'73 Short Rifle Sights

[Coal Creek Griff]

I've been enjoying shooting my new Cimarron short rifle in .44-40, but it shoots several inches high at 25 yards (with the rear sight at it's lowest).  I'm thinking of replacing the sights with a higher front sight.  I'm thinking of a Marble's sight, but I'm not sure if I should replace both the front and rear.  The Marble's sights that I've seen have a bead on front sight to correspond with the notch on the rear.  The Uberti front sight is a plain blade the corresponds with a slot on the rear.

Also, I haven't checked--are the dovetails on the barrell standard?  I note that the Uberti sights both have set screws and the front sight is very loose when the screw is not tight (the rear sight was still tight and needed to be drifted to adjust it).

Does anyone have any suggestions or preferences?  I'd like a sight that is at least somewhat authentic.

Thanks!

CC Griff

[Coffinmaker]

Griff,

Nothing other than the profile from Uberti or Chaparral is authentic for a standard '73.  Everything else, you might see on an original '73 was either special order or after-market, just like today. 
The Marbles sight is good choice.  I usually recommend a "41W" base with the large brass bead.  Most rifles with cowboy ammunition shoot to point of aim with this sight.  If, you would like a bead somewhat bigger for tired eyes, I would recommend "The Grabber" front sight offered by Manatee, at bananariveroutitters.com.  Manatee has one looks like a door knob ..... perfect.
The Marbles sights usually fit very tight to a Uberti dovetail.  "Standard" 3/8 dovetail.  Depending on your definition of "standard."  I would recommend leaving the rear sight "as is" unless you really don't care for it.

Coffinmaker

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Coffinmaker is right. I changed the front sight to a Marbles on my short rifle and left the original rear sight. It's a great combination. I did have one issue with the original rear sight in that the adjustment ramp would slip out from under the sight and I'd be shooting low. I cured that by filing the ramp so it had a slight raised portion at the rear of the adjustment notches to hold the sight firmly. I haven't seen anyone with a similar issue so maybe yours will be OK. If you need a photo of that, I can take one.

[Advertising]

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks, gents.  I'm placing the order right now.

CC Griff

[Coal Creek Griff]

I do like the way the new sight looks (thanks guys).  The gun now shoots to point of aim with cowboy ammo, as long as the rear sight is at its lowest setting.  Sometimes I'd like to be able to shoot higher velocity ammo (within SAAMI specs, of course), but the gun still shoots high with those loads.  Is this a reloading question or do I need a still higher front sight?  It seems as if I might need a very high front sight, which doesn't seem right either.  I'm shooting a 200 grain lead bullet.

I've been loading for 20 years, but these are some new issues to me.

CC

[boot strap jack]

Go get a taller one, this one may work on the next rifle, or maybe the next, till you find a rifle it will.
BSJ

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Go get a taller one, this one may work on the next rifle, or maybe the next, till you find a rifle it will.

Ah, another good excuse to buy a new rifle or two.

[Coal Creek Griff]

As if I needed an excuse for another rifle! 

I don't mind buying new sights either, but it seems like the front sight will have to be ridiculously high and that would be...ummm...unsightly.  That's why I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong.

CC

[boot strap jack]

Well if shooting hot loads that could cause some problems I guess.
I shoot 250gn at 750 fps out of 73 24" brl 45.
BSJ

[Jefro]

The Grabber really helps these old eyes see clear. I put them on both my 73 and Marlin.
http://www.bananariveroutfitters.com/grabber.htm