Aperture sights for a pre-64 model 94

[MT Pockets]

I recently acquired a pre 64 Winchester model 94 in 30/30. I am a deer hunter and have more than a few deer rifles. I enjoy taking game with different rifles I load for as an added challenge. I now have a model 94 in 30/30 built in 1959 the year I was born. I want to take a deer with it but with iron sights and no scope. I do want to add an aperture sight as I wear corrective lenses and would fare better in different lighting conditions than the buckhorn sights of old. Looking at Lyman, Williams and Marbles I wonder if any offer an advantage over the other. I understand Lymans are not made in the USA and that could rule them out for me but would like to hear what someone more versed would say?

 

[Wolfshead]

I have a Williams fool proof sight on my 1980 model 94.
I’m not sure if the difference in the two years would allow you to use this set up on your rifle or not, but I’m really happy with how these sights work for me.
I didn’t have to change or alter my front sight either.
I use different sized apertures for different conditions. A small sized one for sighting in, and target shooting. A larger one for hunting, and I’ll even remove the aperture for end of day low light hunting.
I found it really easy to adjust and get sighted in.
Would have no problem recommending this sight.
The first picture is a target at 200 yards and a three shot group. The bottom shot was with the bead covering the target, and the top two was with the bead resting on the top of the target. (A lot more luck than skill I might add).
I hand load the Hornady 160 grain FTX bullets, and Leverevolution powder.
You can see muzzle velocity in picture number two.

 

[MT Pockets]

Wow!! That is the kind of answer I was hoping for. I honesty didn't expect that kind of accuracy that was great. I also am glad you didn't have to replace the front sight as that was a concern I didn't even state. Great pictures and thanks!
Pockets

 

[Wolfshead]

I’m glad I could help!
As I’ve said most likely more luck than skill!

 

[kujuak]

I have put older steel receiver sights on most of my older lever rifles. I prefer those with target knobs for the ease of adjusting sights without tool/coin. I think in general the old Redfields are the nicest. I got mine off eBay years ago. On my most shot rifles I replace the standard aperture with Merit#3 discs. The aperture opening can be adjusted from .022" to .125". I close down the aperture when I am accuracy testing new reloads and open up the aperture for hunting or on overcast days when my old eyes don't work so hot with peep sights.

 

[Alaska]

Williams are cheaper but cheaper made !
Lyman or Redfield are the best !
Williams Twilight aperture works great recommend.
Dont forget the slot blank for the rear sight .

 

[Wolfshead]

Respectfully I have the Williams Foolproof sight on my 94, and in my experience I would not say it’s cheaply made.
There is a Williams 5D sight which is about $30-40 less expensive that may be more in the realm of cheaply made, but I’ve no experience with that.
I’ve had my receiver sight on my rifle since 2018, and have hunted pretty hard with it, and it has held up to every thing I’ve put it through. I’m very happy with it.
I don’t have the target knobs on mine that some people like, as I like to set it, and forget it for hunting purposes. I could see the convenience of them at the range though.
NOTE: I am not hunting in Alaska so results may vary

I will VERY MUCH AGREE that the twilight apertures are the best, and would also highly recommend them.
You can see the .125 aperture (the largest aperture) in the third picture of my previous post.
I also have a .093 that I use for sighting in and range work. It is the smallest aperture that helps to get a more precise sight picture.

I have no experience with the Lyman receiver sights but the current ones listed for my 94 are made from aluminum and are approximately $20-30 more expensive. They are NOT made like the older models which you may be able to get off eBay or somewhere like that for anywhere from $120-230.
I could not find any Refields.

 

[PJGunner]

FWIW, you can use those same receiver sights on the post 64 M94 rifles.
I have a few pre64 M94s and a couple of M64s which are a fancier version of the M94. I also have one post 64 M94 and thus is the crux of my comments. When I snap a pre 64 to my should while looking at a spot on the was or game animal the sights are dead on. No hesitation shot I choose the shoot. Near perfection in my opinion.

Then there is that post 64 M94; when I snap it to my shoulder, I have to hunt for the sights, then try to line up on the target. Not good IMO. I replaced the rear sight with a Williams receiver sight and after some careful aadjustment, I git to where it comes very close to what the pre 64 rifles do.

The cause of the problem was Winchester changed to the drop of the stock to a slightly shallower dip, thus ruining how quickly the sights could be aligned. Before I possibly get flamed about this, I already owned about four post 64 M94s which I sold off. Every one of them had that problem.

I don't know when Winchester made the change but one of my pre 64s, a Winchester M64 made in 1971 which was the last year they were made also has that problem while the one I have made in 1938 is almost perfection. Also, the quality in the last year gun compared to the early rifle is somewhat dismal.
Paul B.

 

[MT Pockets]

Very interesting. Perhaps the new stocks were designed for scopes and not iron sights? I plan on getting the Williams fool proof and hope I can keep my front sight. I would like the hood for it that is missing from mine.