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I have a lettered model 1890 that left the warehouse June, 1898. The letter states the rifle left with a "peep sight". That’s the exact wording. I see where it at one time had a tang sight so I assume that’s what it left the factory with. The rifle did not have the sight when I got it. I want to replace this sight but don’t know what the sight data for this period would be. Does anyone have information with regard to the above so I can try to locate a tang sight for this rifle?
Thanks in advance for any information………..
Len
I will make a best guess to hopefully get the ball rolling for you. If "Peep Sight" does mean tang sight then I believe a Lyman No.1 or No.2 tang sight for the Winchester 1890 would be a logical fit. Because it’s 1898 a No.1A or 2A would not be correct. The "A" is for a locking lever mechanism that came out after 1898. I would also try to find one without any markings on top of the base of the sight. Later sights may have LYMAN or more stamped right on top the base. Your sight will probably have very small Lyman patent dates lettered around the sight stem below the adjustment sleeve. The bottom may be marked WS. I think some have W or WS and W.
No.1 sights have a flip out aperture. No. 2 sights have a threaded aperture that allow you to add discs of your choosing.
This is a No.1. I believe this is what Mr. Stroebel calls the second variation in "Old Gunsights". The flip out aperture is missing, which happens.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Lyman-No-1-Combination-Tang-sight-WS-Winchester-1890-1906-/390901373319?pt=Vintage_Hunting&hash=item5b03899987
I seem to see quite a few of these around for sale so I think a guy could hold out for one in whatever finish condition he needs and find it.
I believe a member here has posted nice pictures of a very high condition 1890 with a factory Lyman tang sight before, maybe he will see this and post pictures. Hopefully I’m on the right track and if not one of the more advanced collectors or 1890 collectors will chime in.
Brad
January 26, 2011
Offline
I think I have seen more of the Lyman No. 2 sights with the removable disc on the higher condition 1890’s. The larger cup seems more prevalent on them too. Sometimes they are paired up with a combination beech front sight. Just my observations when perusing the higher end 1890’s.
~Gary~
No.1 sights have a flip out aperture. No. 2 sights have a threaded aperture that allow you to add discs of your choosing.
This is a No.1. I believe this is what Mr. Stroebel calls the second variation in "Old Gunsights". The flip out aperture is missing, which happens.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Early-Lyman-No-1-Combination-Tang-sight-WS-Winchester-1890-1906-/390901373319?pt=Vintage_Hunting&hash=item5b03899987
My mistake. After looking at the sight here at this link again I can’t see that it ever had a flip out aperture so my guess is that it’s a No.2 rather than a No.1.
Brad
Not sure if this will help.
With a lot of luck, I’ll try to add some pictures of a 2nd model SN 162791 that has an unmarked (on top) tang sight. Also has a globe front sight.
66M20e/Len – where ’bouts are you in upstate NY? I’m in northwestern Wayne County, near Webster.
I’ve had trouble with Photo Bucket so this may not work.
If not, Len, send me a PM and I can email some pictures for you.
Hope this helps.
Jolly
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I’m now in Sullivan County. I was in Fulton County a while back. I’m confused as to why a person would order a tang sight and not a front sight. My rifle has the standard rear and front sight, The factory letter does not mention any other type of sights yet mentions every other option. Do you come across many model 1890’s were ordered with a tang sight only?
Thanks,
Len
Len/66M20e,
As with many guns made as long ago as your M1890, sights could have been changed, probably many more than once. And your gun may have left the Winchester factory with a special ordered tang sight, but the front sight may have been standard.
I would think any period correct tang sight and front sight would be suitable for your ’90. I think most collectors are comfortable with that.
If you’re down in Sullivan County, the Syracuse gun show on September 13th and 14th may be the place to find some sights for your gun.
Ken Bean from York PA will be there and he usually has a nice selection. Ken and his wife are very nice people and he may be able to help you out.
Jolly
Here is mine in the 37,xxx range. Lyman tang sight has no Lyman logo on the top, it is marked w and s on the bottom. Was on this rifle a long time and the paper shims underneath were factory cut outs to fit, but it does not letter.
Lyman factory ran a program to send your gun to them an they would mount the sights and target the gun for you. Whenever bubba mounts a sight I see a lot of missed hits and marks on the barrel and sight and mine has done, it is clean. Mine also has a Lyman ivory front and folding rear all Lyman and all done clean. Hope this helps.
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January 26, 2011
Offline
Here’s another example of a 2nd model 1890 with a Lyman No 2, No 6 folding leaf in middle and just a standard type front sight.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=433215363
~Gary~
Thanks to all of you for your help. Now I have a very good idea of what I need to find. The sights on my M1890 must be as it left the warehouse. I see a flip sight on one of the 90’s. Mine does not have a dove tail for the rear sight. Therefore I would assume it never had anything but the standard rear (and front) sight. My M1890 is a 4 (7XXX) digit serial number vintage. So I want to make sure I find a replacement tang sight to match it’s manufactured era. Problem is it also has to be 98% or better! Thank you to all again for the help……..
Len
66M20e said
Thanks to all of you for your help. Now I have a very good idea of what I need to find. The sights on my M1890 must be as it left the warehouse. I see a flip sight on one of the 90’s. Mine does not have a dove tail for the rear sight. Therefore I would assume it never had anything but the standard rear (and front) sight. My M1890 is a 4 (7XXX) digit serial number vintage. So I want to make sure I find a replacement tang sight to match it’s manufactured era. Problem is it also has to be 98% or better! Thank you to all again for the help……..
Len
Your gun if it has the original rear sight does have a dovetail. The rear sight is mounted with a screw. The sight uses a insert in the dovetail that is tapped for that screw.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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