I have a Model 1899 Vintage 1894 SRC, in 30 WCF.
It is a very nice rifle, Just enough wear and tear to make it a hunting rifle rather than a collector piece.
I had decided to take it with me when I go with my hunting partners , In hopes of getting a Bear while they are Bow hunting for deer.
But Shooting 150 grain Federal ammo , it is Printing just about 8 inches high at 25 yards !
She has the factory Ladder type rear sight, And the front sight , is a marble #894, witch the Winchester sight book says is correct.
However the front sight blade is held in by a single pin witch rocks front to back like a kid's rocking horse.
Just to test the height, I wedged a tooth pick under the front of the rear sight, to hold it in the highest position, witch Brough my POI down from 10 inches to 8 inches.
Not sure what to try next, have place not to far from home , that has a box of old Winchester sights, And I might go there on Tuesday and see what they have. I really do not want to do anything that might hurt the value of the rifle much, Like cut the notch on the rear sight deeper,
But if I can find a period correct taller front sight that would fit the front sight base, I might be Bear hunting with a 122 year old rifle !
I also might consider trading the old girl on another old Winchester, At least a 38/40, , I would not hunt game with anything smaller.
Any of you guy's have a Idea where I might find a solution to this problem ? ...tj

I have seen quite a few old Winchester SRC's that had home made front sights. Often made from coins, it is a pretty easy sight to make. You could use an old coin to keep it period correct.

I think i would rather trade the rifle then do something like that.
I am not much good at making things anyway. ...tj3006

Seen my Father in Law, gunsmith, years ago, kinda squeeze, or pinch the front sight tight, in a smooth jawed vise, that he used!
Tightening up the sight and not marring, scratching or hurting the old original sight what so ever!
Of coarse this was after he confirmed it's true sight picture, and alignment, like your doing with the tooth pick!