Milsurp After Hours

I recently placed a PH5C on my '43 Maltby and continue to use the issue foresight. I am happy with this; worked well at 200yds, first time out. I am about to mount a DOW5C on my '49 LB, once I receive the mounting screws from the supplier. I am looking for advice about the use of the six apertures in the eyepiece (I'd also appreciate having the correct terminology for use with the "eyepiece" and "apertures" - "irises"?). I shoot reasonably well with the Mk 1 backsight slide aperture. I've been experimenting with the various "apertures" on the PH5C in varying light conditions - I've been told that the smaller apertures should be used in bright, sunny conditions and the larger apertures in cloudy/overcast conditions. My thought is that I should select the aperture which gives me the largest "sight picture" - similar to the Mk 1 slide aperture and just shoot with that. I have an open mind about this and will appreciate the experience of others who are familiar with the sight(s). TIA. ed

Hi Ed,

welcome to the new site.

The rear apertures really are about what suits you best and you shoot best with.

Me I always go for the smallest aperture I can get away with so as to get the maximum depth of field and foresight/target definition, comensurate with sight picture and lighting condidtions.

Its also about which aperture your eye is happiest with in realtion ease of centreing foresight and target.

I usually find the smallest aperturte too small for me and go for the second or third smallest.

The important thing is not to get too hung about it, just use the one thats best for you and thats the right one.

Thats why there are more than one so that people have more chance of getting the right aperture for them.

..... and I always use the largest aperture, because I like to have the target as bright as possible. At the other extreme, some people use the PH aperture that has a holder that allows insertion of coloured filters, etc.

Its down to personal preference and how your particular eye sees things.

Because your eye will automatically find the centre of the aperture, diameter of aperture has no effect on the way you line up the sights/rifle with the target - which is why some individuals actually shoot better using the No4 battle sight over the ladder sight.

Thanks for the replies. I shot the 200 yd target a few weeks ago and found the 3d smallest aperture seemed to work well. Last Sat'd I shot the 100yd target and seemed to have difficulty with the same aperture, as compared with the Mk 1 slide aperture. Is it likely that as the target appears smaller/more distant, a smaller aperture is more appropriate? "Perspective" sort of thing? I haven't shot 200 yd targets with the Mk 1 slide aperture. I realize that it may boil down to a 'my eyes/your eyes' sort of thing. My intention is to begin, in earnest, regularly shooting a 200 yds and greater ranges. TIA. ed

Keep us posted on your progress Ed.

I recently received a DOW5C from Brian Robinson in South Africa. Licenced copy of the PH5C. I ordered and received the mounting screws from Scott Stonehill. Installed the DOW5C on my '49 LB this evening. Scott's back screw is a hex-head with screw-driver slot and is of quite short length, just sufficient to grip the sight base on the left rather than the full width as with the axis-pin length screw of my PH5C and eliminates the cramping of the bolt possible with the long screw. I am eager to get out to the 200+ yd range this weekend to zero this set up. I like the smaller adjustment knobs on the DOW; just looks 'neater'. ed

Any chance of a photo of that DOW5C Ed, or is there a web site with them on.

Is Brian Robinson a dealer in SA, if so do you have a contact for him or a web address.

Thanks

Adam.