Yeti GOBOX Collection

Been looking at new rifles with iron sights

Fredrickeder

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Aug 29, 2023
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So I know I could get iron sight put on pretty much any rifle out there. But also been looking at ones that come with them installed already. Been looking at the 350 legend. Looking for pro and cons. Looking to use it for the dark and tight timber.
 
So I know I could get iron sight put on pretty much any rifle out there. But also been looking at ones that come with them installed already. Been looking at the 350 legend. Looking for pro and cons. Looking to use it for the dark and tight timber.
If I was thinking 350 Legend and irons, I'd build an AR with something like the Scalarworks irons. A lever gun in 357 mag would be a cool option too.
 
I just got done with that rabbit hole. Remington makes a bdl with sights. Ruger has a few too.

A 357 or 44 lever gun is lighter.
 
A few off the top of my head: Ruger Scout Rifle (308/350 Legend), Winchester 94 (30-30), Marlin 336 (357/30-30/45-70), Browning BLR (308), Tikka T3X Battue (308/30-06)
 
I've got several rifles with sights and do enjoy shooting them. Don't often hunt without a scope, but it's nice to know that the sights are there if I want them.

I recently set up a Henry lever action in 360 Buckhammer. Upgraded from the factory sights to a Skinner aperture sight and quick release scope mount with a 1.5-5x Leupold. Very nice 200 yard setup with 200 gr RN ammo, factory or handloads. Dunno if you like lever actions or not, but it's a good shooting rifle.

Regards, Guy
 

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The value of irons is fast target acquisition, so get a rifle that you can handle quickly and shoulders naturally.

For me that's either a Marlin or Winchester lever.

Single shots open up a lot of really slick options as well.
 
go scour the pawn shops and LGS. I scored a 1977 30-30 336 for $400 last year. Just finished up a season of walking it through the woods, and it was nice to carry through the thick timber.
 
We have a 760 30.06 that we'll never shoot. Trade with $$ for Ruger No. 1 that could be a 6.5x55 or, .260 Remington (probably the latter as we have tons of brass).
 
I keep a Rem 7600 carbine with a peep. I'd highly recommend, but they're tough to get these days, for any kind of reasonable price.
The carbines are especially difficult to find, I have a 742 carbine but haven’t found a pump. I have a couple of full size but I’d hate to cut one down.
 
I love to see the talk of iron sights. So many options and flexibility. Just a few comments though.

The old buffalo guns were pretty sweet... 45-120 woud do it for me, but the conventional set up may be a bit heavy for walking timber
Nitpickers, like me have to point out that there was never a .45-120 buffalo gun (despite one report to the contrary). .45-70s are far more user friendly (just think brass and powder economics and availability) and just as deadly.

Ruger No 1 would be awesome as well as these new Ruger made Marlins. This particular model comes with a peep mounted way back. Be a nice gun for timber hunts. https://www.marlinfirearms.com/s/model_70478/

The Rugerlins or Marlgers are nice from all reports, but the most-nicest levers are the true Marlins made in the very late 19th century and first 2/3s of the 20th. They are abundant enough to be easy to find.

Consider two sets of irons for your rifle, whatever type of rifle it is. Barrel sights and receiver or tang sight. Zeroed for different ranges, of course (or use the tang sight as a "clarifier" if your eyes are aging).

There is a really nice looking 1886 Winchester at the Owatonna Cabela's. I saw it 3 hrs ago. Not cheap but a fine rifle in and not quite everyday common .38-56.
 
Iron sights and old rifles are never boring. Look for the good old stuff and you won’t be disappointed…



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The black timber I'd be in all has big hairy apex predators in it. Local wisdom there says 45-70 in a Guide Gun. Who am I to argue?...
 
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