Hi, Flynn.

You ask a good question about your Krag's front sight. It is hard to pick up quickly and focus on when you are shooting. With the rifle 30 inch barrel, there's a long sighting distance to be able to have both in focus while looking at your target.

I'll add a couple points and others may chime in with comments also.

First, you need good light on your front sight to be able to see it well. It is dark and yes you can paint a little bright paint on to pick it up easier, if you wish. I make sure my front sight blade is sharp to give me a good edge to focus with.

Many Krag rifles and carbines have been adapted and altered to have a peep rear sight back near the bolt or a scope mount from drilling and tapping the left receiver to place a mount on. These sporterized Krags that have been permanently altered lose much, if not all, of their military collectible value. But, they can be good hunting or shooting rifles with the scope or peep sight. There are some "no drill" peep sights that can be used. This peep sight still uses the front sight blade to focus with.

Keep in mind, also, with open metal sights like on the Krag that you are trying to bring into focus three different distances at once- your rear sight notch or peep hole, your front sight blade and your target. This is really impossible, so, you have to have something slightly out of focus.

This is the skill of sighting- to use these three points to repeatedly be able to have a good sight picture before pulling (pressing) the trigger. Many people spend years trying to accomplish this. Most people have vision problems that make sighting like this difficult. Astigmatism can make sighting challenging as can regular age changes in vision.

We have also discussed the benefits of one Krag rear sight compared to others.

So, there are a few thoughts on your good question. Lighting, focus and steadiness make for good shooting practice with open sights.

Good luck and keep us informed!