Swap between Buffington and ramp backsights?

[Dick Hosmer]

Actually, pulling the rod away from the barrel before pulling it forward is REQUIRED as it cannot be pulled straight out. Another cause for the rod being "tight" is buildup of 100+ years of crud in the rod hole. Since you have a later rifle, you will find that there is a clean-out hole under the trigger guard. Get the hole squeaky clean and the rod can be manipulated much easier. As to "in" or "out", rifles, loads, holds, etc. vary. Try what works best for you. As to the rules regarding sights, I'm very sorry to hear that anyone would be so picky, IF the arm is of the period and unaltered. If one arm had a better sight, kudos to the designer and to heck with the others.

If you remove your trigger guard, be VERY careful so as not to start a chip. Some guards will fall out when the screws are removed, but on higher-grade specimens they can be VERY tight. Unscrew them a partial turn and see iif the guard will wiggle. Usually it is safer to lift the metal at the rear end - most chips occur at the front.