I recently purchased a Marlin Mod 30 in 30-30 that appears to be in near new condition. I purchased the rifle primarily as a back-up "camp gun" for Northern Wisconsin whitetail hunting where shots are usually at or below 100 yards. The rifle shoots to about 2- 2-1/2 inches at the range which is certainly adequate for its designated purpose. My problem is my 65 year old eys and the difficulty I have in focusing on the factory open sights. My understanding is that "peep-style" sights might be helpful.

I would appreciate any recommendations from forum members as to suggested replacements for the factory irons.

Thanks in advance.

A Willams peep sight will works well for me.

You might consider Williams Gunsight company:

http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/gunsightsdefault.htm#

You may also want to replace your front sight with one of their "Fire Sights".

Mine is a Williams FP-94/36 Receiver Peep Sight. Midway has them for $74.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=198988

Before you get a new set of sights . . . . . . . .


Give this simple, free addition to your shooting glasses a try. You might just find that you don't need new sights.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v726/Coloradoglocker/100_1772.jpg

A small aperture close to your eye increases the Depth of Field (distance from your eye where everything is in focus) so that the front and rear sight, as well as the target are in much sharper focus.

Take black electrical tape and punch out circles with a hole punch. Make a tiny hole in the middle (smaller the better) and stick to the outside of your shooting glasses so you can sight through the hole when you aim.

Don't worry, that big black donut will turn to a ghost image as it's too close to your eye to focus on.

Thanks to all the respondents. Costeve...I never have encountered the electrical tape aperture technique and I will certainly give it a try. I got Lasic surgery several years ago in part because of the general hassle of glasses...fogging, rain drops, breaking etc. I still have back up glasses so I will try your suggestion.

Brad

Dr.Tim Skinner makes three receiver peep sights for the Marlin 336.

His "standard" in blued steel:

http://skinnersights.com/images/1895picture2.jpg

The brass "standard"

http://skinnersights.com/images/1895picture1.JPG

And the Lo-Pro:

http://skinnersights.com/images/Lo-ProSight.JPG

Another good "visibility" peep set would be the FireSight set from Williams:

http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/images/63331fp94seset.jpg

.

All of the above are great sights. I have the XS Sight Systems ghost ring rear and white stripe front sight on my .30/30 and it is great...my eyes are almost as old as yours.

Lyman also makes a very nice aperture sight.