Battle Sights for 30-30

[Crash]

I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that currently wears a fixed 4x scope. I plan to use it as my slightly-longer range weapon in case a bunch of goons try to invade my propery and wreack havoc on me and mine. What kind of sighting equipment do you recommend that is rugged, reliable, and easy to use and will work at night?

Tequila Jake

[rice paddy daddy]

Rugged, reliable, easy to use at night? The iron sights that came on the rifle. I'm old school, having been in the Army back when Moses was a Corporal and we didn't have all those "modern" tactical do-dads you see now a days.
I do have scopes, on a 22 Hornet, and a 30-06 deer rifle, and a couple of 22's, but my "combat" rifles all have iron sights.
Now, if I had the extra cash, I would have some kind of night vision goggles.

[Michael32170]

I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that currently wears a fixed 4x scope. I plan to use it as my slightly-longer range weapon in case a bunch of goons try to invade my propery and wreack havoc on me and mine. What kind of sighting equipment do you recommend that is rugged, reliable, and easy to use and will work at night?

Tequila Jake

Cabala's has a scope that marks off 200 and 300 yards in a scope that is calibrated for the Hornady LeverEvolution ammo (160 grain). This ammo extends the 1000 ft lbs energy from about 100 yards out to about 300 yards.

this link should work (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/readonly-item.jsp?id=712741&itemTemplate=wish-listdetails&cmCat=Readonly)

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/product_features/tech_specs/images/pf_w_glassreticle_211x246.jpg

UNFORTUNELY

Their Range Finder scope is not calibrated for the 30-30

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/product_features/tech_specs/pages/optics/reticles/reticle_cabelas_712773.html

[docsoos]

I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that currently wears a fixed 4x scope. I plan to use it as my slightly-longer range weapon in case a bunch of goons try to invade my propery and wreack havoc on me and mine. What kind of sighting equipment do you recommend that is rugged, reliable, and easy to use and will work at night?

Tequila Jake

Rugged, reliable, easy to use at night? The iron sights that came on the rifle. I'm old school, having been in the Army back when Moses was a Corporal and we didn't have all those "modern" tactical do-dads you see now a days.


To take what RPD said a step farther, a buddy of mine has a set of these installed on his 336:

http://www.xssights.com/store/rifle.html

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=920514

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0014955223040a.shtml#customer-product-reviews

I tried his rifle out after he installed them, and I could get some killer 50 to 100-yard groups with these sights. As for pitch-black nighttime use, they, like ANY iron sights that are non-Tritium, won't work real well, but I had no trouble picking up the bull 100 yards away when dusk was first coming. As long as I could see the target, I could hit it.

Very instinctive sighting system; I'll end up with a set each for my 336 and my 1894, eventually.

DocZeus

[gunsmoke]

Just in my humble opinion, you can't do better than these:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=920514

[NotSoFast]

Just a tip on iron sights that many don't think about concerning long guns, but is common on pistols. Get some whit fingernail polish or paint and paint the rear of the front sight blade white for easier seeing. I did that with my M1 Garand and have not regretted it one bit.

[gunsmoke]

Just a tip on iron sights that many don't think about concerning long guns, but is common on pistols. Get some whit fingernail polish or paint and paint the rear of the front sight blade white for easier seeing. I did that with my M1 Garand and have not regretted it one bit.

A good suggestion. For your consideration WILLIAMS GUNSIGHTS has a similar concept using a slightly different angle for a high visibility front sight you may want to give these a look work like a ghost ring but with a light-gatering fibre-optic front sight:

http://www.williamsgunsight.com/gunsights/rifle1.htm

[Stinger]

Because you already have a 4X scope on the gun. (Something I would agree with!) my suggestion would be to consider mounting something like this –

http://www.shopperschoice.com/item_name_Weaver-1-Inch-See-Thru-Mounts-Winchester-94-AE-Gloss-Black_item_2556742.html

However, it’s been my experience that – when using a high quality scope like a Leupold – the scope, itself, will give you a better dim light sight picture than any iron sight. Neither would I get too carried away with self-illuminated, ‘night sights’.

I’m one of the few people I know who’s actually had to use a, ‘night sight’ – not in dim light, but – in the dark. Want to know what happened? I lost the target behind my brightly glowing front sight. That’s what happened!

For rapid target pick up and target acquisition in dim light, a quality 4x scope should be perfect. If you want to back it up with iron sights then think about using a see-thru scope mount. (You’ll be a little higher above the bore line; but, with the typical flight characteristics of 30-30 ammo you should be fine.)

[rice paddy daddy]

The original post refered to "goons" at night. Just do a little recon-by-fire, making sure you quickly move after firing your round or two, then fire at THEIR muzzle flashes.:D

[Stinger]

:eek: Ohhh, you're wickedly clever RPD! (And I bet I know where you learned how to do that.) ;)

[rice paddy daddy]

:eek: Ohhh, you're wickedly clever RPD! (And I bet I know where you learned how to do that.) ;)
Yeah, but don't forget, if they've had any training, they're doing the same thing.:D
Gunfights seldom go the way that is described on the internet!;)
Things They Don't Teach You In Infantry School - rule #14: Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs.

[hunter63]

Yeah, but don't forget, if they've had any training, they're doing the same thing.:D
Gunfights seldom go the way that is described on the internet!;)
Things They Don't Teach You In Infantry School - rule #14: Professionals are predictable, but the world is full of amateurs.

IMHO
And I would guess the "Goons" would be a lot better armed than a 30-30.

If a 30-30 is what you have, then use it, but no matter what you bolt on to it it's still a 30-30.
A Marlin with a scope is a deadly tool, in the right hands and in the right place is still a great rifle.
Main battle rifle, no.

[Crash]

IMHO
And I would guess the "Goons" would be a lot better armed than a 30-30.

If a 30-30 is what you have, then use it, but no matter what you bolt on to it it's still a 30-30.
A Marlin with a scope is a deadly tool, in the right hands and in the right place is still a great rifle.
Main battle rifle, no.

Hunter63,

Sorry, guess I was using the term "battle sights" (which implies a "battle rifle") a little loosely. What I meant was a "home-defense" rifle to be used in case of a natural or societal disaster which would tempt gangs of baddies to go on the prowl looking for what they could take. I live in an urban neighborhood and wouldn't use such a rifle at more than 50-100 yards, at best.

Crash

[hunter63]

Hunter63,

Sorry, guess I was using the term "battle sights" (which implies a "battle rifle") a little loosely. What I meant was a "home-defense" rifle to be used in case of a natural or societal disaster which would tempt gangs of baddies to go on the prowl looking for what they could take. I live in an urban neighborhood and wouldn't use such a rifle at more than 50-100 yards, at best.

Crash

Seems to me you got it covered with what you have.
You can't beat a 30-30 for dependability, accuracy and ammo availability.
"Beware of the man with one gun as you can bet he know how to use it".

I wasn't putting you down, but at the same time there is a lot of do-dads out there that try to make most anything into a MBR, but cost a lot of bucks, and really don't help out much.
Good shooting.

[MissouriFree]

Iron site on a marlin lever at that range will be just fine. You aren't looking for MOA. MOH ( head) or MOC ( chest) will do just fine. Iver got my Marlin 357 to go with the 357 Vaquero and am quite happy with them. no mattel stuff needed

[Fortyfour]

Tough to beat a good set of Lyman or Williams receiver sights. Easy to make shots out past its reasonable range.

44

[dksac2]

At 50 to 100 yards, a good set of semi buck horn sights are hard to beat. Want to really make someone sweat at night, put a laser on it. The dot on someones chest has a really great effect. I can attest to that from first hand experience. It might look a little funny, but the results might just be worth it.

Best regards, John K

[hunter63]

At 50 to 100 yards, a good set of semi buck horn sights are hard to beat. Want to really make someone sweat at night, put a laser on it. The dot on someones chest has a really great effect. I can attest to that from first hand experience. It might look a little funny, but the results might just be worth it.

Best regards, John K

That's the ticket, aim at where the red is coming from, sorta like a backwards pointer.

[rice paddy daddy]

That's the ticket, aim at where the red is coming from, sorta like a backwards pointer.
:D
Kinda like those flashlights on weapons, AKA "lead magnets.";)

[dksac2]

That's why the laser on my rifle has an on-off pressure pad. It can be turned on only when you want it to. If you know tactics, it can be a useful tool. I no more want a continuous laser beam on than I want a flashlight right in front of me either except for short bursts of light when deamed necessary. Kinda depends on the training that you have received. Mine has been pretty darn good. Not everyone has had training, so maybe I should not have just made a blanket statement.

Best Regards, John K

[Teg]

Using a visible laser sight looks cool on TV and the movies but in reality it's probably not the best idea, at least in my opinion. However, I do like the M68 Aimpoints we use on our rifles, only the shooter can see the laser and the batteries seem to last forever.

[dksac2]

Using a visible laser sight looks cool on TV and the movies but in reality it's probably not the best idea, at least in my opinion. However, I do like the M68 Aimpoints we use on our rifles, only the shooter can see the laser and the batteries seem to last forever.

I'd love to have a M68 Aimpoint. Can you loan a guy a buck??? ;)

[Teg]

I'd love to have a M68 Aimpoint. Can you loan a guy a buck??? ;)

Hehe, I just use the ones Uncle Sugar provides, but I'd like to have a personal one as well. :)

[jim]

Back in the old days, we took turns illuminating a target one after another while a different (non-illiminating) tank did the actual firing. Illumination times were short so the opponent couldn't swing on the light source before it was turned off and light was coming from another direction.

jim

[keydl]

I would prefer a peep site with the disc removed - makes it nearly a ghost ring and the disc can be put back in for long range hunting. Sight through rings with lever locks for the scope. Drop the ramp on the buckhorn or put a plug in its place.

[gunsmoke]

http://www.realguns.com/articles/281.htm

I came across this article and while written in the context of the Marlin 1894 all the sights discussed will fit the 336 and almost all have versions for the Winchester 94 as well.

[Poonie]

The old Williams peep sight is IMO a great all around open sighting system for acquiring targets quickly, and allows the eye to naturally align with the front sight. Plus in its normal location of being mounted on or near the tang of the rifle, you'll get a long sight radius which improves accuracy. That said, for your application, I think I'd pick a different rifle for use to keep the wolves at bay. First off, a .30-30 is a 150 yard gun at best. Secondly its tube magazine is very slow to load, slow to get off a second aimed accurate shot, and you've only got 6+1 shots then its time to reload again. For the multiple bad guy scenario, I'd prefer a magazine fed semi-auto such as a WASR 10, an AR15, or even a mini-14. Understand if this is your only weapon, but IMO for your application its not the best choice. My.02c

[CountryGuy]

I got to agree that with some Hornady LEVERevolution, it will increase your reach to at least 200-250 yds, possibly more. I also don't necessarily agree that a 30/30is a terrible choice, it's better than nothing.

With those pesky 2 legged critters, the sound of that action racking can be a big deterrent! Just like the sound of a pump shotgun being racked. If you were in someones house uninvited in the middle of the night and heard that sound, what would you do after you pee'd your pants? Depending on your model, the overall length isn't to terrible. Since you don't have "high cap mags" definitly keep a bandolier or 2 of ammo with your rifle ready to go. This way if you get into a firefight at least you'll have a decent amount of ammo with you.

Due to the tube capacity you'll definitely be sure to watch your round placement and keep aware of how many rounds your sending out. With a little reload practice you should also be able to keep the tube stuffed full between shots without having to unshoulder. Also practice "combat" loading where you go empty, rack open, drop a round in the action and send it home. Yes it's a dear rifle, but if your pressing it into more you need to increase and improvise your training and shooting. so consider shooting from weird angles etc... Consider keeping a good scope on it but go to the see thru rings. Up to you on the aftermarket iron sights. This set up should give you the most flexible platform to use for your home defense while still have the ability to put meat on the table.

[keydl]

And people don't think 'assault weapon' when they see it. I have an SKS with a monte carlo stock, a scout mounted scope and a 5 round mag. Few people know what it is. It still takes the 10 rd strippers by the 1/2 and in less than 2 min can be back in the mil furniture and or with the 10 rd mag. Takes about 3 min to tip off the scope and screw a peep site on.

I am working on an Enfield #5 - polished blue and an aimpoint on the barrel is the plan.

An AR in pale green may be in the future so it looks like an air-soft or paint baller.

[Poonie]

And people don't think 'assault weapon' when they see it.

Who cares what people think! "Assault weapons" aren't illegal! I'd rather people know that they're facing somebody who's got them outgunned then to have the bad guy see the 30/30 and think "I got this chump beat".. Nothing says "Get the "F" off my property" better than the distinct shape of an AK47 or AR15......

[gunsmoke]

And people don't think 'assault weapon' when they see it. I have an SKS with a monte carlo stock, a scout mounted scope and a 5 round mag. Few people know what it is. It still takes the 10 rd strippers by the 1/2 and in less than 2 min can be back in the mil furniture and or with the 10 rd mag. Takes about 3 min to tip off the scope and screw a peep site on.

I am working on an Enfield #5 - polished blue and an aimpoint on the barrel is the plan.

An AR in pale green may be in the future so it looks like an air-soft or paint baller.

The more you show the more"they" know!

Your point is well-taken. The lower the profile the less the likelyhood of a confrontation. If you have 100 gunhands with ARs or AKs you might intimidate "someone" with them, if you stand alone you have no idea of how many eyes are on you, no idea at all. You may see one or two, but how many are in the long grass?

If you don't see them you'll never live long enough to stop them from taking that AR or AK from your cold dead hands.

Low profile, avoiding confrontation is smart, looking for a fight is only a play made by a fool.

[keydl]

Who cares what people think! "Assault weapons" aren't illegal! I'd rather people know that they're facing somebody who's got them outgunned then to have the bad guy see the 30/30 and think "I got this chump beat".. Nothing says "Get the "F" off my property" better than the distinct shape of an AK47 or AR15......


Try to 'own' some ground that way and if people do not fear the 'law' you will die. It only takes 1 from cover. You have no point man, no radioman and no rear guard.

[Teg]

Try to 'own' some ground that way and if people do not fear the 'law' you will die. It only takes 1 from cover. You have no point man, no radioman and no rear guard.


Hehe, yup much better not to be seen, regardless of what kind of gun gun or even bow you have. :)

[jim]

Just to set things straight. The .30-30, especially in a Marlin is not limited to shots under 200 yds. Loaded with Remington 150 gr. High Speed loads, one can hit a man-sized silouette at 400+ yds from a rest. My rifle will do this, and I've seen others do the same. All production guns and nothing fancy.

since I'm getting older, I will soon put a 1-4x variable socpe on this little rifle and keep using it past what is the generally accepted distance.

jim

[ArmySGT.]

Using a visible laser sight looks cool on TV and the movies but in reality it's probably not the best idea, at least in my opinion. However, I do like the M68 Aimpoints we use on our rifles, only the shooter can see the laser and the batteries seem to last forever.

The M68 CCO (Close Combat Optic) is a reflex (red dot) sight. The M68 does not project a LASER and it does not amplify low light.

[pasto76]

I have a Marlin 336 in 30-30 that currently wears a fixed 4x scope. I plan to use it as my slightly-longer range weapon in case a bunch of goons try to invade my propery and wreack havoc on me and mine. What kind of sighting equipment do you recommend that is rugged, reliable, and easy to use and will work at night?

Tequila Jake


open sights. you will need some manner of lighting - flares or floodlights - to illum your target. Have found plenty of fights at night without any night vision.

flares or floodlights are a force multiplier for you.