New Marble's Tang Sight Help Needed

[xgboy]

I just received a new Marble's Tang sight for my Browning 71 (.348 Win, of course) and am initially pleased with its finish, etc., except that I am unable to turn the windage adjustment screw!  This is a brand new sight, new from the box.  I've had numerous tang sights (vintage Lyman and Marbles) on leverguns and have never had any problems.  Not desiring to force anything, I've soaked the mechanism in solvents and have used finger pressure, only.  Is there a secret handshake with these new models; am I not holding my mouth right?  There doesn't appear to be any locking mechanism.  There were no printed instructions in the sealed box.  I won't mount the sight until the adjustment problem is cured and would prefer to avoid returning it to the manufacturer or retailer.  Have any of you faithful had any similar problems?  Any suggestions?  Any help appreciated.  Frank

[Yukon Jack]

I've got a Marbles tang sight for my Win 1895, purchased it last year.  I don't have any problems adjusting with my fingers.  I'd send it back to Marbles and get them to send you another.  Maybe a screw is bent or something.  You should be able to adjust it with your fingers, but it shouldn't be loose.

[C A Plater]

I could be the spring is putting too much pressure on the sight and makes turning it difficult.   With the sight it the upright position, try to push it down some to take pressure off the screw and see if it turns then.   My sight was tight when I first got it and has smoothed up considerably with some age.

[Prince of Wales]

xgboy since the Win 71 is a pistol grip can I assume that the same sight will fit the Win 64? It seems that the Lyman #2 will only fit straight grip stocks and I hope to use a tang peep on my 64. Thanks. POW

[xgboy]

Thanks to all for the replies.  It's good to know it's not my imagination.

For information, I drafted an e-mail to Marble's stating the problem I was having with the tang peep windage adjustment.  I received a response within three hours providing mailing instructions for repair. :-)

Prince of Wales:  Marble's does provide a tang peep for the Winchester Model 64, but the parts/order numbers are different for each model (even Browning/Mirouku reproductions of the various Winchesters).  Make certain to check at the specifications page on the Marble's website before ordering.  

In visiting Marble's website preparatory to drafting the e-mail, an additional question was been raised.  In reviewing the specifications page for the peep tang sights, I noted that there are two designations (and differing part numbers) for the Browning Model 71, specifically:
 
"Browning 71" (number 009828);  and
"Browning 71 LT" (number 009822) - with a notation, "Made in Japan".
 
There is confusion regarding the correct Marble's peep tang sight for the Browning 71 rifles.  All the Browning Model 71 rifles were "Made in Japan" and all were stamped with Model 71; there has never been a catalogued Browning Model "71 LT".  (There were four variations: 20" carbines and 24" rifles, each offered in a standard or a deluxe grade.  Frame dimensions are the same for all these; all featured pistol grip stocks; none featured any tang safety; none was designated "LT".)
 
Before ordering, I contacted Marble's tech support (at Brownell's) and was directed to order the Marble's # 9828, which I did.  No one at Marble's, Brownell's, or Midway (each of which list models for the mysterious "LT") could explain why there was more than one tang site variation for the Browning 71.  On the Midway site, in the customers' ratings section pertaining to the Marble's tang sights, one customer reported that his gunsmith, when mounting the sight (it requires one hole be drilled and tapped in the tang) noted that the elevation stem provided was not correct for the Browning 71 (though, presumably, the order/parts number was correct).  Thus, there may really be a problem with the dual parts numbers.

A continuing mystery!