Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Sights

1873man on Are leather sight bags safe for storing target sights?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:12:26 +0000

The issue I see with leather against steel is if humidity/moisture is absorbed by the leather can cause rust. If your storage area is dry enough you probably will be ok unless the leather was tanned with urine. I will not store leather slings in a gun safe because I have seen the leather get funky.

Bob

TXGunNut on Are leather sight bags safe for storing target sights?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:03:04 +0000

I use a couple of the bags similar to the ones from MVA. The leather is not the problem, it's the chemicals used to tan it. I think the MVA folks wisely specify a type leather that won't attack their fine sights. Most don't have near the class of the one made by Scagel.

Mike

Bert H. on Are leather sight bags safe for storing target sights?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:47:55 +0000

Bill,

I have a Single Shot rifle (40-70 Ballard claiber) that was originally purchased by W.E. Scagel (a semi-famous knife maker). The rifle was factory equipped with a long-range vernier graduated peep sight, and Scagel fashioned a leather sheath for the elevation staff (see the attached pictures). The leather sheath has been on/with the rifle since 1904, and thus far it has had no negative effects to the sight staff or the receiver frame.

Bert

Zebulon on Are leather sight bags safe for storing target sights?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:05:46 +0000

Let's pretend the Montana Vintage Arms Buffalo Soule long range tang sight I own (a friendly transaction with Anthony) is mounted on a flawless Winchester 1885.

I store the rifle in a Bore Store, to protect it from hangar rash. MVA suggests its nifty fringed leather sight bags, a pair of which came today.

Because I know better than to store my Randall Bird & Trout knife in its leather scabbard, should I be equally concerned about these sight bags? Not only do they make contact with the sights but also with the gun's receiver and barrel.

Opinions?

tim tomlinson on Double Rear Dovetail model 1894

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:25:11 +0000

FWIW, I had one 1892 with an added dovetail in which a level had been installed by an owner. Currently don't recall in which the level had been placed, tho.

I would guess it was ahead of the sight but that isn't a real concern. Owners, like shooters everywhere, do odd things for whatever reasons. Tim

Bert H. on Double Rear Dovetail model 1894

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:03:34 +0000

The second dovetail slot was without a doubt added by a former owner, most likely to move the rear sight closer to his shooting eye.

Bert

Lenny71 on Double Rear Dovetail model 1894

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:30:11 +0000

Hi all. I am new to this forum but was hoping that may be with all of your expertise. You might be able to help me with my 30 WCF model 1894 MFG 1900. It has a double rear sight dove tail in the barrel. One has what looks to be a period correct insert. Have any of you ever seen this before? I greatly appreciate any and all help.

Max on Identifying a Winchester Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:29:36 +0000

Thanks Bert.

Bert H. on Identifying a Winchester Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:36:07 +0000

Your sight is a "Sporting Leaf" as listed by Winchester. The were used on the Model 1876, Single Shot, and Model 1886.

Bert

Max on Identifying a Winchester Rear Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:38:24 +0000

Thanks fellows. It came on an 1886 that I purchased in 45-70 caliber.

cj57 on Identifying a Winchester Rear Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:34:02 +0000

It was also used on many model 1886s

1873man on Identifying a Winchester Rear Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:22:59 +0000

That is a Winchester Sporting Leaf sight since it ranges up to 10 its would of been used on the 76 or Hotchkiss.

Bob

Max on Identifying a Winchester Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:06:42 +0000

Here are the photos of the sight I am trying to identify. I'm new at adding photos. They didn't show on my first post.

Max on Identifying a Winchester Rear Ladder Sight

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:01:33 +0000

Here are the photos. They didn't show up my first post. Thanks

Max on Identifying a Winchester Ladder Sight

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:56:58 +0000

Would like some help identifying a rear ladder sight that came on a Winchester 1886 I purchased in 45-70 caliber. It was manufactured in 1895. To me, it looks similar to a Winchester 44A sight, but is a little different. Thanks for any help.