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I just received the July 2020 issue of “Guns & Ammo” magazine. On page 6 the question is ask as to where to get a Bolt Peep for a Model 71 Winchester. The answer offered by C. Boddington notes that the Peep sight was only offered for the first two years of production. I don’t have the exact information to the actual production period, but I believe the period of this sight availability to be longer. Do any of you in the “know” have information to confirm or disprove this statement? The author also suggests that a side mounted peep sight, which requires the drilling and tapping of the receiver, would be the best answer to solving the problem. That sent shudders through my soul. Any help here? Roger B
Hello Roger,
Mr. C. Boddington did not respond with a correct answer, and he further displayed his lack of expertise by suggesting that the receiver should be drilled & tapped “to solve the problem”. I truly do not understand how someone like him can be a contributing writer to a firearms publication!!
The No. 98A bolt peep was the standard rear sight from 1935 – 1947 (13-years). It was listed as the standard sight as late as the October 1946 catalog, with the 22-K sight as optional. The January 1948 catalog was the first to list the Lyman No. 56W sight for the Model 71. Winchester replaced the No. 98A with the No. 56W in late 1947. In my research survey, 35% of all Model 71 rifles manufactured were equipped with the No. 98A bolt peep sight, and even though Winchester had ceased listing it in their catalog as of January 1948, there were at least several dozen more that were made through 1952 (I suspect parts clean-up).
In regards to the drilling & tapping the receiver frame, Winchester offered that option from day one, but did not make it “standard” until 1948. In the early production years, there were a substantial number of Model 71 rifles special ordered with a Redfield receiver sight (I have surveyed (85) thus far).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Oop! about 15 years ago I sold a pre war M71 with the receiver drilled and tapped for a sight but I sold it because it had those extra holes that I thought were not factory! I might have kept the gun had I known that they solid have been done at the factory.
Dave,
On the pre-War Model 71s with receiver sight holes in them, a simple inspection of the holes & threads will tell you if they were factory work or aftermarket work. Simply check the tapped threads for bluing (or a lack of bluing). Winchester completed all machining work prior to bluing. If the holes were drilled & tapped after the fact, the threaded holes will be in the white (and usually a bit rough at the hole entrance).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, Thanks for that information. I sold the gun locally so I might get a chance to have a better look at the holes or even buy the gun Back. I did moose hunt with it a few times and really like the .348 as much as my .35 WCF.
Bert H. said
Hello Roger,Mr. C. Boddington did not respond with a correct answer, and he further displayed his lack of expertise by suggesting that the receiver should be drilled & tapped “to solve the problem”. I truly do not understand how someone like him can be a contributing writer to a firearms publication!!
The No. 98A bolt peep was the standard rear sight from 1935 – 1947 (13-years). It was listed as the standard sight as late as the October 1946 catalog, with the 22-K sight as optional. The January 1948 catalog was the first to list the Lyman No. 56W sight for the Model 71. Winchester replaced the No. 98A with the No. 56W in late 1947. In my research survey, 35% of all Model 71 rifles manufactured were equipped with the No. 98A bolt peep sight, and even though Winchester had ceased listing it in their catalog as of January 1948, there were at least several dozen more that were made through 1952 (I suspect parts clean-up).
In regards to the drilling & tapping the receiver frame, Winchester offered that option from day one, but did not make it “standard” until 1948. In the early production years, there were a substantial number of Model 71 rifles special ordered with a Redfield receiver sight (I have surveyed (85) thus far).
Bert
Hello Bert. I recently purchased a Model 71built in 1936 which is missing the aperture . Any idea on possible availability or replacement options? Thank you! Lou
Louis Damico said
Hello Bert. I recently purchased a Model 71built in 1936 which is missing the aperture . Any idea on possible availability or replacement options? Thank you! Lou
Lou,
The aperture is the small diameter knurled disc with the peep hole in it… is that what you are missing, or are you actually missing the base of the No. 98A bolt-peep sight? Can you post (or send me) a picture of your Model 71 ?
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Louis Damico said
Hello Bert. I recently purchased a Model 71built in 1936 which is missing the aperture . Any idea on possible availability or replacement options? Thank you! Lou
Lou,
The aperture is the small diameter knurled disc with the peep hole in it… is that what you are missing, or are you actually missing the base of the No. 98A bolt-peep sight? Can you post (or send me) a picture of your Model 71 ?
Bert – [email protected]
Hello Bert:
I realize this is an old thread, but do you know what the thread-pitch is for the bolt peep aperture?
Thank you.
Best,
Joon OK
joon1911 said
Hello Bert:
I realize this is an old thread, but do you know what the thread-pitch is for the bolt peep aperture?
Thank you.
Best,
Joon OK
I do not know what the actual thread pitch is, but I can tell you that it is the same pitch for all other Lyman peep sights.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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