The "value" of sight changes with the existing ladder:
The sight radius with the ladder up is 31-5/8", so the value of sight change that equates to one MOA is .0092". (sight radius x TAN (1/60))
200 to 300: 2.6 MOA
300 to 400: 4.1 MOA
400 to 500: 3.9 MOA
500 to 600: 4.6 MOA
600 to 700: 5.8 MOA
700 to 800: 6.3 MOA
800 to 900: 7.6 MOA
900 to 1000: 8.4 MOA
1000 to 1100: 9.3 MOA
1100 to 1200: 11.1 MOA
1200 to 1300: 11.7 MOA
1300 to 1400: 12.7 MOA
1400 to 1500: 14.1 MOA
1500 to 1600: 15.3 MOA
The changes in the mid-and longer ranges will probably be of interest only to those who shoot mild cast bullet loads. We usually have to work in the 700 to 1000 yard settings on as-issued military sights when we are shooting at 100 or 200 yards.
My front sight adjuster is British, and the screws are 22 TPI. One full turn moves the sight 1/22 inch, or .0455". Using the .0092" per MOA, one full turn of the screw is worth 4.94 MOA, so figure 5 MOA per full turn, 2-1/2 MOA per half turn; 1-1/4 MOA per quarter turn. It can be used with one hand, so you can stay in position and in the sling to get centered up during the sighting period. After that, just take favors if need be.
If you're going to shoot it in NRA matches, a Parker-Hale No. 5B backsight is highly recommended. It clamps the side of the receiver using the ejector/bolt stop box spring and is stabilized by the existing axis screw: no modifications to the rifle.
The hardest thing about shooting the M1917 is keeping a stock weld. If need be, tape multiple thincknesses of cardboard to the comb to build it up. Butt-ugly, but it works. I saw this done on several rifles at the 1992 Palma match!
Resp'y,
Bob S>
Resp'y,
Bob S.
USN Distinguished Marksman No. O-067