Best Iron Sight for Lever Action Rifle

grayrc

grayrc

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I've recently purchased my first lever-action, a pre-64 Winchester Model 1894 in 30-30 (non-AE). Intended use is a short-range brush gun for white-tail.

I've seen a number of references to the stock buckhorn rear sight being inadequate, and am looking for advice on the best iron sight solution to replace it.

If simply replacing the rear sight with a new folding leaf sight would suffice for a bush gun then feel free to talk me out of doing anything else (I'll likely drop a folding leaf in anyhow just to fill the dovetail groove if I remove the buckhorn).

Otherwise, I'm looking at Receiver sights (Lyman and Williams Aperture/Peep sights have been mentioned frequently) or Tang sights (also Lyman/Williams/?). I've seen comments that some solutions require changes to the front sight (and presumably a gunsmith's involvement). I have no intention to scope this rifle (so iron sights don't need to interoperate with a scope)

- Is there any advantage of the receiver peep sight vs. the tang sight? (performance, cost, ease of installation, ruggedness)?

- Is there any product/brand name that's signficantly better quality or better value?

- What will be the easiest thing to get my hands on (I'm in Ottawa, so LeBarons and Gunco are local and would be my first choice, followed by anything Canadian by mailorder, then ... the border...)

- What can I install myself (is a 1957 Winchester tapped for a receiver mount peep sight like the Lyman 66a?) and what will require a gunsmith (e.g. tapping or to make changes to the front sight).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

/gc
 
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I may be wrong (probably) but the change to the front sight is generally needing a taller one. I think the front sight blade is dovetailed into the base, so you would just have to tap it out with a dowel and tap in the new one, screw the reciever sight in (provided it doesn't need D&T) and go sight in.

I think....
 
Who says the Iron sights are inadequate? :rolleyes:

If you had to change something I'd go for a rear peep sight, and a front Glow sight. Both will NOT require Gunsmithing, and can be set up in a few minuets.

I was going to do this with my pre 64 Winchester, but I'm short on Cash these days. :(
 
I have quite a few pre 64 1894's and find the buckhorn sights to work pretty good for me. I especially like the big old high eared buckhorns; but the pre war and post war carbines with their semi buckhorns are fine as well. I adjust the sights so the front post stands full height with the round top flush with the lower V of the buckhorn. Then I adjust further by setting the target on the top of the front post. This way the front sight doesn't blank out the target. At 100 to 125 yds. the target begins to look a tad small. 100 yds should really be maximum for hunting game. You might push it to 125 yds under ideal conditions. Also, if you can manage to look down the barrel with both eyes open you'll respond quicker to a target, especially moving ones.

----- Yes I do like old Winchesters, but not Liberals and the UN ------
 
manboy said:
http://www.xssights.com/store/rifle.html

you neeeeed these. XS Ghost Ring Hunting Sights .
Click to expand...


Ah ha... this is why I love this forum. I'd seen references to the peep/aperture sights, but hadn't heard about these ghost ring sights - they look a bit more like what I had in mind. Looks like the receiver needs to be tapped for a top-eject Winchester 94 (whereas the receiver on my 1957 M94 has two screws that appear to be where I could install the Williams or Lyman peep myself).

Rod said:
I have quite a few pre 64 1894's and find the buckhorn sights to work pretty good for me. I especially like the big old high eared buckhorns; but the pre war and post war carbines with their semi buckhorns are fine as well. I adjust the sights so the front post stands full height with the round top flush with the lower V of the buckhorn. Then I adjust further by setting the target on the top of the front post. This way the front sight doesn't blank out the target.
Click to expand...

I have to confess I'm jumping the gun a bit as I haven't fired her with the original buckhorn (semi-buckhorn?) sights yet - I haven't made it out to the range since I bought this last month. I'm only anticipating they're inadequate based on so many references to replacing them... but I guess at $100 + gunsmithing for new sights I'll apply your recommendations and will give them a try first.

Appreciate all the comments folks.

/gc
 
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For a huntin iron it's hard to beat a cheap Williams reciever peep that'll screw right in them holes for one! If a taller front site is required any gunshop should install for free the one you choose & buy there. :)
 
the lyman is a great sight, it has 2 aperture discs ,small for targets, large for hunting.the sight can be removed if needed by a pushbutton release, when it goes back on it maintains it's zero. you don't need to change the front sight although i find the older style post works better. wholesale sells them for about $80 ,canadian camo sells the williams for about$60
 
Put on a Redfield or williams Peep and unscrew the aperature and VOILA!! you've got a "Ghost ring" sight.Worked for me! A drop of white paint or bright red Nailpoish on the front sight also helps.Your eye will naturally center on the front sight every time!!JITC
 
Big fan of my williams sights:

Marlin450001.jpg


Marlin450002.jpg
 
I am having a few problems with 'puter so I will post my responce on this page. I agree with senior, if you have on left hand side two pre-threaded holes about a half inch apart these are what I mounted a Williams Foolproof receiver rear sight. If you can match the present front sight for height you will have no problem replacing with a Fire-site up front. The plus is, this front sight is at least a third narrower than the original brass bead.
Much better sight picture....hence far more precise shooting....
My two cents.
 
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