Replacement sight for Marlin 1894C ??

[Gary]

My old eyes could use some help and I'm thinking about replacing the stock iron sight set on my 2006 Marlin lever. I have a discount coupon for Midway USA and they have three models available to fit the carbine. Which of these would you recommend? Please share your experience with these or anything that will help me make a decision.

1. Lyman Receiver Sight 66LA Marlin 336, 1894 Aluminum Blue

2. Williams FP-336 Set Receiver Peep Sight with Front Fire Sight Marlin 336, 1894

3. XS Ghost-Ring Hunting Sight Set Marlin 336, 30AS and 1894 with Integral Ramp Fits Newer .700" Hole Space Front Base Steel Blue

Thanks!

Gary

[J Miller]

Gary,

Of the three choices you listed I would prefer the Lyman 66LA. However I believe you'll have to have your rifle drilled and tapped for that sight. It mounts to the side of the receiver, and I don't think a 2006 vintage Marlin is D&T'd for side mount sights.

The XS sight does use the existing scope mount holes on the top of the receiver.

I didn't suggest the Williams set you mentioned because I have no experience with fire sights. Regardless of what rear sight I would put on, and I've used a bunch of Williams and one Lyman side mount sights, I always put a sourdough or post front sight on in place of the factory bead front sight.

Joe

[66GTO]

How about a Skinner peep sight that can convert to a ghost ring? The peep aperture just screws out to convert it. I have one on my 1894C and like it.

It just screws into the scope mount holes already on top of the receiver. The elevation adjusts by loosening the set screw that holds the aperture (ghost) ring in place. The ring is threaded and you turn it to adjust the height of the ring. I had to get a taller front sight from Skinner to get it sighted correctly. I eventually replaced that one with a Williams firesight to aid my failing eyesight.

This one is brass (kinda cool ) , but he makes them blued also:

[El Chivo]

of the 3 I would say the Williams FP is far and away the most popular.

The XS might sit too high for you - this happened to me on a different rifle. By the way you're not stuck with "ghost ring" for this sight, you can purchase a threaded post that accepts apertures.

The Lyman is smaller. It can get bent. It is suspended over the receiver and nothing is supporting it, except for the side mounting screw. The Williams has a screw on top that supports it where it hangs over the receiver. If you bump it there the Williams will hold up better.

Skinner would be like the XS more or less. One difference would be, the ones made for the 336 overhang the rear of the receiver if mounted on an 1894. I'm pretty sure the Skinner has a model for the 1894 specifically that fixes this problem.

Also, don't forget the WGRS-36 from Williams, it does the job, is slim, and very solid. I have one on my 35 Remington and it hasn't budged in two years of hard carrying. Cheap, too.

[Haycock]

I like the combination of an XS front sight and a Williams FP peep. Have that setup on my 1894C and my Win 94 (pics), also rigging my 9422 that way. The 94 and 9422 also have Marble's folding-leaf rear sights instead of the factory irons.












Haycock

[Pete44ru]

[My old eyes could use some help ]

Door #2, the Williams FP/Firesight front set.

Here's what the setup looks like: http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/image33.htm

Just be sure to get the later, top-mounted FP, Willaims # 70282 (which uses the scope mount screws), unless your rifle is factory D/T'd on the upper rear left side of the receiver, with 2 plug screws, for a side peep.

[66GTO]

The Skinner sight for the 1894 does not have any overhang. It fits like the one shown in the picture above.

The Williams FP has finer adjustments and is easier to adjust than the Skinner, but to me the Skinner looks better (not as cluttered) and doesn't require drilling and tapping. The windage on the Skinner is drift adjustable, although you don't have to use a hammer and drift, you just loosen the set screw and slide the rear sight. The elevation is adjustable, but only in 1/2 turn increments of the screw mounted aperture. I don't find that to be a problem, except that when shooting hot handloads I run out of adjustment on the elevation.

[pharmseller]

I put an XS Ghost Ring on my 1894C and did not like it at all. I needed a new front sight that was really tall and changed the outline of the gun too much.

Quinn

[gundownunder]

If you get the Williams FP top mount you will find its designed for the 336 and on the 94 will overhang the rear of the receiver causing you to need the hammer spur extension unless you D&T another hole on top to move the sight forward.
I am considering putting sights on my 1894 cowboy and am thinking the Skinner ladder peep sight on the rear and the Lyman globe on the front.

[Mutt]

I too think that Skinner site is the one I'd like. I like most peep style. I have some trouble with 71 year old eyes ( birthday yesterday ) and the peep seems to help me.........The least changes I can make and not mess up the looks of my lever rifle the better I like it. And I really hate drilling holes where they ain't supposed to be. IMHO .....................Mutt

[ceb]

I for one, certainly wish Marlin had never stopped D&T for the side mount Williams FP. That is my first choice in a peep. However on my 1894 Cowboy .357, I went with the XS system that uses the scope mount Holes. I also have the threaded insert so I can use the Williams apertures. Has worked well so far.

[Haycock]

I for one, certainly wish Marlin had never stopped D&T for the side mount Williams FP. That is my first choice in a peep. However on my 1894 Cowboy .357, I went with the XS system that uses the scope mount Holes. I also have the threaded insert so I can use the Williams apertures. Has worked well so far.

Answer to that problem is........ buy older 1894s! That way, you get out from under the annoying roll-stamped barrel warning too!!!

Haycock