Dovetail Angle Measuring Tool

[cbrussell]

I own the XS Sights Dovetail Measuring Tool so I can measure the width of a front sight dovetail. Is there some kind of tool/small guage to accurately measure the angle, either 60 or 65 degrees? How to the gunsmiths on this forum measure an existing dovetail angle?
Thanks for the help.

[ltdmstr]

Easy way is with angle gages or dovetail files.  Absent that, you can do it with dowel pins and math.

 

[cbrussell]

Just now, ltdmstr said:

Easy way is with angle gages or dovetail files.  Absent that, you can do it with dowel pins and math.

 

 

Where would I find t

angle gauges small enough to work?

Thanks

[ltdmstr]

You can try these although you might have to modify them to fit.  Also, this site has a calculator you can use with the dowel pins.

 

Dovetail Calculator

The Dovetail calculator lets you figure out the dimensions for male and female dovetails. Note that the two are independent (some have suggested they be made dependent), so you must enter parameters for both to see both sets of dimensions. To use the calculator, fill in the fields marked “Required” or “Red’d” and press the “Calc” button. To try a different set of parameters you’ll need to press “Clear” and try again.

[cbrussell]

Thanks for the help; much appreciated.