Author Topic: Sights for J.C. Higgins model 45 (Marlin 336 clone) (Read 1101 times)

BradCoPAHunter · « **on:** March 15, 2006, 04:57:01 PM »

I bought an old J.C. Higgins model 45 levergun in 35 Remington. This gun has a non-folding rear sight. It is already drilled and tapped on the top and side of the receiver. I wanted to put a Williams peep sight on it, but I'm worried that, even with the ramp removed, the rear sight will be in the line of sight. Also, I'm not sure if the height of the current front bead will work with a rear peep. I could avoid this whole mess by scoping the gun, but I'd like to try the peep sights first. Any thoughts?

Jason · « **Reply #1 on:** March 15, 2006, 05:12:37 PM »

One of the first things I did to my Marlin 336 was removing the factory rear sight and installing a Williams Fooproof receiver peep sight. I also removed the front side blade and put a Lyman 17AHB sight in the factory sight ramp. It took me all of about 10 minutes to get the old sights off and get the new ones on. The sight setup works great for hunting and NRA cowboy lever action silhouette matches. I'm not sure why you'd even want to have the old factory rear sight on there at all once you install a receiver peep, but I'd recommend against it.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2006, 03:48:19 AM »

I have a Williams rear peep with the factory front on my mid seventies Marlin 336. I haven't removed the rear factory site yet but do agree with jason and am planning to remove it and really don't know why I haven't done it already. Mine is a folding rear and with the Williams installed and the rear folded down I loose about a quarter of the sight picture but I can see well enough and it doesn't bother me. I installed the Williams before deer season, and really didn't want to mess with the gun much but now that the seasons on hold till next year I can do a little experimenting.

I have read on this forum that brownells has an insert to fill the groove left after rear sight removal. I've looked at brownells.com but haven't found it. I supose I could call them....I'd like to have one to fill the dove tail groove after removal as I think it would make the gun look a little cleaner.

35Rem · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2006, 04:44:09 PM »

Dovetail Blank or Slot Blank. They run a few dollars and look a lot better than an empty dovetail. Just tap out that rear sight and slide one of these in.

BradCoPAHunter · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2006, 05:12:54 PM »

Huh, I'll have to take another look at my gun...it's been in the safe for a few months. I didn't think I could completely remove the rear sight. I thought it was brazed onto the barrel. If it's removable, then this'll be a simple operation. Thanks for all your help!

jeager106 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2006, 10:54:39 PM »

It's dovetailed, jsut tap it out carefully with a brass punch.
Get a Marbles or Lyman slot blank for a hair under 5 bucks to fill the empty slot and it'll look nice.