rickystl

Thank You Brian and Piers. It appears I have been mostly mistaken for thinking that there were additional, small sight pieces that attached to the front and/or rear fixed sights on the barrels. At least not in common use. So, I stand corrected. What made me think there were additional sight pieces was the sight "picture" you get while aiming the gun. Nothing like the picture you get with "Western" muskets, even during the original European matchlock period. On my gun, the front sight looks like #2 and the rear sight looks like #1 in the above sketch. So, I guess the idea was to line up the two very thin vertical groves of both sights for aiming. In any case, thanks for the enlightenment. Very much appreciate it. I'll take some photos of the sights on my gun and post here. Rick

Hi again Piers Do you have any additional photos as above showing the actual sight pieces mounted on what I'm calling the base ? Rick

Piers: Thanks again for your information. I believe you've solved my (and others) mystery. I would have never guessed what the tiny holes were used for. I would imagine any small, extra sight pieces would be easily lost and therefor considered rare today (?) The box type sights on my gun both have a single, narrow groove going lengthwise with the barrel. The rear sight only has a single, horizontal (if you're aiming the gun) hole. I can't really understand how you get a decent "sight picture" using these sights as-is. But I can imagine if adding additional sight pieces to these would make sense. Rick

Hi Piers WOW !!! Thanks so much for your replies. That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much. On my gun, the front sight is like #2, and my rear sight is like #1 - per the above sketch. Unlike European style (later) one-piece, adjustable ladder type rear sights, these Tans barrels appear to be built with what I might call a sight BASE. With grooves, holes, etc. to attach separate, small sight pieces (except the ones that have a fixed front sight). Am I correct about this ? Thanks again, Rick

Hi Piers Thanks for your response. I'll take what ever I can get. LOL I'm trying to find pics of the little sight pieces themselves. But also one or two mounted on a barrel. Many years ago I saw a photo of a variety of small sight pieces next to a carrying pouch. For the most part, instead of one adjustable rear sight, these barrels used a variety of separate small sights pinned (or otherwise attached) to the base of the rear sight. The different sizes would depend on the anticipated range to hit the target. My Tans has this common style of sight for BOTH the rear and front sights. But I know many had this as only the rear sight with a fixed front sight. Any help appreciated. Rick

Thanks Dale That is very useful to know. Thanks, Piers. First time I've heard that. Interesting. My Tan is in shooting condition. I removed the breech plug for inspection. It was little more than finger tight. European style barrels typically have a shorter plug with fine threads. It seems the Japanese barrel plugs with course threads made up the difference by simply making the plug longer. When I reinstalled the plug on mine, I coated the threads with high temperature automotive thread sealant. The sealant never really hardens completely. Same as they use on spark plugs. That way, if the breech plug ever needs to be removed again, it's easy. The sealant also keeps both the male and female threads from forming a rust bond over time. Rick

Hello ALL. I'm new to his Forum. I have a Tanegashima, plain munitions grade, that is in shooting condition. Looking forward to reading earlier posts in this Forum. Meantime, a question: Does anyone have a photo(s) of original, small rear sight pieces for the barrels ? Thanks for any help. Rick