Ladder sight for 1895 Cowboy

[KW]

Hi all! Well summer is here and I got a hankering to put some long range sights on my Marlin 1895 Cowboy. I am going with the ladder style sights because the tang style sights effect the way I hold the rifle. So I did some foot work and have narrowed it down to these sights (all of these are on the buffalo arms site. I am using this site only for picture purposes)

1. Smith Barrel Sight - Smith Buckhorn Rear Sight Extra Long Range 3/8" DT
2. Smith Barrel Sight - Smith Marlin Model 95 Sight 3/8" Dovetail
3. Ukrainian Barrel Sights - Win Ladder Sight 3/8" Dovetail with Long Staff

The main attributes I am looking for is strength, elevation adjustment and holding power of the sliding sight on the ladder. Thanks for any help.

KW

[MontanaVet]

I do not have one yet, but this is what I am buying...Wesson & Harrington Long Range Sight

[MontanaVet]

Opps,  I just say "Cowboy".  I don't know if it will fit.  MV out!

[KW]

Those are also made by Smith. Was sort of leaning with that company myself. Might get the one without any graduations on the ladder and just use a triangle file to cut my own. Nice to see someone still uses those, was starting to think I was weird . The XS sights are awesome, I just don't want to lose the western flavor of that Marlin Cowboy. Ladder sights just seem right for it.

[haroldclark]

Several years ago, I bought the Smith Ladder sight that fit in the groove for the rear sight.  It didn't work out at all for me.  You cannot move the sight up and down and repeat the previous location.  I found that one click up was too high and one click down was too low.  I wanted to be in between the two clicks.

When you set the elevation you must tighten the set screw or the sight will move up and down the ladder as you shoot.  So, if you want to change to a close in shot and you are set for a longer shot, you have to have an allen wrench to make the change.

I sold it.

I would keep looking if I were you.

[bfpgw]

I bought in May the Ukranian made ladder sight for my 1895CB.  Mostly because Smith is so backed up making equipment for our buddies tussling around in Iraq/Afg they have their lever stuff on indefinite backorder.

The Uk version doesn't use detents.  It uses a friction type spring and increment markings.  No paint on them but I used a toothpick and sight paint to mark the points I use for 100/150, etc.

I think all of the ladder sight sliders will move a bit when shooting stouter loads.  Mine stays put when shooting reloads with TrailBoss (kick like a .22LR) but on heavier stuff and Hornady LE you would have to check the setting after each shot.  But of course, why do you need to shoot the second time?!?!?!  LOL

You will have to drop the height of the front sight considerably if you currently have the stock front sight.  it is about .500.  I had to go down to a .343 on mine.  Reloads are fine with that height at 50 yards.  Hornady LE are 1.5" high at 50 and 3" high at 100 with that setup.  I don't have to use the ladder at all with the LE factory stuff.  That's OK.  I shoot LE for deer hunting only.  Shoot reloads for general purpose "carry" and at the range.  Moderate reloads use std rear height at 50 and need the ladder starting at 100 yards.

[jjamna]

Haroldclark If you would have tried replacing front sight with a different height you may of liked it.