It has been 5 years since I venture into the woods with only irons and it is so true that the rifle feels more lively. I found 15-20 years ago the very best iron front sight for hunting. I bought a Savage 99 that had a Sheard front sight and for my eyes, nothing compares with it not even the sourdough, which is second best.
I am getting an urge, after seeing szihn's pic, to take the scope off my CZ-550 FS and give it a go. If I can't see the sights or have a good sight picture I won't shoot. After all, my family will not starve if don't make meat and it will take me back to my muzzleloading days when it was the fun of the hunt not the kill!

Shew me thy ways, O LORD: teach me thy paths.
"there are few better cartridges on Earth than the 7 x 57mm Mauser"
"the .30 Springfield is light, accurate, penetrating, and has surprising stopping power"