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What would have been the standard sight combination for a 1894 22” short rifle 30 cal. made in 1908 ? I see different sight models in the Madis book and the Old Gunsights by Stroebel ?
Thanks,
Bill
Bill,
What is the distance from the center of the sight dovetail to the front face of the receiver frame?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
20 3/8 “ barrel distance. Also 8 3/8” forearm.
Marbles Sheard front sight
Rear sight not sure of. Not a Rocky Mountain, but similar with slightly more opening. 26b ? PAT FEB 22 ‘27 marked on rear sight front. Missing elevator. Any idea of type ?
Bert H. said
Bill,
What is the distance from the center of the sight dovetail to the front face of the receiver frame?
Bert,
20 3/8 “ barrel distance. Also 8 3/8” forearm.
Marbles Sheard front sight
Rear sight not sure of. Not a Rocky Mountain, but similar with slightly more opening. 26b ? PAT FEB 22 ‘27 marked on rear sight front. Missing elevator. Any idea of type ?
Bill, I think Bert was referring to the rear dove tail with the measurement. T/R
TR said
Bill, I think Bert was referring to the rear dove tail with the measurement. T/R
Yes, that is exactly what I was asking for.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Blueliner said
Bert,20 3/8 “ barrel distance. Also 8 3/8” forearm.
Marbles Sheard front sight
Rear sight not sure of. Not a Rocky Mountain, but similar with slightly more opening. 26b ? PAT FEB 22 ‘27 marked on rear sight front. Missing elevator. Any idea of type ?
Bill,
The rear sight you mention is a 22-series sight, and is not correct for a 1908 production short rifle. Many of the Short rifles have slightly reduced distance from the receiver to the rear sight dovetail, and were often fitted with the 3-leaf express sight. If the rear sight dovetail is in the same location as found on the 26-inch barreled Model 1894 rifles, they I would expect to find a 26-series sight installed.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Came across this one on Guns International. Is this the gun in question?
Bert & Deerhunter,
Yes, that’s the short rifle. Rear sight center of dovetail to receiver front is 3 15/16. I’m relatively sure it was not an original rear sight, and is missing the elevator. It’s been on the rifle for quite awhile. Markings on the barrel would indicate an extension from the sight by the elevator. The front Marbles Sheard looks very old and may be original. I’m wondering what the original rear sight was. Based on the front sight, if original, the rear may have been a Marbles, but could have been a Winchester, according to the Madis & Stroebel books. A lots of combinations there !
What are the likely rear sight possibilities ?
Bill
Bill,
The most likely sight was a Winchester 3-leaf express. They are frequently found with one or both of the folding leafs broken, which motivates someone to replace the sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks, Bert
The probability of finding a 3 leaf is low and price would be high.
Rather than find a replacement elevator for what’s on the rifle, what Winchester sight would be a good addition to this 1908 short rifle to match up with the Marbles Sheard blade sight ? This is understanding the center of dovetail to receiver is 3 15/16”
I’d like to get a good match-up for shooting accuracy.
Bill
Bill,
The only sight that is going to fit the short dovetail slot location is a 3-leaf express.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks for hanging in there Bert !
I’ll start an ongoing search, and maybe someone will come up with one after this posting.
Bill
Looking at the photos it looks like the rifle would accommodate a variety of standard length rear sights. Not just the 3-leaf express sight.
Bill, get a new elevator and you’ll be fine. Looking at the wear pattern I can not tell if the earlier one will fit best or the post 1900 elevators with the thumb piece on the rear?
Chuck,
Probably an elevator with PAT. 1901 was on there.
What Bert has pointed out is the dovetails are 1/2” different on pre & post 1900 by 1/2”. Thus the 3 leaf was intended for the 4” dovetail to receiver distance.
I’ll bring the rifle and my 1895 made 22” rifle to show you at LJ some Saturday.
My goal is to get the original sights on it, which also means replacing the Marbles front sight too.
Meanwhile, I’ll get an elevator from Dr. Winchester and return it for another if it doesn’t fit.
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