Originally Posted by
megasupermagnum
I'll just quickly list the issues with the Williams FP sights.
1. It's not easily adjustable. You need to loosen a lock screw, which can get stuck if you overtighten, then use a screwdriver to adjust the sight.
2. The scale is worthless. When I asked Williams about this, I was told "it's just for reference". Ok, well with the sight screwed all the way up, you are only about half way up the scale they printed. You can then move it higher with your fingers, you can even go about 1/4" past the end of the scale.
3. Along with #2, it is very difficult to adjust beyond the half way point, as the adjusting screw no longer works. This is definitely NOT a target sight.
4. This is more a Williams problem, but the FP-Hawken rear sight, coupled with their own recommended low base and lowest globe sight do NOT work. To sight in at 50 yards requires the rear sight to be about maxed all the way up. It is odd a company would make a front and rear sight for a specific gun that do not work together.
Now what makes the Lyman 57 sight better.
1. The scale works, and is adjustable. You can sight in, and then zero the scale. Great feature!
2. It is easy to adjust. No nonsense, you just turn the knob, and it is approximately 1/4 MOA adjustment per click. You do not absolutely need a screwdriver, although it makes it easier.
3. There is no lock down, the sight is built robust enough that it works without it. This allows it to be a true target sight that may be adjusted on the fly.
A fourth advantage to some is the ability to remove the top half of the sight with just a long set screw (to return to the same position), and the push of a button. Apparently these sights are very reliable for returning to their zero. I personally have not tried this out, as I don't have a need to remove the sight.
I am also aware both can be had with target knobs. You still need a screw driver to use the Williams FP with it's lockdown though, so what is the point in that?
The Williams FP is a usable sight. I did shoot with it a lot, and it did function. The Lyman 57 is better, and I can't think of a single advantage the Williams had. It's just plain inferior.
As for the Williams twilight apertures, I have one installed in my Lyman 57 right now for hunting in two weeks. I tried a bunch in low light. No surprise the larger the aperture hole, the better. I also ditched the globe sight for a blade. What I liked about the Williams twilight aperture was not that it had any special properties. The brass ring simply gives your eye something to center when the dark turns the aperture blurry. You could do as Pietro does too, it's the same principle.