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July 22, 2018
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As a follow up to my previous post on 5-16 about Tang Markings or the lack of them. Are there any leads out there on the availability of a 98c peep sight??
The bolt appears to be properly milled OEM.
Just checking with the experienced “Experts” out in the “field”. Any input will be appreciated
I think it’s a worthy project/attempt at Restoration there are some more pictures included in the earlier post.
Paul
April 15, 2005
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Paul,
Is this the rifle with a 32 WCF barrel? If it is, the correct step to take is to replace the milled (218 Bee) bolt with a standard (non-milled) bolt. Finding a small caliber bolt (Model 1892, 53, or 65) with be immensely easier than finding a loose No. 98C bolt peep sight (and it will cost significantly less). With extremely rare exception, the Model 65 rifles in calibers 25-20 WCF and 32 WCF were not special ordered and fitted with a No. 98C bolt peep sight.
In my research survey for the Model 65, I have thus far documented (452) rifles made for the 218 Bee cartridge, and of that number, just (397) were factory equipped with the No. 98C bolt peep sight. The remaining (55) 218 Bee rifles (approximately 12.2%) were equipped with the lesser expensive No. 22-H barrel mounted rear sight.
Your other option (and my recommendation) would be to locate an original Model 65 218 Bee barrel to replace the 32 WCF barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 22, 2018
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Thanks for the input Bert. This project will easily slide onto the “back burner”. We should have a little time to map out a proper path to take on the “Restoration” plan. It’ll give me a good excuse to scour the gunshow tables and wrecking yards for the components needed to make it work. PH
April 6, 2022
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If Mike Richards still runs Old Gun Sights he might still be able to supply the reproduction bolt peep sight and repair parts for the originals. PM if you want his number. Also might post a want to buy on 24hourcampfire.com . There is a member there who had one or more he would sell a while back.
Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
Grumpy old man with a gun......Do Not Touch.
March 31, 2009
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Edward Southgate said
If Mike Richards still runs Old Gun Sights he might still be able to supply the reproduction bolt peep sight and repair parts for the originals. PM if you want his number. Also might post a want to buy on 24hourcampfire.com . There is a member there who had one or more he would sell a while back.
I believe Mike retired.
July 3, 2020
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Mike has retired… He sold all his sights & parts. I was able to purchase all the remaining 98A repair parts. I will have them at the Cody gun show this next week.
April 6, 2022
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Glad he got to retire but I will miss the resource .
Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
Grumpy old man with a gun......Do Not Touch.
January 27, 1992
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Something you should check is to see, if the firing pin is machined to accept the bolt peep. I have seen parts clean-up bolts that had the bolt machined for the peep sight, but the firing pin was the standard round firing pin. This prevents the peep sight from being installed properly.
RDB
April 6, 2022
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rogertherelic said
Something you should check is to see, if the firing pin is machined to accept the bolt peep. I have seen parts clean-up bolts that had the bolt machined for the peep sight, but the firing pin was the standard round firing pin. This prevents the peep sight from being installed properly.RDB
You don’t by chance have a picture of a pin cut for the bolt peep that you can post , do you ? The bolt with peep that I bought off of Ebay does not have a firing pin . I can buy a standard pin and modify it if I knew what the difference is . Otherwise I will have to pay triple the price for a pin already cut for the peep. Since I am not skilled at disassembling my 71 that also has the bolt peep it would be handy to see one someone else took apart.
Better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.
Grumpy old man with a gun......Do Not Touch.
January 27, 1992
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Sorry, I failed to take a picture of the firing pin when I had it out. It was many years ago and I didn’t even have a digital camera then. Perhaps another member has a photo of the modified firing pin. Looking at the open bolt, you can see where the ‘drum shaped’ nut for the elevation thumb screw slides in. The firing pin sides are machined to allow the sight sides to fit over the pin. It also has reliefs cut for the elevation nut and thumb screw. RDB
