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Why Front Sight Hoods?
Why do sporting rifles have front sight hoods? I’m interested in learning what your take on them is.

1) Sight protection, especially while riding in, or being placed in or removed from a saddle scabbard.
2) Consistent light condition on sight.
3) Some permit the use of different sight styles and shapes.
4) Aesthetics, adds visual weight to the front of the firearm.

FWIW Somewhere in Elmer Keith's book[I believe]... "HELL I WAS THERE" he mentioned bead protection and to prevent glare, and we all know how he felt about people disagreeing with him!!! I think they just look good! WARMEST TO ALL Jerry

IMO they are for protection alone, and the US styles are intended to be removed before using the iron sights. I also draw your attention to various UK-made bolt rifles with folding hoods, IMO they are intended to be folded before using the sights. I can think of no instances of sporting rifles with non-removable or non-folding hoods, and this leads me to believe that the makers intended them to be easily removed or folded. This follows my own thinking, I want as much light on the front sight as possible and that means no hood. Plus, the need for a special safe temporary storage place for the hood is an excellent justification for having a trap door buttplate(G)!
Regards, Joe

I like the hoods to avoid sun glare. That does affect my point of aim substantially. Some sights, like Lyman 17s do not remove and are intended to be used that way. The one above may be similar, though it is hard to tell. I would not want to be shooting more than 100 yds with irons if the front sight is uncovered, hence, I put one on my "bean field" percussion muzzleloader and on all of by bpcr hunting rifles.

Brent

I usually pitch them.
Want one? I've got three or four on top of the safe.

Sure. I'd love one.

If you can mail it
Brent Danielson
13160 560th Ave
Story City, IA 50248

I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!
Brent

Have to go with JD on this one, I like (need) a lot of light on my front sight. On my lever (non collectible) guns I usually take a fine file and file the front bead at a 45˚ angle and leave the file marks. This greatly increases the reflective surface area of the bead and makes it almost glow. Read about it somewhere in an old book.

Like Rob, I always file a 45-degree flat on the front bead or blade for increased (and truer) light reflection.

BTW Brent, this flat will help greatly in preventing any side light from causing sighting errors. On a rounded bead the side light will cause the shooter to favor the lighted side of the front sight and thus shoot to the side, away from the light.

I greatly prefer a Sourdough blade for strength but will happily use a Sheard bead if a Sourdough isn't available. In my experience the brazed Sheard is notably stronger than the usual round inserted bead and will take more harsh treatment. In fact I've found that the white inserted beads that are so visible are also the ones most likely to be broken off, and the brass inserted beads are almost as fragile. I greatly prefer Sourdough blades or Sheard beads and prefer them to be as large as practicable, around 3/32" or even larger for a DGR.
Regards, Joe

To trap snow, dirt, pine needles, mequite leaves, mouse dropping, etc. and obscure the front sight.