Spring loaded rear sight as standard?

[MistyMuzzy]

Why is it that the chunky spring loaded rear sight, screwed into the barrel, is the default on modern production traditional muzzleloaders and muzzleloader barrels? This sight design is not traditional, and seems more expensive and less robust than a rear sight with an elevator, like the Marbles #63/#67. I really haven't seen the spring loaded sight design except for on airguns, and I'm curious of the history on how it became ubiquitous on muzzleloaders.

"Default" sight:

Marbles #63:

 

[Phil Coffins]

Both are modern and the buying public wants an adjustable sight like what they are familiar with.

 

[Scota@4570]

I'd speculate that, high sights allow for a straighter stock. Making stocks with less drop use less wood. If you put low historically correct sights on such a gun then the comb will be to high. IF you want a historically correct rifle you don't buy TC, Traditions and such. People tend to want adjustable sights at that level of dedication to the hobby. The sights like the Marbles pictured are not historically correct either.

Traditional period correct hunting sights were very low to the barrel and simple. The front sights was often just a nub. There was no elevator on the rear, just file and drift.

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/880/1/RS-AM-14https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/874/6/FS-PA-253-B
I have no use for HC sights on rifles. I replace them all with taller rears and front sights. First, HC sights are terrible for target shooting. Second, after a few shots mirage becomes a big problem for accurate shooting.

Yes, of course there were exceptions with very fancy sights.

 

[MistyMuzzy]

Both are modern and the buying public wants an adjustable sight like what they are familiar with.

I guess part of my question is that the spring loaded sight is an unusual design for a hunting rifle. How did they so universally settle on that, if they were going to select a modern design anyway?

 

[kyron4]

Lowest bidder ?

 

[Phil Coffins]

I guess part of my question is that the spring loaded sight is an unusual design for a hunting rifle. How did they so universally settle on that, if they were going to select a modern design anyway?

The spring loaded rear sight is common in modern pistols, and muzzle loaders are a short range firearm compared to a high power rifle.