Open Sights for Air Arms Pro Sport

[slingshot]

I have been evaluating the Air Arms Pro Sport in .177 for some time now.

At present, I have the Diana 54, Diana 350 and the HW 30S and a delightful 1947 BSA Cadet Major, lovingly restored by Col. Kulkarni at Gunmark Armoury Pune.

I love the Pro Sport. However, the only challenge that I am facing is that it does not come with open sights. I prefer open sights and this is a serious issue for me. It is the only reason I am not able to make up my mind on the Pro Sport.

Is it possible to attach open sights to the Air Arms Pro Sport? I guess attaching a peep sight may not be an issue, but is there a solution for the front sight? In case there is a solution, could the forum guide me to the solution providers?

In case anyone on the forum has any information on this, I shall be very grateful.

[Mack The Knife]

It is possible and I have done this on a HW97 Mk.1. Pictures exist somewhere on IFG.

For the rear sight you could use the rear sight from a HW77 or a diopter sight with the appropriate dovetail bases. For the front sight make a sleeve with the dovetails milled in to slip on a dovetailed front sight (eg. that from a HW80) or fabricate a monoblock front sight with sleeve. I did the latter. To check the required height of the front sight, refer the formula on Brownells. Or have a threaded front sight post as found on the IOF .22lr rifle.

[slingshot]

It is possible and I have done this on a HW97 Mk.1. Pictures exist somewhere on IFG.

For the rear sight you could use the rear sight from a HW77 or a diopter sight with the appropriate dovetail bases. For the front sight make a sleeve with the dovetails milled in to slip on a dovetailed front sight (eg. that from a HW80) or fabricate a monoblock front sight with sleeve. I did the latter. To check the required height of the front sight, refer the formula on Brownells. Or have a threaded front sight post as found on the IOF .22lr rifle.

Thank you very much Mack. Maybe I'll call you and seek your advice later this evening or whenever you have some time.

[Mack The Knife]

Most welcome but not after 21:00.

[slingshot]

Thanks once again Mack! Wont call after 2100 hrs

[TC]

Slingshot the Pro Sport is definitely the most handsome springer in the world ... I have plans to get one for myself and had the same issues... Thanks for the post..


TC

[mundaire]

Mack/ Slingshot - doesn't the Prosport have a shrouded barrel just like the TX200? In which case, one could remove the standard plastic insert (what they call the plenum insert) that is used to cap the shroud and replace it with one machined out of metal (aluminium?) with the added feature of a dovetail for attaching the foresight... just a thought. Of course one could also simply drill and tap the barrel shroud.

Cheers!
Abhijeet

[Mack The Knife]

I like your ideas. It wont detract from the rifles original look.

Have a thumb on me.

[slingshot]

Abhijeet, Mack, TC...thank you for the encouragement and ideas. My biggest worry is that in case this is not done well, it will mess up the AR. I think the idea from Abhijeet to remove the plastic insert that is used to cap the shroud and replace it with one machined out of metal is a great idea. However, I worry about the quality of workmanship and the unseemly sight of a bad execution. Any suggestions about whom I could entrust this to? I can discuss this with Mr. Kulkarni at Gunmark, but any other experts who can do this would be welcome.

I dont stay in Bangalore, otherwise I would have asked Mack for help to do this

I was also wondering if the front sights of a Diana 54 would fit. The Diana 54 has a thicker barrel and the front sight is a polymer sight that can be slipped on the barrel and then screwed with grub screws. I believe the Pro Sport barrel is about 19.8 mm diameter. Got this after much trawling on the AR forums. Maybe the Diana 54 front sight could be slipped on the barrel. Will check this today and update everyone.

[mundaire]

Slingshot, see the attached photos for an idea of what a metal insert should look like. Of course this one is not for your purposes as it simply converts the internal (female) threading of the shroud to an external (male) threading - to enable a user a wider selection of after market barrel attachments.

metal_insert_tx200_1.jpg

metal_insert_tx200.jpg

In stead of the forward 1/2" UNF male threading & knurled nut, you'd be looking at a forward portion with an integral dovetail for attaching the foresight OR have the forward portion drilled and tapped for the same purpose.

Cheers!
Abhijeet

P.S. - Just guessing, since the barrel is enclosed in a shroud, doubt if the outer dia will be anywhere close to that of the Diana. The Diana foresight MAY still fit but ONLY after it has been worked on to accommodate the larger dia.

[slingshot]

Slingshot, see the attached photos for an idea of what a metal insert should look like. Of course this one is not for your purposes as it simply converts the internal (female) threading of the shroud to an external (male) threading - to enable a user a wider selection of after market barrel attachments.

metal_insert_tx200_1.jpg

metal_insert_tx200.jpg

In stead of the forward 1/2" UNF male threading & knurled nut, you'd be looking at a forward portion with an integral dovetail for attaching the foresight OR have the forward portion drilled and tapped for the same purpose.

Cheers!
Abhijeet

P.S. - Just guessing, since the barrel is enclosed in a shroud, doubt if the outer dia will be anywhere close to that of the Diana. The Diana foresight MAY still fit but ONLY after it has been worked on to accommodate the larger dia.

Abhijeet, thank you so much for the explanation. Now this is exciting stuff. Will research this immediately. Much appreciated

[mundaire]

You are most welcome

Though I'd be amiss if I didn't mention that if I were you I'd simply get a Nikko Stirling Airking 4x32 AO (good bang for buck scope), match it with a nice one piece mount and get shooting!

Cheers!
Abhijeet