I have no experience with peep sights prior to using the ones on the CX4 storm. I am finding that even on the short range setting, the tiny peep diameter combined with the front sight obscures so much of the target area that I can barely see what I'm shooting at and fast target acquisition is impossible. Am I doing something wrong? Or is that just the nature of peep sights? Or are the ones on the CX4 particularly bad? Any tips on correct use of peep sights are greatly appreciated.
Difficulties with CX4 peep sights - is it me or the sights?
- Thread starter BadRonald
- Start date
andrew3081
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Vancouver, BC
It's the sights on the rifle.
I don't like the iron sight on the rifle
I don't like the iron sight on the rifle
Tiny peep, and large front sight are not copacetic. Small aperture, thin front sight = easier to be accurate.
Large aperture opening + big front sight = easier to acquire, better short range.
So, can the peep's aperture be opened up? And/or the front sight thinned?
I've noticed the same problem on mine. I find them ok for shooting groups from the bench, but when trying to get a sight picture in a hurry, it is difficult to pick up the target with the small aperture.
The rear sight is plastic, so enlarging the aperture with a small drill bit would be quite easy. Enlarging the hole to at least double it's current size would be a good start, Ghost ring size might be better. I'll probably end up doing that with mine.
The thickness of the front sight post can't be changed without turning it down on a lathe, but I found it ok for typical targets at 50m. At 100m the front sight post is easily as wide as the 10" bull I shoot at. Still, I can get 2.5" groups at that distance.
Hope this helps some.
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Peep sights were never designed for fast target acquisition. If you want effective fast target engagement go to a red dot or very low magnification, large objective compact scope.
Unlike a ghost-ring rear sight, which has a thin border which becomes pretty much invisible when you look through it, the CX4 has a thick wide aperture disk with a tiny hole in the center, plus you have the protective "wings" on either side which obscure the target even more.
Now, please tell me that you are not trying to use this sight set-up with one eye only! Shooting with both eyes open pretty much solves the problem, and allows the sights to be used very quickly...much faster target acquisition than any open sights. Opening up the diameter of the aperture, as stated above, will improve speed even more. It will also decrease acccuracy slightly, at least in theory, but at the ranges this gun will be used you will never see the difference. Remember, you are not looking at the rear sight, you are merely looking through it. Don't attempt to make any effort to centre the front sight in the rear aperture...just put your eye to the sight (as close as comfort allows), put the front sight on target, and shoot. Once you get accustomed to aperture sights, you will love them.
Now, please tell me that you are not trying to use this sight set-up with one eye only! Shooting with both eyes open pretty much solves the problem, and allows the sights to be used very quickly...much faster target acquisition than any open sights. Opening up the diameter of the aperture, as stated above, will improve speed even more. It will also decrease acccuracy slightly, at least in theory, but at the ranges this gun will be used you will never see the difference. Remember, you are not looking at the rear sight, you are merely looking through it. Don't attempt to make any effort to centre the front sight in the rear aperture...just put your eye to the sight (as close as comfort allows), put the front sight on target, and shoot. Once you get accustomed to aperture sights, you will love them.
AgentFoxMulder
CGN Regular
- Location
- Lindsay - ON
I definitely have the same thoughts on those sights. the peeps holes are really not large enough. After lining eveything up for a minute or two, than you will shoot fine. But trying to get on target fast is a pain. The best opinion is to flip those front and rear sights down, and attach a cheap red dot or laser. With the sights flipped down you have a pretty clear line of sight. I admit it would be find of nice to somehow have those humps at the top were removable so it could be a flat top.... but that would butcher the nice ###y look of the gun. Which is pretty much what made me buy it over the JR Carbine 
I do love my Non Restricted CX4 Storm though.
I never thought about what 'Jakester' said, and widening the peep whole. Could work, and maybe worth a try.
I do love my Non Restricted CX4 Storm though. I never thought about what 'Jakester' said, and widening the peep whole. Could work, and maybe worth a try.
The rear CX4 peep hole is terrible. It can be improved by opening it up slightly; this is done by threading in the desired drill, then pulling the bit straight out (not twisting) to make it a clean cut.
I forget the desired diameter as it's been a long time, but don't go too large otherwise the top of the peep will go start to look invisible when you look through it as there is much plastic there. Hope that helps.
The #4mk1 enfield battle peep aperture has approx. 3/32 of material surrounding it's approximately .200" diameter hole and gives a nice fast sight picture with enough edge on the circle that it doesn't disappear. Using that as a model, one could then enlarge the Beretta's aperture until you have a mininum of 3/32" of material surrounding the peep hole and be ok. Not sure how big the aperture would be, but it would be fine for 50m. A properly used peep sight is plenty accurate.
Also make sure to use a 6oclock hold so you can see your target. I think a lot of people new to irons treat them like optics and think the front sight should cover the target. Focus should be on the front sight, target should be so sitting just above it....think pumpkin on a fence post. Then lots of practice...
I consider the basic sights on my Cx-4 Storm to be backup sights, did mount a Leupold Deltapoint 7.5 MOA on it and it is a mean shooting maching with that reflex sight, i would recomend any good quality red dot or reflex sight on the Beretta to really squeeze the real potential out of your rifle... JP.
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