turnbull makes a 3/8 dovetail picatinny mount so that someone can put a modern red dot on a vintage rifle.  

I agree with txgunnut that it would be silly, however, I’ve never hunted in Africa, I’ve never been in combat, but should I, having a forward mounted red dot only looks silly if I don’t need to use it.  

-Adam 

The later ones don't. Perhaps someone who owns an earlier one will.post a picture of the sight base, showing you what to avoid. 

I believe most of the Lyman 48 WJS sights available on eBay are the later version with short base. 

An alternative would be a Redfield 70 or 80, neither of which required cutting the stock. 

I strongly suggest you consult our member Ben Tolson, a knowledgeable dealer in these sights. I would buy from him with confidence. 

There are two versions of the same Redfield and Lyman sights, the Target version and the Hunter version. The "T" version has knobs for windage and elevation adjustments that are knurled for cranking in changes (" clicks") as the situation requires. The "H" version has rounded knobs with screwdriver slots that are intended to be set during a range session and then left alone. Like a scope. 

For your purpose, the Hunter version would be preferable. 

The base of Redfield and Lyman sights is coded to indicate which rifle the base fits. The base is stamped with the code. The stamped code does not include a T or a W because the knobs are interchangeable. The original cardboard box containing the sight indicates T or H on its label.

A Lyman 48 sight coded "WJS" fits the Winchester Model 70 rifle. A 48 WJS-H has Hunter knobs. 

A Redfield 70 sight coded "W" fits the Winchester Model 70 rifle. A 70-WT has target knobs. 

Bob

Best of luck on your upcoming safari.

BRP

Mike

"Serial no. 7516 is not presently documented in Wiley Sword’s known 3rd U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry Henry rifle serial list, but it falls immediately among a cluster of documented 3rd VVI Henry serial numbers, including 7511 and 7520. This supports a cautious description as a late-war Henry in the 3rd VVI serial neighborhood, but not as a documented 3rd VVI-issued rifle."

Great decision not to drill…

Another option is a Stith mount

Based on the serial number, it is a 1948 production, and to my untrained eyes appears relatively unmolested?  This isn’t a collector grade rifle, but I think it is an honest shooter rifle that has been to Africa a few times and will likely be going back again with me in 2027.    

The rear of the receiver has not been D&T for a scope, etc. which brings me to my conundrum.  I enjoy shooting irons, but my eyesight doesn’t allow for me to do it very effectively anymore.  

I have been told to potentially find a Lyman site, Skinner site, G&H side mount, red dot on the front receiver using a Weaver style base, and some say just drill and tap… which I am highly against doing.  

I would much prefer just shooting the irons she came with but unfortunately I can no longer do that and feel confident while hunting.   And this is a hunting rifle for me first and foremost.   This is only my second pre-64, so I am by no means an expert on them, and any advice or guidance would be highly appreciated.  Thank you.

steve004 said
In one of the letters featured above (the M1886 in .45-90) among the many special features, there is notation of, "engraved magazine."  You sure don't see this every day.
  

Steve,

I agree with you on that, as it's a first for me, as I don't recall seeing an "engraved magazine", in a letters notation!

Brady,

That's a pretty cool and neat photograph. I like the "Sportsman's Headquarters", with the "W", underneath on the window glass. I've read that address on numerous occasions and don't recall seeing the photograph.

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

1873man said
Here is the letter Tony. The Returned Jan 6 1881 is the date it shipped back (returned) and to New York I'm thinking its a New York distributor or dealer. 
Bob

Bob,

Yeah the distributor was themselves! Winchester had a New York store on 312 Broadway for many years.

The not well known Model 1879 double barrel shotgun was sold through that location.

Sincerely,

Maverick

1894

I’m pretty tickled with this recent purchase. I know it has no condition but I really like pistol grip deluxes and the rough  ones are reasonable. 
Its had a bit of varnish applied at one time, its about half worn off, Is it possible to remove the remaining varnish without making it look terrible?

Henry Mero said
Yes Steve and it is also a "matted"  thin barrel. different gun than the trap door butt gun though
  

Henry -

That is one fantastic rifle!  A matted thin barrel