Got a Puma in 454 and am considering an upgrade to the factory sights or adding a scope. Don't want to screw up the lightweight handling of it but damn if I can see that front sight at dusk. Suggestions?

Short range ? A laser will illuminate out to 100 yards at dusk.

I put a Leupold FX-II 2.5X20 Ultralight on my Guide gun. So far, I like it, but I'll have to wait until next season to get any field experience with it. I do use scoped bolt guns, also, so using a scope won't be anything new.

I have a Weaver 1-3x20 on my .35 Rem that I really like.

On my 1895G I have a Marbles Fiber Optic front bead and Skinner rear peep. I am seriously considering the FX-II 2.5x20 that Vic in VA speaks of for my 1895G.

My short answer is yes, if it's drilled and tapped. As old as I am, I grew up shooting scopes. My first deer rifle was my grandfather's Savage 99 in 250-3000. Then I hunted with a Winchester 94 in 32 special. Both were scoped.

Over the years, I have made many running shots on big game with a scoped rifle. Having grown up with them, target acquisition is fast and intuitive. And, I shoot with both eyes open.

I can see where someone growing up using iron sights might find scopes slower - but, not for me. I just sighted in my 94 AE in .356 Win. yesterday with a new scope.

That said, I killed my first black bear (a beautiful blonde phase) with my Marlin guide gun sporting XS ghost ring sights. Since then, I have replaced the ghost ring with a fixed power compact scope. This last deer season, I killed a whitetail with my Savage 99 (106 year old rifle) in .303 Savage using the factory open sights. I have a couple other 99s that are not D&T. They will remain that way.

I like iron sights. They are fun to play with and challenge one's shooting skills. But, when I really want to make sure I don't come home empty handed, scoped rifles come out of the safe

No scope for me... out to 100yrds I use a peep.


Past that I would choose my bolt action which is scoped

A scope turns any 66, 73, 76, 92, 94, 64, 86 or their Marlin twins into clubs.

What makes them great is the way they handle. Any will hold 2" at 100 yards with a tang rear and post front. That will kill any big game they are appropriate for.

Not to mention the ugly factor.......

Nope...just upgraded the sights to Brockmann's

I have a Leopold scout scope on mine, w/ quick release rings, and a williams peep to back it up. The scout scope isnt for everyone, seems people either love em or hate em. Im pretty happy with mine though.

I scoped my 1895GBL early on with a Leupy 1.5-5x20. It was nice to shoot, but it looked and carried like an abomination (for a levergun).

I ditched the scope, and went with XS ghost ring sights. Much better in keeping with the handy carrying levergun theme, with good and fast sighting capability.

The XS front sight has a bold white line that helps make it visible in low light.

Scope my levers w/a Lyman peep.

I'm blind in one eye and can't see outta the other...if I don't have scope's on my shooters...ALL shooters...I'd be SOL...I even scope my shotguns, airguns and slingshots...40 years ago I had 20 10 eyesight...I used peeps and shot rabbits at 200 yds with a 22LR...today I go on instinct with ANY type of open site and I'm lucky to hit a pie plate at 50 yds...well not quite that bad yet...we all use what we need, when we need it.

Leave the macho BS in the barroom and use whatever it takes to get the job done quickly and cleanly. After all it is YOUR shot and YOUR game. A gut shot animal dies slowly and the meat tastes really bad and doesn't make you macho because you listened to Macho Man...just the opposite.

Luck

I usually don't scope a traditional-style lever rifle... but agree, if you can't see the sights, ya gotta do something.

The Puma is a Win '92 design, yes? Maybe see if there's a way to mount a small reflex red dot (Leupold, Burris, Doctor, JPoint, etc.) where the rear sight is now...

Trijicon will add tritium inserts to existing sights in some cases (e.g., 3-dot handgun sights); you could check with them.

Or it's a good excuse to get another gun

-R44

In my late 50s, the eyes are actually still pretty good - but only if there's plenty of light. So, a scope is a must have on my hunting rifles and it adds 20 minutes to each end of my day. I have VX3 2.5-8 on my 444 & 45-70 and it looks and handles ok. I've carried the 444 in my hand all day and never felt it was a burden.

elkhunter76,


That looks a lot like my Marlin...


I put Brockman sights on and a Butt Stock Cover with bullet loops from "levergun leather works"

Nice job

T

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I don't like to stick with factory irons and upgrade them when I can. I can shoot a good peep like the williams FP or the XS sets realy well. I do like a low power variable sometimes too.

Vic this thread is just begging for you to post that pretty wood your guide gun has.....

When my levegun stable was much fuller this is how I ran mine:



Left to right:

Browning BL22 factory Irons
Marlin 336W Bushnel 1.5x4.5
Savage 99 308 fixed 6x
Marlin Guide Gun XS ghost ring and front post and a XS scout mount.

Alright, just for you

Just after installation:


How it looked before the scope was added. It was a long, hard decision to scope it, but I finally gave in.

Thanks for the replies fellas and great looking rigs. Think I'll take Montana Marine's idea and try out the ghost rings.

Semper Fi,

Scott

Good choice, I still run 'em on my M94 Winchester.

So where are you ordering your gohst rings? These darn things are pricey but not sure if I can see worth a darn at 100 yards haha.

I scope mine, with my eyesight, you wouldn't want to be in the woods with me if I didn't !!

Here's new Marlin wood, compared to old Marlin wood....
Give me "Old" any time (Both .444's)....

That one on the bottom is real nice.

I don't think the choice has anything to do with bar rooms, or macho men.

It's just a personal decision. Mostly influenced by our individual vision, purposes, and aesthetic preferences.

Leave the macho BS in the barroom and use whatever it takes to get the job done quickly and cleanly. After all it is YOUR shot and YOUR game. A gut shot animal dies slowly and the meat tastes really bad and doesn't make you macho because you listened to Macho Man...just the opposite.

Luck [/quote]

No macho BS. I take the advice of Montana Marine because I know his experience and welcome the input.

That is where mine came from also.

This is my boys Browning 71 I decided to set it up with a scout scope (this is shot both eyes open for best results) the base is an old burris that was made for the 94 and a scout scope. Is a great combination for hunting purposes he just returned from a Bison hunt the 348 with 250 grain woodleighs did the job. I really like how a scout scope performs on a lever gun and I think they look outstanding as well.

Now we need to see pictures of the bison!

I"ll try.

Well had to crop the pict/file to get in with the size limit sorry it really does not do the animal justice. I would gladly email some one the pict to post.

I have a Savage 99 in 250-3000. everyone that sees it asks why I don't scope it.

I could never do such a thing since it was my Grandfathers before he died, and its important to me to leave it the way it is.

aside from that I think its fine without the scope. I can hit a 10" gong @200 yards 3 out of 5 shots in standing position. Im certainly no sniper. but I thought that wasn't too bad

I scope my modern Marlin's, but leave my pre-64 Winchesters alone. That means I hunt with the Marlins regularly, but the M94 Winchester only gets out occasionally - cannot see a damn thing the last 15 minutes of legal light unless I have a scope.