Author Topic: Receiver sights for Winchester M-71, options? (Read 1700 times)

Dutch4122 · « **on:** August 25, 2003, 04:42:18 AM »

I just acquired a "shooter" Winchester M-71 in .348 caliber, standard rifle with the 24" barrel. The wood and metal finish shows the rifles age (built in 1936 serial number is 791#). It has obviously been hunted a lot in it's 67 years. The action is very smooth but tight and positive; the bore is excellant. I can tell that while this rifle spent a lot of time out of doors it was not shot any more than any other hunting rifle and mostly carried. I have already set aside a cache of .348 brass and I intend to load for and shoot/hunt this rifle as much as my other Leverguns.

I want to install a receiver sight on this rifle and I'm looking into my options. Although I'm not terribly crazy about the idea the rifle will have to be D&T'd as it was not done at the factory; apparently Winchester did not D&T these rifles til after serial #22,000 or so. I have been advised elsewhere to get one of the Lyman #56 sights (they are priced at $145 from collectors) as these were period for this rifle. I am also aware that Williams catalogs the FP-71. Are there any other receiver sights out there, past or present production?

Thanks,

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** August 25, 2003, 04:56:46 AM »

I was gonna suggest the classic Lyman 48 sight for your rifle, but it occurred to me that would only fit bolt action rifles.

Have you tried Marbles? They are still in business, and doing a brisk sales on classic antique-style sights for lever action rifles.

Another alternative is Williams. They offer several for flat-sided receivers like the Winchest and Marlin.

Yes, unfortunately, the collectors craze has bumped up rifle sights to incredible prices.

You don't intend on using a tang-mounted sight, do you?

That is probably no recommended, as the M71 has heavy recoil, and a tang-mounted sight can be an eye hazard.

HTH
John

Dutch4122 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 25, 2003, 05:13:49 AM »

John-

I'm not interested in a tang sight as I don't like the way that they affect the shooters grip. I'll probably end up with a Williams F/P-71 for this rifle as I can still get them from Williams Gunsight. I have the luxury of being able to walk in the shop and bug them in person as I live about 15-20 minutes north of their facility. Also, the F/P receiver sight has never let me down as I have them on 3 or 4 of my other rifles. Also, I'm not sure I want to shell out $145 + shipping for an iron sight.

Just thought I'd pick the collective brains on this forum and see what else might be out there.

Thanks for your help,

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 25, 2003, 08:05:21 AM »

I know what you said about the Marbles, and felt the same way until I put one on my '95. You can get around the grip and mine has turned out to be the most accurate peep I've ever used (and have a number of them). Since Marbles still makes them for the '86, may not have to D&T, they are adjustable for windage, beautifully made, $125 and...just a thought.

Lee D. · « **Reply #4 on:** August 25, 2003, 08:41:49 AM »

Mine has the original style bolt mounted peep. Is that one that is still available?

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 25, 2003, 09:38:05 AM »

The bolt peep it still made by a gentleman I believe in Montana. His ad is in Gun List, metallic sights, each time. Its also about $190 plus installation.

Win71 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 26, 2003, 11:32:12 AM »

Blackhawk, would you please post the URL for Gun List. I am interested in a bolt peep for my Model 71, the bolt is milled already. My dad removed the original years ago and it has been misplaced. Thank you!

Dutch4122 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 27, 2003, 02:05:11 PM »

Blackhawk44-

Thanks for the info on the gentleman who advertises the Bolt Peep in gun list. I will check into that. I have seen originals advertised for $245 on the net by "collectors." A new one sounds like a better idea. :grin:

Sky C. · « **Reply #8 on:** August 27, 2003, 05:04:37 PM »

Gentlemen-

Comment re the tang sight option for the M-71. I do not know the following first hand but have heard the following...

Tang sights designed to fit the M-1886 should work OK for the older M-71's, the ones with the long tang. However, not supposededly true for the later short tang versions. For those - the sight is placed too far forward and the bolt will crash into it upon cycling the action.

FWIW-

Best regards-

Sky C.
Longmont, CO

86er · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2003, 05:45:40 PM »

Since you describe your 71 as a "shooter", why not have it drilled for a receiver sight? As for the 71s not being factory drilled prior to serial number 20,000, I have no idea. However, I do own several late model 1886s, two of which were factory drilled for receiver sights. Average condition Winchesters are not really considered collector grade guns. If you have no intention of selling it, and want to hunt with it, then have it drilled and tapped.That's what I've done.

Dutch4122 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2003, 02:54:40 AM »

Gents-

Thanks for all of your help and advice. I'm considering all of my options at this point. Also, I'm looking for an original bolt peep sight that could be installed on this rifle. My understanding is that they can still be found at less than "collector" prices if one looks hard enough.

I'll update when I get this project finished.

Thanks again,