Which Peep for a Marlin 1894

[dougk]

I have seen several peep sights for the Marlin 1894.  I am looking for one with windage, elevation and one that can take some abuse as this will be used for ranch carry and hog hunting.

Any suggestions?

thanks
Doug

[crash87]

You can never really go wrong with the Williams line of peeps.
On my '95 I use a XS, (mine is still marked A.O. ashley outdoors) ghost ring peep. While it doesn't have any "protection" of the aperture, I've not had that be a problem. I also like the white vertical stripe on the front sight.
While I have not tried one of these personally yet, I think one might find a home on my own 1894C.

                            http://skinnersights.com/index.html
There are of course, others. I find though that you are paying more for their names than for the sight, that being the reason they shall remain nameless. Good luck on your search. CRASH87

[Lurker]

I have seen several peep sights for the Marlin 1894.  I am looking for one with windage, elevation and one that can take some abuse as this will be used for ranch carry and hog hunting.

Any suggestions?

thanks
Doug

Is your 1894 Marlin drilled and tapped, on the rear, upper left side of the receiver, for a aperture (peep) sight? If so, either the Lyman or the Williams rear aperature sights will fit.

I would have said, in the past, to only use a Lyman aperture sight, because they were all steel. However, Lyman has now cheapened their rear aperture sights, like Williams did.

When I go to gun shows, I look for the old style Lyman 66LA rear aperture sights for Marlins, because I need a few more. I only want sights made out o steel on my Marlin lever guns.

I have switched some of my Marlins (8 of them) to Marbles tang sights with windage bases. When you're not using the tang sight, it folds down, out of the way. Though the Marbles tang sight has windage adjustment built in to the base, just to be safe, though, if you order a Marbles Tang sight, be sure to specify you want the tang sight with a windage base.

Bill

[JW/OK]

I would go with a Skinner sight for durability.

[dougk]

I am about ready to buy the Skinner, they look rock solid.

Not do I replace the front with a blade?

Any suggestions?

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got quite a few williams sights and like them but my favorite is the lyman.

[cwlongshot]

 I agree with those that suggested the LYMAN and I will add that the older REDFIELD peeps. Because of the all steel construction. I have a number of levers and all but one wears peeps. I have a 4-5 Williams in the cheapie and better models, even two of the top mounted models too, a couple of the XS sites as well as Redfield's and Lyman's. ALL WORK, none have ever failed me, but for durability go with the Lyman.

CW

[Rangr44]

[do I replace the front with a blade?]

Not only that, it must be replaced with a higher sight, in order to properly zero the rifle - or it will shoot too high with the peep all the way down.

Because any of the top-mounted peeps (XS/WGRS/Skinner/etc) raise the line-of-sight of the barrel sights, a higher front sight blade must also be installed to equalize things.
Most shooters look at it as an opportunity to also change the front sight to a different type that may suit them better - like a sourdough patridge, an XS white stripe post, Ivory bead, Gold bead, or Fiber-optic bead.

Don't forget to either buy or make a filler blank for the rear barrel sight dovetail - as the rear barrel sight should be removed to give a clear/clean peep sight picture.

BTW - While the discontinued Redfield peeps, and older Lymans are certainly made from steel, the newer Lyman peep are made of aluminum, just like a Williams.
I've never broken ANY kind of peep sight, since I mounted my first one in the mid-60's.

.

[dougk]

Thanks for all the insights.

I ordered 2 Skinner Peeps today.

I think the factory front sight will work...

Again thanks for all the great insights.

Doug

[crash87]

Doug, Let us know what you think of those "skinner" sights when you get them. Like I said I was thinking on getting one for my '94, would like to know your opinion, when you've had a chance to try them, Thanks
                                           CRASH87

[Winter Hawk]

Williams Foolproof w/ target knobs.  You will have to put a higher front sight also, as mentioned before.  The Williams catalog or website will tell how much higher.  I have used the Foolproof since 1964 and never had one break, so the aluminum should be no problem.  In fact, I saw one on a model 70 Winchester which someone had used the bracing screw on the end for elevation adjustment, and torqued it so that the whole arm which the aperture rides on was bent up.  When I relieved the pressure it came back to its normal shape with no harm done.  It certainly seemed tough enough to me!

-WH-

[Oldshooter]

I put the skinner on my 44 mag and I really like it. I do suggest you replace the front blade, i had to!

[kevthebassman]

I have a Skinner on my 336 .35.  It's a great site, I highly recommend it.

[Swamp Rat]

Depends on caliber and how far you want to shoot.

I love the Marbles Tang sight and it is adjustable for windage/elevation and have had them on several rifles. That said I just took a Marbles off my 1894CP(16"ported bbl) and replaced it with a Skinner LowPro because there is just no need for 75" of elevation adjustment on a .357. All my shots will be 100yrds or less and I am working with tolerances that can be accomadated with holdover.

I do not care for the side mounted receiver sight like Williams and Lyman, I think they take away from the flowing and gracefull lines of a Marlin

[Oldshooter]

I think they take away from the flowing and gracefull lines of a Marlin

I agree, I have a williams peep on a 39 A that's 40 years old and it always shot well its just ugly!

[T.R.]

This is the standard Williams model.  It retains same zero year after year. 

TR

[Oldshooter]

This is the standard Williams model.  It retains same zero year after year.

I dont think you ll find anyone to besmirch the accuracy or dependability of the Williams peep.........its just ugly like a pimple on a young girls red cheek! It takes away from the beauty is all! 

[Lloyd Smale]

i really dont agree. the willians and lymans have been around about for ever and are about as classic as the lever guns there on. I think they look right at home on one. More classic looking then one of the top mount newer peeps. Ive got a couple brockman and xos and actually like the looks of a williams or lyman better. I live real close to the marble factory when it was still american and detest the tang sights. They interfere to much with the handling of a gun. They do work well though, are well built and alow a guy to have his nomal open sights set for a short range and the flip up sight for a set long range which is pretty handy.

[Oldshooter]

One thing we can agree on is that they are effective and dependable! I have one on my 39 A and it will never be removed by me. but I'm not sure that I will buy another, now I'm trying the skinner, although i would like it to be better protected from a bump or drop. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I also dislike tang sights. They do seem to be fragile and in the way.