Thread: Beech/Beach sights, the forgotten front sights

Hi all, thought this would be of interest to those still using irons.

Done some digging around and found this type of dual setting front sight, allowing the use of either a standard post for hunting or a more refined but simple globe and bead for finer/target shooting.

Used to be a popular add on for Winchester Lever action rifles. Sadly the interest around such a handy invention seems to have fizzled out. I discovered that David Pedersoli of Italy still makes these.

Coveniently, a UK shop had one left at a decent price. The 3/8" dovetail also meant it would fit the front sight on my early Rem M7 243... so, after a bit of hammering!








Bit of sight blacking courtesey of some lit masking tape

These were also made by the Lyman Gunsight Corp as the '#5' for a considerable period of time, once the orginal patent expired.

They seem to be quite a field expedient way of having a 'dual zero' with irons. The only other system I've come across with such an option is the old Sako (pre-Beretta) dovetail peep sight, that allows 100 and 200 meter/yard zeros due to the off-centre drilled hole.



Yet another forgotten invention that may prove useful in the future... currently have two rifles setup to have detachable scopes and backup irons with a 'ghost ring' or aperture/peep rear sight. The other one is a L461... Sako had the 'Scout Rifle' idea sorted long before Jeff Cooper!

Some more information, period original along with patent information: https://www.hallowellco.com/beech_co...ront_sight.htm

Clearer picture of the new Pedersoli