30-30 Marlin open sights or not

[pennzy]

I have an old 30-30- Marlin with a Tasco 4x32 on it. I used it for deer way back but haven't shot it in decades. Every time I take it out I get real close to taking the scope off just to make it more traditional so to speak but something always stops me. Maybe it is my old eyes telling me not to, I don't know. If I ever do decide to actually shoot it it won't be for hunting and will be just for giggles. What do think, go for it?

 

[Buford57]

You won't know what the old eyes can still do until you try. Scopes come off, scopes go back on.

 

[Goldstar225]

I don't know your age or eyesight but for me and my eyes open sights are difficult to use well. My lever action rifles have peep (aperture) sights.

 

[rockquarry]

For practical field use, I would never consider a .30-30 more than about a 150 yard rifle (or carbine). An aperture sight, for which many lever action guns are already drilled and tapped, works about as well as a low-powered (2.5x -4x) scope. It's usually easier to shoot well with an aperture sight than open sights, something to consider, particularly if one's vision isn't the best.

 

[NYlakesider]

Well I have a couple North woods carbines. One is a pre 64 30-30 Winchester and that one is still using its original iron sights.

The other carbine is a 70s era Ruger .44 Mag and that one has a 2 1/2 power scope on it. The only reason its still scoped it belonged to my best friend and long time hunting companion. When he died I was given the gun as he wanted me to have it. It will stay the way it is as long as I own it!

 

[Gene L]

Since you're not going to use it for hunting, I'd say ditch the scope. Aperture sights are more accurate, I guess, but if you don't intend it for accuracy, I don't see the point of spending the money for a peep.

 

[pistolpal]

Dump the scope. If you MIGHT use it go for a quality aperture (peep") sight which is all you'll need, even with marginal vision. Had one-did just that.Don't kill anything today but can still dump a gallon can at a hundred yards with the open peep sight.
And it looks one helluva lot nicer without a scope.

 

[KSDrifter]

I’ve thought about taking my 1x4 off of mine and putting on a red dot. But then I shoot my Henry .22lr with a red dot and note that my eyes start to bug out at 75 or so yards. It’s beyond that, 75 yards that I find the scope is great!

 

[Buick]

I cant manage irons very well anymore. A Leupold 1.5-5 scope makes all the difference. Very small and unobtrusive....and deadly.

 

[Maddog 521]

I have an old 1952 336 Marlin with open sights on it. I can still ring the gong at 120 yards with it with factory ammo. It's fun to shoot when the AR and AK group are at the range. Some have even asked to shoot it.

 

[Patrick L]

A+ on an aperture sight. My old pre microgroove Marlin isn't even drilled and tapped for scope mounts. I have a Williams 5D on it and it AMAZES me how well it will shoot.

Granted, I prefer a scope for hunting, even close range, because my eyes plain stink. But I can easily shoot the irons to the potential of the gun. Just throw a little brush, poor light, etc. into the mix and I just don't trust my eyesight. A game animal deserves better.

 

[GyMac]

Go for it! Take it off!!!

 

[fishcreekrim]

I like lever carbines for the handling characteristics, a scope detracts from that. Iron sights work at 30-30 ranges, more modern centerfires benefit from scopes. To me a scope on a lever 30-30 is like a winch on a corvette.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

I have 70 year old eyes, am due for an eye exam, but I find iron sights more challenging and shooting with them a greater test of shooting ability.
I haven't fired my Marlin 336 in years but I got some tight groups with the iron sights when I did may part.

 

[pennzy]

Thanks for the help guys. I took off the scope. Here's a picture

 

[hotshot357]

That looks GOOD !!!!!!

 

[pennzy]

Yup, yesteryear's assault rifle.

 

[p8riot]

I'm almost 64 and have peep sights on all 8 of my lever guns. Tried a scope on my 35Rem and 45/70 Marlins but just could not get used to them

 

[pennzy]

They carry a lot nicer without a scope too.

 

[Drm50]

Got receiver sights on levers, Lyman 66s. Nothing quicker at 100yds with big aperature.