Adding open sights to a factory barrel

[RecurveArcher]

I have a Remington 700 sps rifle, factory barrel, chambered in .308. It is the standard hunting weight contour, but it does not come with iron sights. I was wondering if it were possible to have a gunsmith install the standard remington factory sights, or any similar sight for that matter, to my barrel. Would it decrease accuracy or be harmfull to my barrel at all? How much do you suppose it would cost?
Thanks for your help,

RecurveArcher

 

[ThomasT]

Yes you can add the sights. Most gunsmiths have boxes of Remington sights that people wanted removed when they installed their scopes. Most of these sights can be bought cheap because no one wants them. I think the average cost to install them is around $50.00. I won't buy a rifle that doesn't have back up sights. Besides i like to hunt with open sights.

Adding the sights shouldn't change the way your gun shoots. Remington rifles have been known for their accuracy for years and they all came with open sights.

 

[RecurveArcher]

Thank you for your help. Are the remington sights any good in your opinion? Is it possible to use a scope with them? What is the best way? I assume you'd either have to use really high rings, see through rings (both of which I detest) or do the rear sights mount far enough forward to clear the scope?

Thanks

RecurveArcher

 

[dakotasin]

the remington sights are ok. no worse than any other barrel mounted sight, and a lot better than some.

yes it is possible to use a scope w/ the barrel mounted sights, and in some cases you do not need to worry about the scope clearing the sights - depends on scope tube length and chambering. a long action is a little more inflexible w/ scope mounting than a short action.

is your barrel already drilled and tapped or is it clean?

i am one who removes remington factory sights and tosses 'em. remington has changed the front sight design a little over the years but you can have one of my sets if it will work (catch is ya gotta visit the pay it forward thread in the classified section).

last... i don't see the point in irons and scopes on a gun. put a good quality scope on it, and don't worry about it, or put good receiver sights on it and don't mess w/ the scope (because the receiver sight will take up the base holes).

 

[skinewmexico]

Someone would probably be happy to trade you one with sights for one without.

 

[Regolith]

last... i don't see the point in irons and scopes on a gun. put a good quality scope on it, and don't worry about it, or put good receiver sights on it and don't mess w/ the scope (because the receiver sight will take up the base holes).

Take a bad spill and jar your scope off center while hunting and then tell me that back up sights are pointless.

No back up sights: You have to stop what you're doing, go back to the range, and re-sight in your rifle.

Back up sights: Remove scope & base, continue hunting.

 

[Z_Infidel]

You actually have quite a few options, especially if you get a gunsmith involved. A gunsmith can cut dovetails for aftermarket sights like those from Millet or New England Custom Gun. I suggest a square notch rear and blade front, but of course that's personal preference.

You might also consider an aperture or ghost ring setup. NECG sells one that fits on a Weaver base, as does XS Sights. I think XS also sells one specifically for Remington rifles.