Marlin 1894 receiver sight, specifically Williams foolproof

[historicfirearms]

I want to order a receiver sight for my mid-1980's Marlin 1894CS. My rifle is factory drilled and tapped on the side of the receiver, as well as the top. I was looking on Midway at the Williams foolproof side mount sight, and they mentioned that a hammer extension may be needed. I would like to avoid using a hammer extension if possible. Does anyone have this sight on their 1894? If so, do you mind sharing your thoughts on it, and maybe a picture?

[phaessler]

I have them on my 336, 30AS, 1895CB and my 1894 .44. Plenty of room to use without a hammer extension, even the newer style of top drilled only
Marlins. The sight never comes rearward of the receiver leaving the hammer free to be operated like normal.
Will get some pictures up today for ya.

150381
My 1894 .44, a target style and the newer top mount configuration

150382
My 336 with the conventional side mount

150383
Another 1894 with the side mount

[Lever-man]

I have one on my 1894 and it does not require a hammer extension. Will be putting.one on a 336 R C as soon as the screws arrive. I also have an Ace in the Hole from williams on a Marlin 336. It works but not as good as the FP too hard to adjust. If you ever use one of the Ace in the Hole sights be sure to lock tite all the screws on the peep setup I almost lost mine.

[historicfirearms]

Wow phaessler! I didn't expect someone to respond so quickly and with great pictures. Thanks, you guys are great!

[phaessler]

Cleaned out the safe after 8 straight days of rain....that's the least I could offer. I will say that threadlocker in some form is a good thing with these installs. And be sure to check the front sight height. I have never had a stock one work with a Williams. Williams has some good information on their sight, as does Brownells. I know a lot of people are using Skinner sights also.
Good luck

[JSnover]

I know a lot of people are using Skinner sights also.
Good luck
I have and enjoy a Williams FP. The Skinner doesn't add anything to the side of the receiver: Keeps it nice and smooth, so it doesn't break the lines of the 1894 (just my preference). But the Williams gives you more windage and elevation if you need it.

[historicfirearms]

I have a Skinner on my 1895 and like it. I wanted a little easier adjustability for the 1894 because I switch back and forth between 357 mag and 38 special.

[JSnover]

I have a Skinner on my 1895 and like it. I wanted a little easier adjustability for the 1894 because I switch back and forth between 357 mag and 38 special.
At what distance do you shoot them, (just to satisfy my curiosity) and how far apart are the groups, vertically? My 94 has the Buckhorn and I'd like to replace it with the FP or Skinner. According to Andy at Skinner, the rear sight offers about 10" elevation at 100 yards (4 and a half turns, 2" per half-turn).

[dragon813gt]

If you go w/ a Skinner just set it and forget it. You need small allen wrenches to adjust them. Not something you want to attempt in the field. If you shoot multiple loads learn the different holdovers so they hit the same point. The lack of field adjustability is the only drawback to a Skinner sight.

[Scharfschuetze]

Good idea to put an aperture sight on your Model 94. Get the Williams with the adjustment knobs instead of the screw slots (target style) for best convenience in adjustment, particularly if you are experimenting with different loads and boolit weights. Keep a record of your settings and you can always return to a given zero for a given range and load.

You might also consider a Lyman Model 66 sight or if you can find an old Redfield at a gun show, it's well worth investing in also. They should all fit your Model 94 as the screw spacing seems to be the same for all the common lever action rifles.

Redfield and Lyman sights:

[JSnover]

I can live with that. My approach with the FP would be the same, since I see no point in packing different loads afield for the same gun. Others do but I'd rather not. It's really a question of whether or not I need a shorter or taller front sight, depending on which rear sight I install.

[OverMax]

More likely a hammer extension is needed for scope use.

[FergusonTO35]

I have Williams 5D and FP sights on my 1894, 336, 1895, and the Winchester 94 I used to have. Plenty of room for the hammer spur on all of them.

[blixen01]

I have Williams 5D and FP sights on my 1894, 336, 1895, and the Winchester 94 I used to have. Plenty of room for the hammer spur on all of them.

Same here. In fact a spur could contribute to light hammer strikes and for sure can hang up on clothes and brush--and falls off at the worst possible time.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I have both the side mount and top mount for your gun. Both have Target Knobs. I will sell you either one as they have both been removed and replaced with other sights. Both are as new.

PM me if you like to save a few bucks off new price.

Randy

[historicfirearms]

Thanks Randy! PM sent on the side-mount sight.

[northmn]

I have gone one step further and installed a .531 high green fiberoptic front sight to accomodate the Williams sights when needed. My cowboy 30-30 and 38-55 did not need a higher sight my old 336 made in 1949 did. As to aperatures. I tried the old ghost sight system and do not really like it and instead use the Williams "twilight" aperature or a similar sized one. Could see a smaller one for sight in. Might be personal but my groups definitely tightened when I installed an aperature on my old 336 that did not have one.

DP

[Scharfschuetze]

I tried the old ghost sight system and do not really like it and instead use the Williams "twilight" aperature or a similar sized one.

A very good option to help out with the proper aperture size is the Merit iris disk that is adjustable for any given light intensity or individual preference.

http://www.meritcorporation.com/

I use them on my bolt action match rifles as well as several sporting rifles. Here is the "Hunter" version on a Model 94 Winchester and a "Target" diameter Merit disk on a 1903 Springfield.

[W.R.Buchanan]

Mike here's pics of the Williams Sight for your gun. This one has the Target Knobs. See my PM.

Randy

[Airman Basic]

The front sight on my old .44 works fine with the Williams.
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