Need help with an 1873 Springfield

[Wolfgang1952]

I have an old infantry model 1873 Springfield. I am having trouble getting this thing to hit the target. At 100 feet it is shooting 12 inches above center, and at 100 yards I don’t know where. The front sight is so short. It is only 3/16 of an inch tall. I was looking at my Marlin 45/70 and the front sight is 7/16 inch tall. I was wondering if the front sight on my 1873 go broke sometime way back?

 

[hunter5567]

Yep, you might have to get a replacement front sight put on it if the rear sight is lowered all the way down.

 

[Akajun]

What load? if I load 300grs in my h&r trapdoor it shoots way high like you say, but If I go 400 and above it shoots fine.

 

[Wolfgang1952]

The rear sight is all the way down. The rear sight is also so low. The front sight blade is held in with a pin. I guess I could make a taller piece to go in.

 

[Iceman4570]

The standard sight (battle) is set for 200 yards with a 405 grain bullet. You need to adjust the front sight for the load you shooting. The front sight has a small pin holding it in place.