Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers M-71 bolt peep (98A sight)

For those looking for the Model 71 Win bolt peep, they are rare. I know where one is but the owner wants about $450 for it with shipping.

Alternatively, the Italian Pedersoli company has a reproduction M-71 bolt peep- No.USA- 418 sight that is relatively well made. They have them for less than $150 each including shipping.
Try the Taylor-Pedersoli Company in Winchester, VA.
The bolt peep was made for the M-64/M-71 Winchester rifles.

That's the handiest piece of info I have read on here. Thanks .

Interesting. I've seen many a 71 and a few 65's with missing bolt peeps that I've shied away from.

They were about $135 the other day when I looked if I remember correctly. That's an awesome deal if they fit or can be fit to the original slots.

I contacted Taylor’s …..the bolt peep was on their sight. They indicated it was not designed to a Win 71.
Advised against.

https://www.taylorsfirearms.com/

If anyone is looking for a 98a, there is one on eBay carrying a hefty price. Looks to be in better than average shape, The negotiation angle is that it is missing the elevation nut (very hard to find), spring and the aperture seems small in diameter to me probably not original.
Seller is zbcoins.

"Peep", aka "Aperture Sights", certainly have a lot to recommend their utility for sure. The particular iteration in the said "Bolt Peep" Model 71 and 'other Winchester Lever original applications; such offer the genre dual context of "aperture-frame" facilitating "form of auto-focus". Almost automatic aft orientation, with greater concentration afforded on the "bead". Yet moreover, as often less construed, the advantage of "sight radius" improved. A win, win combination.

And with all that said as "given"... I don't care for them on lever guns in context as the fast sighting option-ideal of retaining dual aft barrel "open sight" and as "peep function" optional. The Tang Sight to me offers such option. None "factory drilled" as the 'upside/downside of aftermarket presumed, collector value large hit as upside of "rifle cheaper and facilitating that ideal sighting combo.

Returning to downside of the "bolt aperture "peep" tending to impede "slick format of non-interference hang-up on scabbard, clothing, heavier vegetation, other. Closer ranges snap shooting in Eastern woods context. Leaving "aperture-exclusive" alternatives to Western Rifles of longer range "plains" terrain. The rifle 'category of 'use intended' as sights-beneficial. Such as reserving closer, "snap shooting to open sights and woodlands contexts where the levers tend to shine.

My entirely personal "collector prejudice" as preference for my single Model 71 in 14xxx SN range sans bolt peep, hallowed feature or not of majority. Damn the "smell of the peanuts and roar of the crowds" heralding "bolt peeps! In such context 'll take my Winchester classic leverss as Plain Vanilla!

Just a personal prejudice... 'My take'!
Best!
John

I like the old steel Lyman aperture sights. I have them on my Marlins and all but one Winchesters.

I have 3 M-71s with the 98a sights, but REALLY like the Lyman 21/38s or the Lyman 56. I have a Lyman 56 on my 450 Alaskan pre-war M-71
The reason on serious Alaskan rifles is distance to Fairbanks for repair. I use the LY 56 in conjunction with a Marbles fold-down M-95 sporting rear V-sight. It folds down until
you need it.
In Canada or Alaska, a backup sight may save your bacon and hide in bear country. Used a LY 56 on a M-71 to kill a big bull moose years back.
It really helps to have both a peep sight and folding down rear sight in the dovetail-ready to go.

I have the reproduction Climbin' Lyman. I think I got it from Buffalo Arms? It is going on an '86 Winchester. RZ.