Here is what Stroebel has to say about Lyman #31, #37, & #39 front sights: "These front sights were identical in design, the difference being in the size of the bead." (#31 - 1/16", #37 - 3/32", #39 - 1/8") "Optional bead colors were available on all three models. These models were introduced at the turn of the century , and remained in production for almost 100 years."
Based on the catalog picture I have for some time believed that the T front sight is a Lyman #31 or #37 with a red bead, and Keith's photo confirms it for me.
I have a NOS Marbles #37 in the original packaging which lists rifles for which this sight is appropriate. Included in the list are: 99F, EG, G and K in .30-30 and .303. All of these rifles in these calibers have 22" barrels. (Since the introduction of these models predates the T, I'm assuming this sight is pre -1935.) The height of this sight, measured from the bottom of the base to the top of the sight is 0.375".
I also measured the height of an original front sight on a 99 RT with a 22" barrel in .300 Sav. It's height is 0.435". At least in this time period I'm quite certain Savage used the same front sight height for .300 and .250.
With patience I suspect you can find a correct height Lyman #31 or #37 on eBay. As far as finding one with a red bead - don't hold your breath!
P.S. Just to add fuel to the fire, I don't believe the T front sight shown on pg. 81 of David's book is an original red bead sight. The overall sight shape is different than the Lymans, and neither the catalog sight nor Keith's sight have the serrations on the front of the sight like the one in David's book has.
Last edited by Jaaack; 03/13/22. Reason: Added P.S.
Here is what Stroebel has to say about Lyman #31, #37, & #39 front sights: "These front sights were identical in design, the difference being in the size of the bead." (#31 - 1/16", #37 - 3/32", #39 - 1/8") "Optional bead colors were available on all three models. These models were introduced at the turn of the century , and remained in production for almost 100 years."
Based on the catalog picture I have for some time believed that the T front sight is a Lyman #31 or #37 with a red bead, and Keith's photo confirms it for me.
I have a NOS Marbles #37 in the original packaging which lists rifles for which this sight is appropriate. Included in the list are: 99F, EG, G and K in .30-30 and .303. All of these rifles in these calibers have 22" barrels. (Since the introduction of these models predates the T, I'm assuming this sight is pre -1935.) The height of this sight, measured from the bottom of the base to the top of the sight is 0.375".
I also measured the height of an original front sight on a 99 RT with a 22" barrel in .300 Sav. It's height is 0.435". At least in this time period I'm quite certain Savage used the same front sight height for .300 and .250.
With patience I suspect you can find a correct height Lyman #31 or #37 on eBay. As far as finding one with a red bead - don't hold your breath!
Excellent post on the subject!
_______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack
FWIW, here is a pic of the front sight on my 300T; always thought it is not original, but I've read posts that mention white bead may have been used, too because several have been seen. Probablly will never know for sure.
Is the red bead on front sight plastic? The front sight on my 30-30 T looks just like the one in murrays book, and basically same as one posted above, but no red bead.
