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?
30-30 Marlin open sights or not
- Thread starter pennzy
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You won't know what the old eyes can still do until you try. Scopes come off, scopes go back on.
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.
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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.
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!
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!
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.
And it looks one helluva lot nicer without a scope.
KSDrifter
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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
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Maddog 521
Member
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
Member
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.
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
US Veteran
Go for it! Take it off!!!
fishcreekrim
Member
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
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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.
I haven't fired my Marlin 336 in years but I got some tight groups with the iron sights when I did may part.
hotshot357
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That looks GOOD !!!!!!
p8riot
US Veteran
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
Got receiver sights on levers, Lyman 66s. Nothing quicker at 100yds with big aperature.
I've replaced all of the semi-buckhorn rear sights on my Marlin's and Henry with Marbles "bullseye" peep sights. Less expensive than Skinners and others, and they work fine for my 67 year old eyes out to 100yd work.
And they look like they belong on a lever gun.
Rifle Adjustable Peep Long Bullseye Rear Sight Black : MARBLE ARMS RIFLE LONG BULLSEYE REAR SIGHT | Brownells
And they look like they belong on a lever gun.
Rifle Adjustable Peep Long Bullseye Rear Sight Black : MARBLE ARMS RIFLE LONG BULLSEYE REAR SIGHT | Brownells
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smoothshooter
Member
Transition lenses can be a godsend.
Find an optician that will allow you to bring in an unloaded, cased rifle with iron sights, aim it, and discuss the focal planes of the front sight, rear sight, and target.
A surprising number of them ( at least in my area ) are very receptive to the idea.
with transition lenses, a sweet spot can often be found by a slight movement of your head that will bring a sharper image to the sights.
For pistol shooting, I only have a narrow band ( less than a half inch) at the top of my lenses ground for distance viewing, driving, etc, with the lower portion for close-up and arm's length focus. That way I don't have to tilt my head so far back to see the sights on a pistol clearly.
I do not understand why more shooters don't try this and instead put up with bad choices in prescriptions.
Find an optician that will allow you to bring in an unloaded, cased rifle with iron sights, aim it, and discuss the focal planes of the front sight, rear sight, and target.
A surprising number of them ( at least in my area ) are very receptive to the idea.
with transition lenses, a sweet spot can often be found by a slight movement of your head that will bring a sharper image to the sights.
For pistol shooting, I only have a narrow band ( less than a half inch) at the top of my lenses ground for distance viewing, driving, etc, with the lower portion for close-up and arm's length focus. That way I don't have to tilt my head so far back to see the sights on a pistol clearly.
I do not understand why more shooters don't try this and instead put up with bad choices in prescriptions.
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So that rear site change is all thats needed with a Marlin 336? No front sight change needed? Is it for fast or precise shooting?
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38SPL HV
Member
I trained with open sights years ago 1960s...first deer rifle had those nice buckhorn sights and hooded front (Marlin 336 New Haven manufacture). Nice buck came along while hunting in the beautiful Northeast woods - still within legal shooting hours - ...couldn't pickup the sights in the dimming light and had to pass on the shot.
Installed fixed 4x Weaver K4, and didn't miss again. Never shoot at a running Whitetail (slow trot or walk is ok), and take note that your rifle will not drill straight through brush. Take good clean shots with a scoped rifle of adequate power and you'll be rewarded with venison through the off season.
Installed fixed 4x Weaver K4, and didn't miss again. Never shoot at a running Whitetail (slow trot or walk is ok), and take note that your rifle will not drill straight through brush. Take good clean shots with a scoped rifle of adequate power and you'll be rewarded with venison through the off season.
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I prefer open sights on lever guns but when possible I install a receiver mounted peep sight which give me quicker acquisition and more accuracy in my opinion.
The stock rear sight mounted ahead of the receiver are tough to focus on for these aging eyes.....
The stock rear sight mounted ahead of the receiver are tough to focus on for these aging eyes.....
That is why my Marlin had a scope. Missed a slammer on opening day. Had the scope on it the next day.
I have a old "Waffle Top" Marlin 336 in .30-30 Winchester that was gifted to me by a church member in 2015. It had a nail holding the forearm on to the gun. The buttstock had a bad crack. The trigger was a bit funky. Perhaps 20% finish left. Got everything straightened out, stock tightened up, etc. At 75 long steps that thing will keep three shots inside of 1.25 inches shooting from the kneeling position using some ammo that is perhaps only 30 years old. Have fitted a nice Lyman aperture rear sight. My cow! That thing is fast! My much loved church member is now beyond hunting. But, overtime I pick that old rifle up and work the action ... I remember that afternoon. One time he saw me at the altar in the church ... I had taped my shoes up and he saw the holes. He gave me a nice pair of Dan Post cowboy boots. Said he didn't need them any more since he could no longer walk. Wore them this past weekend w/ my family. The rifle ... shoots like a laser ... equal to any current lever action I could buy at a shop. Sincerely. bruce.
Yes, yes, and actually, both.
Peep is fast because you look thru (and ignore) the
rear sight, and only pay attention to target & front sight.
It's more precise than the stock sights, because you add
another 8-10" (guessing here) of sight radius, between
front and rear sights.
Try it, you'll like it.
Gene L
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I've got Marble tang peeps on my Savage 99s because the first one I shot was set up like that and I thought it looked "periodic" and wanted the rifles to match. I took an old Weaver scope off one to do so. They do shoot more accurately than opens and being mounted far back, do indeed give a longer aiming plane. And they don't interfere with the carry. I've got pretty good eyes for a 75 year old and don't hunt, so my shooting is done in good light at a paper target. I like the challenge of no-scope aiming, but also like the challenge of making small groups with scoped rifles. The bolt rifles I have with scopes have no irons on them, my lever guns have no glass. Well, there is one bolt rifle I have with a Lyman long slide aperture on it, an Oberndorf Mauser from 1909. It came from Oberndorf that way, a claw mount on front. A guild rifle, high quality 8mmJ. I'm sure a scope would make it more accurate, but would be impossible to mount without drilling and ruining collector value.
The OP said he didn't intend to hunt and implied he might not shoot it, so I see no value to adding a peep. Certainly no reason for leaving the scope on when he wants to take it off, which has been suggested by some here for a reason I don't understand.
I
The OP said he didn't intend to hunt and implied he might not shoot it, so I see no value to adding a peep. Certainly no reason for leaving the scope on when he wants to take it off, which has been suggested by some here for a reason I don't understand.
I
For the most part, just replacing the rear sight works.
I have them on a Henry Golden Boy, Marlin 39A, 336 .30-30's, and a Marlin 1894 .44 Mag.
I have a Lyman receiver peep sight on my 444 with the original front sight, albeit the Lyman has a wider adjustable range in elevation and windage.
If you really want an easy sight picture, the front sight can be replaced with a fiber optic blade.
It's fast and I would have to say it's more precise than what I'd shoot with the tiny buckhorn style rear sight blade.
And, if after installing one and not liking it, you're not out a lot of money.
Not pictured on the brownell's website, the replacement sight uses rear sight elevator that's on your gun now.
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