As many of you know, 1895 Winchesters are not user friendly for tang sights. Yea, you can get 'em to work, but you need special bases, etc. The Lyman Model 21 or Model 38 receiver sights are the ones most frequently seen on old 1895's AND I might add, that value on an original 1895 is not hurt by a receiver that is drilled and tapped for one of these sights as long as the hole spacing is correct and not into the lettering.
Fast forward from the early days to now--An original Lyman Model 21 that is correct coded for an 1895 brings about $500 IF you can find one. A personal friend of mine (Ken Bean of York, Pa.) is one of the countries foremost dealers in antique sights and he has a very hard time finding originals. He got me for 5 c-notes last year for one of these sights. There is a company in Romania that makes repo's of these sights and sells 'em through Buffalo Arms but as a Teamster, I never did like sending my money ($250)to countries who don't like Americans. A new company by the name of Providence Tool Company is now making these sights and they are made right here in the greatest nation on God's green Earth. Buffalo Arms is also handling these for $135
I called the boys up at Buffalo Arms last week and asked their opinion on these sights as to quality and appearance. They gave me a thumbs up so I sent them $144 (shipping) and it arrived yesterday. I got all excited opening the package as these things are about the only thing that excite me anymore. Finish was real nice and these sights are made much simpler than the originals. Unless you are framiliar with the originals, have someone else install 'em.
I dug in the vault and snagged out a real nice 1895 Winchester in 30-06 that was made in the late stages of that production model (1926) that was previously drilled and tapped for a Model 21 Lyman but was missing the sight. (I hate incomplete leverguns)
These sights come with a drill and tap that is original to the Winchesters (11 x 36---I think) but it was not needed in my case. The screws that came with the sight needed to be shortened a bit as the front screw binded up the action and the rear screw stuck out too much. Then you have to fit the little brass "pointer" but anyone with an IQ of 50 or more can easily do this-----full instructions are included.
I slapped that baby on and took her out back for a little cast bullet shooting and found everything to be "on the money". I'll head out to the gunclub this weekend for fine tuning as my neighbors will only tolerate so much shooting but they do tolerate it because they know I'm a little "off"
I am most likely going to strip the finish and rust blue it as it will better match the gun's color.
I think I'm gonna snag several more and keep 'em to the side for future fun and economics, as after the revolution this coming winter, many things will be hard to come by.
. Great buy at $135 plus , you keep the money right here. ---Sixgun
,windage adjustment,
,1895 receiver,
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