1894 rear sight replacement

[RicMic]

I bought a Marlin 1894 in 44Mag that had a Lever Scout forward scope mounting system installed.  After using it awhile I desided that I didn't like it and wanted to return to open sights.  Well, the Lever Scout uses the rear sight dovetail and, of course the original rear sight did not come with the gun along with two now missing receiver filler screws.  I have been puzzling over how I may want to resolve my missing rear sight problem.  $90 for a XS front sight/rear peep sight combo, a stock replacement rear sight, some form of stock front sight with a rear peep sight.  Anybody have any thoughts, practicle solutions, places I can get parts original or replacement?

[howdy doody]

You can order a stock replacement from Brownells or I even went for the full buckhorn on mine. It wouldn't cost much more than $20 with shipping I wouldn't expect. The only issue will be getting it onto paper and adjusting the windage. Install from the right and drive with something soft to protect the sight.

[old geezer]

My 1894 is a 99 model, and i put the Williams peep that hangs over the side with green fiber front, and like it a lot. 

Somewhere around 2001 they quit putting the side mount holes on them.  If your's is newer than that, the only Williams peep that fits  mounts on top, but it hangs over the back some.

[RicMic]

I found this place and think I am going to give them a try.  I'll be ordering the front blade and peep rear set-up.  I'lll let ya know what I think of 'em when they arrive.

www.skinnersights.com

[old geezer]

Please do a report when you get it installed and tried.  Looks to be a neat instalation for the newer rifles with out the side mount holes. 

[RicMic]

I got them mounted.  The front sight is a bit taller than stock and almost touches the hood when the hood is installed.  If the weather holds I try 'em out on Monday or Tuesday.  Here's some pics;

[old geezer]

Looks good, but I still like my green fiber front.  Here's a poor picture, but you get the idea.

[RicMic]

I like the fiber front too.  I got to try one last year on a friends 38-55, but the reviews I read on the Midway site said the it was too fragile.  I still may mount one if I can get a good one by itself.

[old geezer]

Go to Williams web site, they offer the front sight by itself, in whatever height  you need.  But, it only comes with the red insert.  If you call them and ask, they will put the green in for you at no extra charge.  That's what I did.  The dovetail is a little over size, you'll have to grind or file it down some to get it in.  I agree that it does seem a little fragile.  I keep the hood on except the 30 or so minutes just after daylight and before dark.

[RicMic]

Well I got out to the range today and I really liked the Skinner peep set-up.  There is limited range of windage adjustment but just enough to get the rifle zeroed.  I will  have a closer look at the amount of elevation adjustment there is as I intend to shoot slower 300 grain jacketed and 240/250 lead loads, I may have to grind the front sight down some.  After I get all that figured out, I'll order one of the Williams front sights with the fiber optic rod in it, in the correct height (for me).  I do have to say the the Skinner made sights are well made and a good deal (front blade and rear peep for $50 shipped).