Should I file sight base to match flats on barrel?

[Sidney Smith]

I recently filed the dovetails and installed my sights. The bases on the sights are wider than the flats on my 13/16ths barrel. Is it ok to leave these bases wide or should they be filed to match the flats?

 

[Grenadier1758]

If you have to adjust your sights for windage, it is advantageous for the base to be wider than the flats of the barrel. Once you have the perfect group, you could file the sight base, but even then its not necessary. My sight bases protrude outside the flats of my barrel.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

I recently filed the dovetails and installed my sights. The bases on the sights are wider than the flats on my 13/16ths barrel. Is it ok to leave these bases wide or should they be filed to match the flats?

I have seen sights both flush and extended. My personal opinion is that if it is neat, not too wide, or a fuzz past, looking like a failed flush, either way is OK. If you are asking about period correctness, I am not able to answer that one.
Flintlocklar