Thanks for the replies, fellers.
Tom, I had some concerns about that very thing with the front site but decided to try it.
I hadread posts discussing some disagreement on another website on whether the 17 would be a good hunting sight. The pros and cons were about 50/50.
My thinking is- here in Northwest Florida, the shots I take are rarely over 75-100 yds. Pretty thick brush in this part of the state. Few long shots.
I'll stay at the range til dusk this Sunday and continue to shoot until I feel the advantages given by this setup are gone.
Ourhunting regs here are 1hour before light and 1 hour past ( in the WMAs).
I have no problem changing the front sight to a post if I feel it's not accomplishing what I want.
Either way, I'm going to have a blast!