Aperture sight reccomendation for Marlin 336

[maroonandwhite]

I am debating on putting an aperture sight on my 336 and am hoping to get opinions on what to go with. I don't want to put a scope on it but I feel like the stock irons leave a little to be desired. I see that Williams and Skinner are the two most prominent vendors for them. Anyone have one or the other?

[gregintenn]

Williams Foolproof is the best currently being manufactured in my opinion. People speak well of the Skinner, but I don't care for the looks of them.

[maroonandwhite]

Williams Foolproof is the best currently being manufactured in my opinion. People speak well of the Skinner, but I don't care for the looks of them.

Hmmm that's interesting. I like the looks of the Skinner better but the ease of adjustment on the Williams is making the decision a hard one.  I guess once I set it though I won't be changing it. I want it to be as slender and snag free as possible so that particular model may be out though.

[Handsome Rob]

I love the look of the Skinner, but having to change to a taller front is a pain. Working out what height you need is a lesson in trigonometry I could've lived without.
I've got a Williams on my current 336a & I really like the adjustability & ease of mounting.
Plus, Murphy being the sumbitch he is, if I knock, break or otherwise screw it into a cocked hat, it's 2 screws to whip it off & I've still got the originals to fall back on.

[maroonandwhite]

I love the look of the Skinner, but having to change to a taller front is a pain. Working out what height you need is a lesson in trigonometry I could've lived without.
I've got a Williams on my current 336a & I really like the adjustability & ease of mounting.
Plus, Murphy being the sumbitch he is, if I knock, break or otherwise screw it into a cocked hat, it's 2 screws to whip it off & I've still got the originals to fall back on.

Do you have the FP or the WGRS version?

[Handsome Rob]

I've got the FP with target knobs.
Any sight that bolts to the top of the receiver generally necessitates replacing the front sight. Not a problem if you prefer a straight blade. Just order the tallest & file it down as needed. I'm one of 'those' people that prefers a marbles type post.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk Edited November 20, 2015 by robtattoo

[gregintenn]

I'm a fan of tang sights, but there isn't a decent one being manufactured today. You'll need to peruse ebay and similar sites for old Marbles, Lyman, etc.

 

The closer you can get the aperture to your eye, the better.

Edited November 20, 2015 by gregintenn

[Caster]

Greg is right, hit eBay and find an OLD lyman.  Back when they cared about the stuff they made, they made really nice stuff.

[gregintenn]

You might tread carefully into the vintage sight world, as it can be as expensive and exciting as a bad gun habit. :D :D :D I'd search out a Lyman 21 (Climbin' Lyman) if money were no object.

[Clod Stomper]

Here's another that I've considered. More of a ghost-ring than aperture, though.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/920514/xs-ghost-ring-hunting-sight-set-marlin-336-30as-and-1894-with-integral-ramp-fits-newer-700-hole-space-front-base-steel-matte

[cknight8]

Williams is what my Marlin lever guns wear. I've got both the WGRS and the Foolproof, with the latter but much better in my opinion. I especially love the target knob FP model

[gregintenn]

If you ever find yourself up this way, I'd be happy to let you try out my Williams and see how you like it before you buy anything.

 

An aperture sight is a big improvement over factory sights.

Edited November 21, 2015 by gregintenn

[deerslayer]

Here's another that I've considered. More of a ghost-ring than aperture, though.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/920514/xs-ghost-ring-hunting-sight-set-marlin-336-30as-and-1894-with-integral-ramp-fits-newer-700-hole-space-front-base-steel-matte

 

I believe one of the newer Marlin 1895s comes with this sight.  I'll probably end up with one on my 336 sooner or later. 

[quedz]

FYI, Midway review:

XS Ghost-Ring Hunting Sight

"Warning!! This sight will NOT work with the newer Marlin 336 rifles with a SINGLE screw in the front sight ramp.I contacted XS Sights about this and Marlin changed it without their knowledge and at this time, you will either need to have a gunsmith drill and tap for a new second hole AND also drill the existing hole deeper as Marlin also made the screw hole not quite as deep OR you will need to wait for XS to bring out the new version of their sight that should work with both versions of the Marlin Sight Base (they told me sometime in June). This is a recent change on the Marlin rifles so take your front sight assembly a part before ordering this.The sights are very nice though and I'm going to have a gunsmith drill and tap instead of waiting for the new version (the new version still won't alleviate the issue of Marlin now only using one screw to secure the sight to the rifle)"

Edited November 22, 2015 by hughd