I have both and prefer the 80 because it has a slide release button (like the Lyman 48) allowing for rapid large changes in elevation when sighting in or for removing the slide entirely. 

The quality of construction of the Redfield and Lyman sigjts is the same. 

The last Model 80 sights were made of aluminum, which I've never seen. However, steel versions of the 80 are not uncommon and there are plenty of the Model 70

QUESTION FOR LOU: wouldn't removing a few threads off the bottom of the elevation screw of the Lyman 48 solve that problem? That's what I had to do for my Lyman 48 on my 52C Sporting.  

That looks like a very nice collectable M70.  Would you be willing to give me the serial number (by PM if you prefer) so I can enter it in the M70 survey?  Winchester didn't factory D&T the bridge of H&H length actions until late 1950, around s/n 170,000.  It even says so in their catalogs of the time.

As has been discussed, you have several options that don't require maiming the bridge.  You'd have a very (impossible?) time finding a Stith "Install-It-Yourself" style mount for the 375 Magnum barrel contour, since that mount used the rear sight dovetail (that you barrel doesn't have) and receiver sight holes to secure the mount.  However, the Stith Master Mount, which used the receiver sight holes and front receiver ring holes, was made for the H&H length action.  It was a rugged (ugly) externally adjustable mount but you could attach just about any scope with it.  It looks like this on a 375 H&H M70.  The rear mount extends down the left side of the receiver to attach via the receiver sight holes.  The scope on this one is a Stith 2 3/4X "Double" (meaning it has internal adjustments) but you could mount any 1-inch tube scope as long as the objective bell isn't huge:

Another option is that Bausch & Lomb made a version of their externally adjustable mount that likewise didn't requie the bridge to be D&T.  It looks like this on an undrilled 1948 300 H&H Magnum:

While these are "vintage" mounts, I don't think they're too hard to find on eBay, etc.  They're the two best options I can think of for an undrilled H&H length M70 action.

There are many receiver sight options.  As Zeb pointed out, in 1947 Lyman changed the base block of the 48WJS such that it could be installed without removing a chunk of the stock.  After 1950 it could be had with either the "Target" or "Stayset" knobs.  The only downsides to that one is that on the 1947-1950 version the elevation screw did protrude a little at the bottom so it can't be put all the way down without creating a "divot" in the stock, and depending on the individual stock the bottom edge of the base block still sometimes contacted the wood, leaving an impressed "scar" when removed.  

But there are many options, for example the Lyman 57WJS or Redfield 70W and 80W sights, where the base block was entirely above the wood.  No problems there.  For a 375 Magnum that you're probably not going to shoot over 200 yards you don't need a huge amount of elevation adjustment.

Hope this Helps,

Lou

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