Peep (receiver) sights on Win Model 94s

[The Alaskan]

In regards to the Williams Foolproof (FP series) and Lyman 66 sights for the Winchester 94:

1.) Which, if either, of those sights is designed to fit right on the gun using pre-existing tapped holes from the factory? I seem to recall that one, but not both, were designed to be installed with no gunsmithing, but I can't recall which. (It may be both, or neither, I don't recall.)

2.) Does year of manufacture make a difference? (Can I pull it of my 1940's Model 94 and put it on my 1970 model 94?)

3.) For those of you have owned or used both or either of those sights, does either one have an edge over the other, or is there any reason to buy one over the other? (Other than that the Williams is about $45 cheaper.)

 

[eastbank]

if your rifle has two holes tapped high on the left rear side of the reciever, either sight will fit. i like the steel sight, but the lighter williams will work just as well. i do like to replace the front sight with a post instead of the round bead type. six of one,half a dozen of another. eastbank.

 

[eastbank]

sorry double post,eastbank.

 

[sw0596]

I think Winchester started producing 94s with the holes for receiver sights during or after 1952. Guns produced before that will not have those holes for mounting receiver sights unless the gun came from the factory with receiver sights. Also, the angle eject guns which began production sometime in the 1980s will not have the holes on the side of the receiver, but does have holes on the top for scope ring mounting and some sight makers make receiver sights to mount in those holes. I've got a 1951 model 94 and had to have it drilled and tapped for a receiver sight.

 

[Jim Watson]

The 1971 Stoegers says Model 94 drilled and tapped for receiver sight.
Whether it is the same as your older rifle, I can't say.
Could you maybe try the fit?

 

[Turftech1]

I just want to subscribe to this thread. I have a 1941 model 94 that I would love to be able to shoot more accurately. It is sentimentally my favorite gun, as my grandpa used it to feed his family during the 1940s, but I am not remotely accurate with it compared to my other rifles.

 

[The Alaskan]

I just want to subscribe to this thread. I have a 1941 model 94 that I would love to be able to shoot more accurately. It is sentimentally my favorite gun, as my grandpa used it to feed his family during the 1940s, but I am not remotely accurate with it compared to my other rifles.

Kind of my thing as well. This one isn't my grandfather's (my uncle has that one) but he used a 94 in 30-30 with a peep sight to feed the family (him + wife +5 boys and 2 girls-my dad was the oldest) all through the depression.

I can't go look at it at the moment, but I thought all 94's had at least some screws on the left side of the receiver; I just don't know for sure if that was what they were for. I can't "try the fit" because there are none available locally; I have to order online. I wanted to be sure to order the right on the first time, because shipping to and then returning stuff from Alaska is expensive.

 

[The Alaskan]

if your rifle has two holes tapped high on the left rear side of the reciever, either sight will fit. i like the steel sight, but the lighter williams will work just as well. i do like to replace the front sight with a post instead of the round bead type. six of one,half a dozen of another. eastbank.

Replacing round bead with post is easy. Metal file + round bead sight + few minutes of filing = post sight.

 

[eastbank]

the holes on the upper left side of the receiver have two small head less plug screws in them are for the receiver sight. marlin and winchester 336-94 lever actions take the same receive sight. eastbank.

 

[Sav .250]

Simplest thing to do is ............call them! 1-800-530-9028. You can get their catalog and the "facts."

I did exactly that a while back . Told them what I had and they filled in the blanks!

My Win 94 loves that PEEP.

 

[Malamute]

In regards to the Williams Foolproof (FP series) and Lyman 66 sights for the Winchester 94:

1.) Which, if either, of those sights is designed to fit right on the gun using pre-existing tapped holes from the factory? I seem to recall that one, but not both, were designed to be installed with no gunsmithing, but I can't recall which. (It may be both, or neither, I don't recall.)

2.) Does year of manufacture make a difference? (Can I pull it of my 1940's Model 94 and put it on my 1970 model 94?)

3.) For those of you have owned or used both or either of those sights, does either one have an edge over the other, or is there any reason to buy one over the other? (Other than that the Williams is about $45 cheaper.)
__________________

Both of your guns should be able to use the same sight. The hole spacing has been consistent over time. Even if a gunsmith drilled and tapped the older gun, the available sights have used the same spacing and layout pretty consistently. A 1920's gun I have that was likely drilled and tapped outside of the factory uses the same sights and spacing as any newer 94. The sight that came on it was a Lyman 56.

I've used both Williams and Lyman sights. Both work well, I strongly prefer the Lymans based mainly on looks, and vastly prefer their older steel 66's or better yet the 56 by a huge margin. They arent cheap now though.

 

[200Apples]

.

Turftech1

I just want to subscribe to this thread. I have a 1941 model 94 that I would love to be able to shoot more accurately. It is sentimentally my favorite gun, as my grandpa used it to feed his family during the 1940s, but I am not remotely accurate with it compared to my other rifles.

The Alaskan

Kind of my thing as well. This one isn't my grandfather's (my uncle has that one) but he used a 94 in 30-30 with a peep sight to feed the family (him + wife +5 boys and 2 girls-my dad was the oldest) all through the depression.

Thanks for posting this thread. I have a 1922-made Model 94 in .30WCF that can't seem to find the paper! while a .44 mag Browning 92 with it's semi-buckhorn irons will hit everything I point it at.

While not a receiver sight, I have obtained a Marble Arms tang-mount peep sight, and thanks to the advice of Sav .250 I simply called Marble to ask about mounting screws, because they seemed to be missing from the unit I acquired via Fleabay... spoke w/ a nice feller named Troy there in Michigan. He gave me the part # to the screw kit I needed: #995003. I just ordered it from Midway.

I love this rifle but it was demoralizing to shoot. I did not want to give up on this iconic long arm. Granted, I never had a spotter handy the three times I took it to the range (last time was yesterday) so I might have been able to chase the rear sight... but this new Marble Arms peep should help a ton.

One more question: does one drift out the original rear sight on their rifles after installing a peep? Appreciate any reply. Thanks again for posting this thread, Alaskan.

 

[Malamute]

Thanks for posting this thread. I have a 1922-made Model 94 in .30WCF that can't seem to find the paper! while a .44 mag Browning 92 with it's semi-buckhorn irons will hit everything I point it at.

Do you mean zero hits on the paper?

If so, that likely has little to do with the type of sight, especially if you shoot the open sighted Browning 92 well.

If having trouble getting on paper, you need to start closer, like 25 yards. If it isnt grouping once on paper, it may need a REALLY good cleaning, not just a brush and some patches run through it. The muzzle may be worn from careless cleaning rod use or dinged also, which may affect it. A recrown may help if thats the case.

Most use a blank filler piece in the original barrel sight slot when using receiver sights. Is your gun a carbine or rifle? If it has the stand up early type carbine sight, it is probably worth some serious money, dont lose it!

If removing the rear sight, it should go out the right side as you hold the gun to shoot it.

 

[200Apples]

.

Do you mean zero hits on the paper?

I was exaggerating, but only just. And, yes; I've never attempted to place targets closer than 50 yds. I'll install the Marbles peep and start at 25. I should be in the company, then, of a pretty serious rifle shooter who's a work colleague that said he'd assist in dialing this in.

Thanks, Malamute, for some sound advice. I hear you on the bore cleaning and the possible crown damage. It has a pretty nice bore and the crown looks decent for it's age.

I'll post any progress next week.

 

[The Alaskan]

If removing the rear sight, it should go out the right side as you hold the gun to shoot it.

ANd in fro right to left as you look down the barrel. The front sight is the same. I wonder if that is univesral across most manufacturers, or just a Winchester thing.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

My pre-1950's 94 does not have the screw holes for a receiver sight.
Wish it did but I don't think it's worth the trouble to get it drilled and tapped now.

 

[Malamute]

ANd in fro right to left as you look down the barrel. The front sight is the same. I wonder if that is univesral across most manufacturers, or just a Winchester thing.

Thats been the industry standard for as long as I know of.