Seeking advice on new rifle and site options. |Page 2|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Just keep your need posted on the swapmeet topic and if I see anything elsewhere I’ll PM you. 

You might try Ben Tolson if you haven’t already. 

In general, because this is a collectors’ organization, I have the feeling most tend to associate Redfield micrometer aperture sights with the later Winchester lever actions and Lyman micrometer sights with Winchester bolt actions. I can’t prove it.  

If you can’t find a suitable Redfield 80, another alternative would be to obtain a “short block” Lyman 48 WJS and have a competent gunsmith fit the block to the wood, removing steel (rather than wood) as necessary to achieve a proper fit without scarring the Walnut or its finish. 

Given that you have no way to install a scope or a barrel mounted open sight without seriously modifying the rifle,  the least injurious way to make the rifle useable is to install a good micrometer aperture sight in the provided factory holes. Without it, you have an expensive paperweight. 

I would myself try to do what you are doing. If unsuccessful I would do the needful with a late production Lyman 48 and have someone with the necessary skill at metal working do the installation.