I've been looking for a Marlin 1894, as everything that I've read about them sounds great. They are very hard to find. One question - are there peep sights available for them? If so, what do the peep sights cost, and is any drilling needed for mounting?

XS or Skinner sights require no gunsmithing. XS about $85, Skinner about $60.

Seems a few years back Marlin stopped D&T the left side of the receivers for micro sights. If you get an older Manuf Model you can use the Lyman sights or can also have the Tang D&T for a Marbles or Lyman Tang. I have a Skinner - which screws down to the rear scope mnt holes. Its very simple, but rugged as can be.

There are a few different peep sights that are available for the Marlin 1894. I have the Williams on mine. I like it alot. I have it mounted in the forward scope mount holes. It was just a little too far back for my taste in the back holes. I like all the different apertures that are available for the Williams sight. I also like the fact that all you have to do is take the aperture out and you have a "ghost ring" sight. I never could understand why people pay so much for "ghost ring" sights. They have no additional options while the peep sight has a bunch of different options, and is usually a little bit cheaper. The Skinner is also a fantastic choice. I have one that was made for a Marlin 1894, but I mounted it on an Encore 45/70 barrel. Tom.

No trick to have the XS threaded to accept all the different Williams inserts, though I never understood why people need 47 aperture options nor 53 different loads for one rifle.

I have the Skinner on my Guide Gun and am quite pleased.

+1 on the skinner. I have a skinner rear with a williams fire sight on the front.

Hogghead,

Are you using the Marlin factory front sight or a replacement?

Doc

Big +1 on the XS. Tough, and dam usable.

I have the skinners on two of my 1894's. They work.

I did not even try using the factory front sight. I personally like a taller white bead front sight. A taller sight seems to give me more light through the peep. And I really like the white. I think I know what you are getting at. However I can not tell you if the factory front sight is tall enough or not. I never even tried it. Nor have I tried it on any of my other rifles with peep sights. I replace the front bead immediately. Tom.

Thanks for the info on all those options. Now if I can only find an 1894C in stock anywhere, I'll be in business.

Daveman, I just watched one sell on Auctionarms for $475 used but in good shape. There are usually a few on Gunbroker as well. I picked up a couple three years ago for the grandkids and they have gone up in price since then. Of course everything has. Good luck!