What Is a Patridge Style Front Sight?

Patridge style front sights are commonly found on handguns.

Patridge sights are a style of gun sight that is used to provide more precise aiming than traditional blade or bead front sights. Patridge sights, often erroneously referred to as "partridge" sights, are commonly used on handguns.

Patridge Sight Design

Patridge front sights consist of a thick blade with a square top. This thick blade appears to be slightly smaller than the corresponding square notch in the rear sight, allowing for more precise aiming than traditionally used handgun sights.

Patridge Sight Uses

Patridge sights are standard on many handguns. The ease of lining up the large rear notch with the sight's front blade allows users to aim accurately and quickly. The thickness of the Patridge's front blade prevents it from being damaged by a holster.

Modern Improvements

Though the basic design of Patridge sights has remained unchanged for more than 100 years, there are some variations offered by modern sight manufacturers. Patridge sights are available with brightly colored or fiber optic inserts for low light use. Ramp design Patridge front sights are also offered to make the sight slide more easily into and out of a holster.

References

• Dark Canyon: Long Range Handgunning
• Chuck Hawks: Choosing the Right Sight
• MidwayUSA: Gun Tech Dictionary, Definition for "Patridge sight"
• Gun Blast: Classic Gun Test: Colt New Service Target in .45 Colt