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Hello all, I have a 1907 built, Model 1894 rifle which has the “sporting rear sight flattop” rear sight installed. It looks as though it may have been added at a later date and not original to the rifle, as the bluing is not worn in the same fashion as the rest of the bluing.
I am curious of a few things,
Would it be common for the sight to be blued differently than the rest of the rifle and wear better?
What determined if this type of sight was installed on the 32WS vs the “Smokeless Rear Sight”?
What model of tang sight would be period specific for this particular rifle? Is the Lyman 1A the only peep sight that was available at the time? How hard are they to come by these days?
Thanks : )
Matt Herman said
What model of tang sight would be period specific for this particular rifle? Is the Lyman 1A the only peep sight that was available at the time? How hard are they to come by these days?
How hard? As hard as placing a bid on ebay, if you can narrow down which to bid on from the many currently listed. Beginning in 1905, a buyer could also choose a Lyman #2 or a Marbles Flexible. The “A” denotes the (useless) locking lever that could be had on both #1 & #2 variants, so you’ve got plenty to choose from.
Is your ’94 a .32 Spl? If so, the Smokeless sight would be correct for it, though I’ve never heard an explanation of why it should need a sight different from that used on .30WCF.
Thank you for the reply Clarence, I wasn’t aware the other peep sights were an option, appreciate that!
Yes, my rifle is a 32 Win Special, but when perusing the forum it seems the standard rear sight should be a 22b with 1B elevator, whereas mine has the flattop elevator. But maybe that was possible too. I really wondered what made them put the standard on the rifle vs. the Smokeless Rear sight? Maybe that was a customer request?
Matt Herman said
Yes, my rifle is a 32 Win Special, but when perusing the forum it seems the standard rear sight should be a 22b with 1B elevator, whereas mine has the flattop elevator. But maybe that was possible too. I really wondered what made them put the standard on the rifle vs. the Smokeless Rear sight? Maybe that was a customer request?
Sure, if it was a customer request. I’ve never liked the looks of that hulking Smokeless sight, so maybe the original owner thought likewise. As for elevators, I refuse to learn anything about them, as I deplore open sights.
I agree on the smokeless sight, to me it looks as though it doesn’t belong. I am hoping to find a peep sight for it, and plan to hunt with this one in the fall. Thanks for the help
Matt Herman said
I am hoping to find a peep sight for it, and plan to hunt with this one in the fall.
If so, by all means pick up a tang sight, preferably with the 2 screws inc. Expect to spend at least $200. My preference would be a Marble’s, though they’re much less common than Lymans.
Well
clarence said
Matt Herman said
I am hoping to find a peep sight for it, and plan to hunt with this one in the fall.If so, by all means pick up a tang sight, preferably with the 2 screws inc. Expect to spend at least $200. My preference would be a Marble’s, though they’re much less common than Lymans.
Well I feel like I lucked out tonight on eBay, found a Marbles Flexible with original box, instructions, and screws. It wasn’t cheap, like you said, but after your advice I didn’t feel like that particular sight might pop up again anytime soon. Thank you sir!
Just an observation concerning the 32 Winchester Special sight. The sight only contacted the barrel at the dovetail, unless it was pushed completely down.
Using the standard Winchester sight with an elevator usually left a wear mark on the barrel. The 32 sight was adjusted for distance by pulling the sight ears rearward and then adjusting them up or down. It is spring locked in place. Quite clever, but not as sleek looking as the standard sight.
RDB
rogertherelic said
Just an observation concerning the 32 Winchester Special sight. The sight only contacted the barrel at the dovetail, unless it was pushed completely down.Using the standard Winchester sight with an elevator usually left a wear mark on the barrel. The 32 sight was adjusted for distance by pulling the sight ears rearward and then adjusting them up or down. It is spring locked in place. Quite clever, but not as sleek looking as the standard sight.
RDB
Yes, clever, but why was it offered ONLY on the Special? It’s not even shown among all the other sights in catalogs during the time it was available.
I believe it was only available on the .32 win special because that caliber was able to use black powder OR smokeless powders, and you could adjust the sight accordingly. .32 win special had a slower twist at 1/16 so it could be dual purpose so to speak. Probably not telling you anything you don’t already know, but that’s what my Winchester book tells me.
I like the Winchester .32 Special sight. Both rifles pictured are .32 Specials:
I have seen (one anyway) Model 1894 .30-30 with a .32 Special rear sight (that lettered). Makes sense to me. If someone wanted that sight, they simply ordered it and Winchester sent it out with that sight. I do have one on a .32 Special carbine I have. Unfortunately, it’s beyond the letterable range. However, it is special order with pistol grip checkered stock and Winchester recoil pad:
Steve,
I almost scratched my eyes out when that M****n came into view, but I recovered when the special order PG Carbine took its place. Do I have the S/N for that gun?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Steve,
I almost scratched my eyes out when that M****n came into view, but I recovered when the special order PG Carbine took its place. Do I have the S/N for that gun?
Bert
Sorry Bert. Bert – I know you are not a Marlin guy. In fact, I’m surprised you even recognized it as when it comes to rifles, you a Winchester Guy! Yes, you do have the serial number and details of the ’94 carbine in your survey.
steve004 said
Sorry Bert. Bert – I know you are not a Marlin guy. In fact, I’m surprised you even recognized it as when it comes to rifles, you a Winchester Guy! Yes, you do have the serial number and details of the ’94 carbine in your survey.
One never forgets the face of a pretty woman, or details of an “ugly” gun 
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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