Aftermarket iron sights

M

mmatt

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Hi all.

I have always been a "scope" guy. The only thing I shoot without a scope is a shotgun. However, I'd like to become a better shot without a scope because who knows when you're gonna fall down and bust a lens out or something. That and I think my gun looks better without a scope on it. :p

I only have one .22 (for the time being anyway), a Marlin 795. The sights are decent I suppose however I find them to be a bit "simple". I know, I know, "simple doesn't break" but I'd like to know what my options are just the same.

Something that can be adjusted for elevation and windage more precisely then a small hammer and a tap. Ideally, it would mount right on to the scope rail so as to avoid gunsmith expenses. Does a device such as this even exist?

Thanks a bunch.

Matthew
 
Williams makes a small adjustable aperture sight that mounts on a .22 dovetail.
There is also a larger target type that championshooters.com sells. Also mounts on .22 dovetail
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If I read you right, Mmatt, you are talking about sights for hunting or plinking aplication. Aperture sights will not work very well for this purpose, they obstract field of view way too much IMHO. Use factory fitted irons, the ones mounted on a barrel.

If you install rail-mounted aftermarket rear aperture - you will have to re-sight your rifle every time after you cleaned it.

Use irons parallel to optics, not as a back up. I like setting up scope with see-through mounts and use irons on supershort distances and scope for things far away.
 
Peep sights would definately be the way to go if your looking for something precise with accurate windage and elevation adjustments. Maybe not the best choice in the world for hunting but they will work. I have peep sights on about 5 of my rimfires and really like them (Williams peep sights on one, Redfield olympic sites on another, anschtuz sights on another and feinwerkbau sights on two others).

With proper sight picture and sight allingment you can shoot as well with peep sights than you could with a scope - but lighting and target size is also fairly important (which is why you can buy adjustable iri's and foresight units which control size of peep hole/aperature and also have other features like polarizers and filters).

I would take a look in the EE forums and try to get a used Anschutz sight set - you can find the older ones - front and rear for about $150-$175. They work really well - and for a bit cheaper you can get the williams as Hitzy mentioned but in my opinion the anschutz sights are worth the extra.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, I'm relatively new to shooting so I had no idea about those peep sights. While I'm sure they would be great for target shooting, I'm looking for more of a hunting application.

A buddy of mine has a .303 bolt action something-or-other and it has a really nice rear sight. It allows you to quickly (and precisely) set your elevation without the need for tools and the windage requires a little slot screwdriver. (I guess windage really doesn't need to be adjusted while hunting) It's been a while since I've seen this up close so I can't remember how it was mounted. Probably permanently. This may be a bit 'over-kill' for a .22, but even something similar would be nice.

My current set up is about as simple as you get: the rear sight is just a thin piece of metal bent 90 degrees up at the back with a notch cut in it, with a 'stepped ramp' for elevation that is held in by the spring force of the sight itself. Windage is set by tapping the sight right or left with a small hammer and tap.

I just want something that can be adjusted a bit more precisely. I guess I'm gonna have to see a gunsmith about it. Are there any good aftermarket sights that you all would recommend?

As for shooting with a raised scope, I just can't do it. Well, not that I can't, I won't. I just hate the look of a raised scope on a rifle. Scopes, IMHO, should be mounted as low as possible to keep the Maximum Point Blank Range as long as possible. But that's just me. :cool:

Matthew
 
Peeps work great for hunting.

Learn to shoot with both eyes open, and you will have no issues with obstructed field of view.

I must have burned my body weight in 22 shells, through a Marlin 39 with a side mounted peep, while I was a kid.
Wish I had it still!

There are peep sights, and there are peep sights, if you know what I mean. You don't need to get one of the target aperature style, to get a peep sight. There are, as was mentioned, peep sights that will clamp onto a sight rail, as well as the side mount Lyman type. It pretty much boils down to what you want, and what you are willing to spend.
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Those are a couple variations onna theme, anyways.

If peep sights caused issues, H and K has been doin' it wrong for lot of years! :)

Cheers
Trev
 
mmatt, you are absolutely right about raised scope, not too many people mention it but it makes calculations a bit more complicated, especially with 22lr. There is a lot of trajectory and you will have to move PoA above your target at closer distances. But thats why you need irons. 303 rear aperture you are talking about - it is Lee Enfield's. It is great design, I love it. In fact I turned my attention back to irons because of Enfields. It is not rail-mounted on Enfields, rear sight mounting bracket is part of receiver so you can't borrow those for any other rifle.
 
OK, so I've found a peep sight that I like and that is available in Canada... my only issue now is that it is higher than my original rear sight so I'm going to need a higher front sight. I think I'd like it to be a hi-vis. I've found lots of options in the US, but again I'm having "fun" trying to find some in Canada. Any of the CGN sponsors carry them?

Thanks.

Matthew
 
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