[Jech]

Got a 30-30 336SS here and I'm completely fed up with the factory iron sights! I bought it used but the action wasn't even fully broken in, the ONLY thing I could find different between this rifle and the new one on the shelf is it has a non-folding adjustable buckhorn rear sight where new 336ss models have a folding adjustable buckhorn.

I've spent several hours reading about replacements from Williams, Skinner, XS Ghost, Marbles, Lyman, and more...peeps, ghost rings, tangs, and the whole bunch. I load and cast my own ammunition so it is extremely important to me that I be able to reliably adjust between 2 or 3 zeros for a full power load, plinking load, etc. Thus far, the Williams FP-336-TK peep set w/FireSight front bead and Target Knobs is the most attractive option with the clearly marked graduations and positive-click adjustment knobs. Too bad Midway doesn't carry them cause I have a decently sized wish list ready to order...

Anyways...I'm not a professional gunsmith or a rifle expert but A) is this something I'll be able to install myself, B) is there a different/better product that will fit the needs I laid out and finally C) does installing this sight set eliminate the chance of putting a scope on from time to time for long distance duty?

Thanks ~ Jech

 

[Abel]

Anyways...I'm not a professional gunsmith or a rifle expert but A) is this something I'll be able to install myself, B) is there a different/better product that will fit the needs I laid out and finally C) does installing this sight set eliminate the chance of putting a scope on from time to time for long distance duty?

I don't believe that the newest 336's are drilled/tapped for a Williams receiver sight. You may need to get a taller front sight, but you won't know for sure until you sight in. You can get an XS scout rail which employs the front two scope screw holes and the dovetail slot for the factory rear sight. Then get a scout scope from Leupold or Burris. In my opinion, the Williams sight that you are looking at is the best option for making those on the fly adjustments.

 

[six_gunz]

Yes you can install them yourself. It's a simple operation. If the target knob is what you really want and you can't find them in stock, then just order the set directly through Williams. They will sell them to you, but you may have to wait a bit if they're on backorder. I like and prefer Williams FP's.

I have no use for the target knobs myself, I just sight in the FP models and lock 'em down.....Good to go! I've never had to make any adjustments to them after sighting them in.

It's pretty much going to eliminate the use of a scope....unless you want to use a scout scope which would be mounted forward enough to leave the peep on.

 

[Jech]

7.2gr/Unique behind a flat-base 165gr RanchDog flatpoint has a fairly different point of impact at 100 yards when compared to 33gr/W748 behind a gas-checked RD boolit ;D

It's fun to use a scope every now and then but for the majority of the time, i want to leave the scope on the range queen.

 

[Leverdude]

Six guns pretty much nailed it. All I'll add is that if your gun was drilled & tapped on the side like they used to be, then you could leave the sight block installed & just remove the slide to gain acess to the scope mounting holes. The FP has a set screw that will let you drop the slide back in & be very close if not on zero again after removal.

 

[EROY]

I put an Aimpoint red dot on mine with a 2 MOA dot. For the range of the 30-30 it's an excellent choice. I had nothing but trouble with my factory sights. Tried the red dot and was blown away with how quick target aquisition is. I'm a happy 336ss owner now.

 

[Jech]

I like red dots too but I already felt like I was betraying the spirit of the rifle by just mounting a scope on it. Right now shooting offhand, I can unload the tube into a a 100yd plate as fast as I can work the action. With my full power loads, I'm not quite there yet at the 250yd plate, the factory brass bead just vanishes at these distances and I think peeps/firesights will fix that.

 

[Eli Chaps]

I have quite a few FP's. I personally see no need for the target knobs as you still need a screwdriver to loosen the set screws to make the adjustments. Williams does sell the knobs separately if you really want them.

The 336FP should do you just fine. As I see it, you have one of three decisions to make; 1) Irons only, 2) Scope and factory sights, 3) Scout scope it. You can do things to make combinations fit but I tend to think it is best to decide on your preferred sighting device and stick with it.

Go easy removing the front sight. There is a screw under it and you don't want to sheer it off whacking out the sight. Go slow and take your time and you should be fine. Just don't go smacking away is all.

Here's my 336SS with a Williams 336FP to give you a visual: http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,78928.0.html

 

[gordie]

i like my target knobs...i like to feel & count the clicks.

 

[Jech]

i like my target knobs...i like to feel & count the clicks.

Me too ;D It really helps when I take my chrono notes and record POI shifts for later. The Bushnell Banner 3.5-10x33 I have now is frustrating...the windage adjustment knob has very distinct clicks and easily read markings, however, the elevation knob is very crude lacking clear markings and is barely finger adjustable. Gotta bust out a flathead screwdriver for it! :

 

[rj308]

Eli, from the (great) looks of your 336SS, it looks like you bead blast your stainless rifles, as I do mine. So much for the "shiney metal spooking game" argument against stainless guns.

 

[six_gunz]

Marlin stainless levers come with a dull brushed finish already.
No need for bead blasting IMO.

 

[RIF]

Got a 30-30 336SS here and I'm completely fed up with the factory iron sights! I bought it used but the action wasn't even fully broken in, the ONLY thing I could find different between this rifle and the new one on the shelf is it has a non-folding adjustable buckhorn rear sight where new 336ss models have a folding adjustable buckhorn.

I've spent several hours reading about replacements from Williams, Skinner, XS Ghost, Marbles, Lyman, and more...peeps, ghost rings, tangs, and the whole bunch. I load and cast my own ammunition so it is extremely important to me that I be able to reliably adjust between 2 or 3 zeros for a full power load, plinking load, etc. Thus far, the Williams FP-336-TK peep set w/FireSight front bead and Target Knobs is the most attractive option with the clearly marked graduations and positive-click adjustment knobs. Too bad Midway doesn't carry them cause I have a decently sized wish list ready to order...

Anyways...I'm not a professional gunsmith or a rifle expert but A) is this something I'll be able to install myself, B) is there a different/better product that will fit the needs I laid out and finally C) does installing this sight set eliminate the chance of putting a scope on from time to time for long distance duty?

Thanks ~ Jech

I've tried my hand at several of the peep sights for a 336. I like the looks of a Redfield, I like they are made out of steel, but the Williams FP is the better sight if you are using the gun for putting in hard time in the field and scabbard work. The more bells and whistles hanging out there in the wind the more trouble it can get into. You can use the set screws (on the FP) and the adjustments cannot move the other sights don't offer that. The 5D ain't bad either, but of course no clik. IMO the FP is a darn good sight. If you have the older style gun it's left side will be tapped for the sight. What I have done is cut down (with a hacksaw you can clean this up with a single cut file and paint it with a black sharpie) the Weaver base (aluminum is fine, you don't need steel I think they are about 7 bucks) so that 3 screws are now holding the sight base to the receiver (which is plenty), get some loktite or guntite and put a dab on each screw. Then get the mounts that are able to come off and put back on without losing the zero. If you do it this way, you can leave your aperture sight attached to the gun, to be used in the field when you take the scope off with a coin. Remember to use a set of screwdrivers that won't mar up the screws! Tap out the semi buckhorn from left to right (looking downrange) and install a sight blank there. Tip: Put the sight in a bag and lable what it is for along with the screw blanks. Also it's hard to beat a fixed 4x for a thutty thutty or 35 Remmy scope. Not a big job.

My solution makes sense to me, because I am always concerned a horse wreck or motorcycle wreck or whatever will damage the scope, if the aperture is there, it's there. It sucks to have planned a trip and be 60 miles from a road and have to borrow your buddies Savage 110 in 7 mag. But good ol Marlin stopped tapping the new guns a while back, I bet they saved 30 or 40 cents a gun. That kind of money can add up if you have bean counters running your gun factory I guess.

Anyways, can you stand any more?

They say once you go scout scope you never go back, they lie...my guess is they might make 1 scout scope for every 20 regular models. Why the heck is ebag flooded with EER scopes then? Cuz they found out they suck eggs!

Tell the wife you need a new scope with blizzard covers, a bore sighter, rings, base, Williams FP, a single cut file, a set of gunsmith screwdrivers, Loctite, a set of brass punches, a hacksaw with blade, a black sharpie, and a sight blank. Tell her it will take four or five trips to town and sixteen hours of surfing the net, just to hit something downrange. Women do not get this sort of thing! LOL, this is why owning guns is interesting, and expensive, even for us cheapskates.

Tell her to be thankful you aren't into Italian shotguns!!