The original consisted of a simple open sight on a bar graduated in ranges or degrees and inserted into a socket in the breech with a suitable clamp. In some guns the socket was provided in the centre of the breech, in others on both sides.1860s model. Earlier sights had no deflection scale. The name derives from the fact that the height to which the backsight must be raised to give the gun the required angle of elevation is obtained by multiplying the tangent of this angle by the distance between the backsight and foresight, or as generally expressed, the radius distance. Theory. The tangent sight in the form shown survived as the principle method of laying field guns in the British Army (in both smooth-bore and rifled guns) until the South African War (1899 - 1902). It was invented in England c1779 but was fitted to few guns before 1800.

WL Ruffell Issue 90 June 1996

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