade?

This is what I use. https://www.henryrifles.com/product/henry-gunsight-kit/ Just remember to drift it out left to right.

Use this to fill in the dovetail. http://www.skinnersights.com/testimonials_12.html

I believe you can use the same front sight but if you order the Skinner sight ask Andy (Skinner Sights). He should know.

[Sir Henry]

I just realized you were talking about the H012. My answer was for an H001.

[Owly]

I just realized you were talking about the H012. My answer was for an H001.

Info should still be applicable. Thanks

I recognize the hammer, it's a Grace tool branded for Henry. I've got that hammer and a drift. Left to right is what I needed to know.
The filler looks like it works on octagonal and round barrels.

Thanks for the help.

Owly

[PT7]

I have Skinner peep sights on both of my Henrys, and I especially like how well it works on my H006M Big Boy. The really basic stuff I read on the Skinner web sight that looks at your questions are these:

The owner says that when a Skinner peep sight is mounted on the receiver, approx. 50% of the time a taller front sight is needed. Skinner also sells taller sights to accommodate this adjustment, if needed. I was surprised when I read the percentage issue the first time I looked at this sight info. But there are variables that come into play based on your Henry model, what type of sight you want, and how you mount it.

BTW, the primary reason I changed out my buckhorn sight on my H012M with a bronze barrel-mounted peep sight was to not have to make any adjusts to my front sight. So that way I'm good to go. Also, for my pocket book the barrel-mounted is less expensive than a receiver-mounted sight. A good choice for me. Lastly, there are some "conditions" that Skinner notes on whether or not the front sight will need to be changed, e.g. if you have a Henry with a round barrel vs. an octagon barrel, etc.

If I were to adjust sights like you're thinking about, I'd take the rear barrel-mounted buckhorn sight off. Skinner also makes a "dovetail slot blank" to put into the now-empty dovetail on the barrel. Just one option they offer.

For all of the above comments, if you haven't yet, I would suggest you read through the details on the Skinner web sight at: http://www.skinnersights.com/henry_rifles_18.html Your considerations are all listed there. I needed to be careful, based on my Henry model, that I ordered the correct sight. It is important to follow their suggestions based on model. They sure do have a lot of stuff listed!

Best as you make your choice. I think the Skinner peep sights are a quality product, and really like mine. So do my elder eyes!
PT7

[Sir Henry]

I just realized you were talking about the H012. My answer was for an H001.

Info should still be applicable. Thanks

I recognize the hammer, it's a Grace tool branded for Henry. I've got that hammer and a drift. Left to right is what I needed to know.
The filler looks like it works on octagonal and round barrels.

Thanks for the help.

Owly

Yes you can use the filler on almost any dovetail. Will the H012 take a scope on the receiver or does it need a barrel mount which would use the dovetail?

https://www.henryrifles.com/product/rifle-scope-mounts/

[Owly]

Yes you can use the filler on almost any dovetail. Will the H012 take a scope on the receiver or does it need a barrel mount which would use the dovetail?

https://www.henryrifles.com/product/rifle-scope-mounts/

H012 is drilled and tapped atop the receiver. Skinner offers a peep sight specifically for this model and it is receiver mounted.

[Sir Henry]

Yes you can use the filler on almost any dovetail. Will the H012 take a scope on the receiver or does it need a barrel mount which would use the dovetail?

https://www.henryrifles.com/product/rifle-scope-mounts/

H012 is drilled and tapped atop the receiver. Skinner offers a peep sight specifically for this model and it is receiver mounted.

Thanks for the info.

[Skinner Sights]

Aperture changes shouldn't effect zero. Do remove your factory rear sight and fill the slot with a dovetail slot blank. Front sight selections are best made after installing the new Skinner rear sight and shooting on paper at a known distance with the factory front sight. Some customers will be able to use the factory front sight, other rifle/shooter/load combinations require a front sight change. Some lower, some taller. Please see our FAQ page at www.skinnersights.com for more info.

This is the number one question I answer (about 12 times a day)

Its not difficult to change a front sight and the results will be worth the effort.

Hope that helps!

Andy

[PT7]

Glad to see you participating on this forum and answering questions, Andy. I appreciate having Skinner peep sights on both my rifles, and for my next Henry, I'll probably head toward your site/sight once more!
PT7

[Skinner Sights]

Hey PT,

Site/sight... Cute.. My phone voice recognition has a tough time hearing S I G H T. I've tried saying it several ways and it recognizes it correctly about 10% of the time. Really annoying!

Glad you are enjoying your Henry Rifles!!

ANDY

[Sunkist357]

The idea of having an apeture on both sides of the post is great. Elevation adjustment is the one thing I worry about with the Skinners.

I noticed with the .096 on my 1895 that for fine target work I had a lttle trouble staying centered. I got used to very fine "pin hole" apetures on my High Wall for extreme long range. After catarac surgery on both eyes I went even smaller. I've only had one range session with Skinners on that 1895 but after a lot of shooting and tweaking I got two in an inch in the ten ring at 25 yds. By then I was "shot out" for the day. I'm putting together a shopping list for Skinner for my H012. I'll be getting the .040 and the .070 along with the standard .096. The adjustable apeture for the Skinners is tempting too. It will have to wait for now. I'll see how things go with the smaller apetures and report back. By the way, I had to drift the Skinner to correct for shooting to the left. As said above, the smaller apetures won't change your "center". It's still the center of the hole.

[PT7]

I just glanced through the Range Reports Forum and looked at three of my reports when using various Skinner apertures. All resulted in the best size for me to use is the .070. Of course, your distance to POI and lighting are factors to take into account on which size works best. In particular, I "experimented" with the different sizes during this range outing: http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=195

It will be interesting to hear what you find and/or like when you report back.
Skinner makes quite good iron peep sights for my use...have fun with your shooting/sighting!

The idea of having an apeture on both sides of the post is great. Elevation adjustment is the one thing I worry about with the Skinners.

I noticed with the .096 on my 1895 that for fine target work I had a lttle trouble staying centered. I got used to very fine "pin hole" apetures on my High Wall for extreme long range. After catarac surgery on both eyes I went even smaller. I've only had one range session with Skinners on that 1895 but after a lot of shooting and tweaking I got two in an inch in the ten ring at 25 yds. By then I was "shot out" for the day. I'm putting together a shopping list for Skinner for my H012. I'll be getting the .040 and the .070 along with the standard .096. The adjustable apeture for the Skinners is tempting too. It will have to wait for now. I'll see how things go with the smaller apetures and report back. By the way, I had to drift the Skinner to correct for shooting to the left. As said above, the smaller apetures won't change your "center". It's still the center of the hole.