I am thinking of putting together a rifle for those rare occasions when a scope isn't practical. And I'd just like an open sighted lever action for easy carry once in a while. I'm thinking of a 20" barreled .30--30, pre safety M336 (late 70s/early 80s era) a friend has for sale. What brand of ghost ring peep sight would folks out there in campfire land recommend, and if I go with your recommendation, what height front sight would be most likely to work with 150-170 grain bullets. Thanks for any input!

I replaced the buckhorn sights on both my Guide Gun and Winchester M94 with a Williams FP and did not *have* to change the front sight height, though I have replaced both front sights with a better aftermarket sight of comparable height.

The front sight on the Guide gun was replace with an Ashley post sight, the M94 with a Marble's bead, but that is going to be replaced by an Ashley, also.

I'm kinda partial to the Williams Ace in the Hole. Gives you the option of throwing on optics without removing the peep when wanted/needed.

Thanks for the input. The Ace in the Hole is intriguing, but it looks like it would take away one advantage I want to gain....an easy "wrap your hand around the nice flat action" for easy carry.

I put XS sights on the 45-70. I just got the standard sight set for the Marlin, and ended up filing down the front sight about 3/16" or so to get it zero'd without having the rear sight too far up.

Here's a pic of it with Dad on the trigger,

Thanks, Montana Marine. That's a pretty Marlin. Overall, how well do you like the XS sights? And how about your Dad? I have some vision issues, so am curious how well older eyes adapt to the ghost ring set-up. I'm also looking at the skinner sights, which are made in MT.

I have two 94 Winchesters with Williams receiver sights. One has the Williams foolproof and the other has the Williams 5D. The foolproof is easier to adjust but I actually like the 5D better cuz it doesn't have those big, ugly, silver adjustment screws on it. Neither gun needed a different front sight to zero but I did replace both with more visible front sights. I tried a bunch of different fronts over the years. Silver beads, ivory beads, brass sourdoughs, sourdoughs painted white and red and green Williams fire sights. I finally settled on the green fire sights as they simply were more visible in really low light than anything else. My eyesight isn't the best anymore but I can still see to shoot with those fire sights till well after sundown and can also still shoot groups under 2" at 100 yards. I don't believe a better sight combination for hunting exists.

I like the XS well enough for my uses. Mostly a fun gun, but also I carry it sometimes for walkabout, or scouting.

I'm only wanting it for fast shots on big targets, at fairly close distances.

I'm shooting a 405 gr cast at 1250 fps most of the time. With a 100 yard zero it's fairly flat out to about 120 yards or so. After that it drops like a rock.

For me it's sort of a step up from the 44Mag revolver for protection. Hard hitting and easy to shoot accurately to 100 yards or a little more.

Should add that Dad only shot it one session, but he liked it. We both have bifocals, and the aperture sight seems to bring the front sight into clear focus.

Big fan of Skinner Sights. Front sight height doesn't really matter since you merely buy the tallest sight and easily file it down until it is the right height.

Just bought another peep sight from Skinner for a 39TDS.

http://www.skinnersights.com/

The older Skinner stuff looks great.

I can't like the billboard advertising on some of the newer stuff though.

http://www.skinnersights.com/images/95BlkGold2E.jpg?965

For a "ghost ring" I screw out the aperture of the Williams FP. The sight doesn't hinder the ability to carry comfortably unless maybe if you are left-handed. If you want an aperture sight and the ability to "wrap your hand", maybe consider a tang sight.

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...-1895-444s-sku579009805-31771-21554.aspx

Marlin 336C 20" barrel 30-30

I am also a big fan of the Skinner sights. I have them on several Marlins and most recently a Ruger #1 458. XS are good sights as well, I just prefer the Skinner.

The customer service from Skinner is top notch and their prices are reasonable. I haven't been able to find a better partridge front site for a standard dovetail for 2-3 times as much. I hadn't considered the "advertising", that's a good point; but I'll let it slide as they have treated me very well, and their product works great.

That's not to say a Lyman or Williams type peep sight aren't good sights, they work well and provide easier and more elevation adjustment if you need it.

I say aquire enough different rifles and try them all!

Good shooting

Eric

Thanks for all the input. I am leaning toward the xs system, but am still considering! I like the idea of that big, white post out there. But I also like Eric P's advice.

I added the XS sights to my 1895 45-70 I used in Alaska. They are very fast sights and easy to use. I've tried a few different sights and WAY prefer the XS Ashley sights. Makes a rifle very handy for quick use.

I added a set of XS ghost ring sights on my Winchester 94 AE Trapper in 30/30. These are great sights for these 62 YO eyes and keep 2" or less groups at 100 yards. Only negative is the white line front sight is hard to see after fresh fallen snow, other wise a great sight. Perfect woods carry gun.

Well, I put the XS sights on in May...did have to send for the next taller front to make it shoot point of aim. But after that, no regrets at all. Far easier to use than factory opens, easy to carry, and seems to hit where I aim! I camped out a bit at the farm this summer, and it was a nice rifle to have in the tent in case a rogue porcupine attacked .

Any comments on this style Williams?

I like a Williams or Lyman receiver sight and if you need more light remove the aperture. I don't like beads up front and usually use an Ashley post but just ordered a Skinner post for my .30-30 AI.

I found those not as tough or as easy to adjust as the skinner or XS. I like XS Skinner and Williams FP preferring the XS over all but they are all good options.