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If you are the type
of shooter who believes that all worthwhile advancement in
firearms technology ceased at the turn of the century, and I
mean circa 1900, then you will be pleased with the products of
the Marble Arms Company. Although Marble Arms uses
state-of-the-art CNC equipment, the products are made with the
quality of old world craftsmanship, by folks in Gladstone,
Michigan.
Recently I received
one of their peep tang-mounted sights, and that is the
subject of this article. This is not a new product, or the
latest variation of the hottest thing on the market for
shooters, but rather a product that has been made by the Marble
people for over 100 years. This sight contains no carbon-fiber,
plastic, aluminum, or the latest titanium alloy......it is made
of real, honest-to-goodness blued steel.
The first
impression upon opening the box was one of quality. It is sad
that today we have come to expect something less than first
quality from many products. We expect to find a flaw somewhere,
or a piece of plastic that is made to look like steel. I stuck a
magnet to every component visible on the Marble sight, and it
stuck with a gratifying, solid feel.
The sight sent to
me was made to fit the Winchester model 1894 action. I
decided to mount it upon my .38-55 Marlin-Ballard chambered Chief
Crazy Horse rifle. This rifle was made in limited quantities
to celebrate the great Indian warrior. The Marble's sight seemed
to be a product that would enhance the shooting qualities of
this fine rifle, without degrading the aesthetics as would a
scope sight. The Chief Crazy Horse was found to shoot a bit high
with the factory iron sights, so I installed a Marble's taller
front sight along with the tang peep sight. The red bead of the
Marble's front sight is much more visible in low light than the
original.
The installation of
the tang sight requires the drilling and tapping of one hole
into the tang of the rifle for the forward sight screw, which is
provided along with a new rear screw to complete the mounting of
the sight. The process is not difficult, but requires the proper
drill and tap, along with a screwdriver. I completed the process
in about 20 minutes, and any good gunsmith could do the chore
for a nominal fee. My local smith charges five bucks per hole to
drill and tap. Whether you choose to do it yourself, or have it
done, it is a very useful addition to a lever-action rifle. It
is much easier to shoot with precision with this type of sight.
Besides providing a longer sight radius, the act of precisely
aligning the front and rear sights is greatly eased with the aperture
of the rear sight.
Marble's supplies
the sight with three different interchangeable aperture disks to
suit any shooting situation. The sight enabled me to effective
improve my shooting ability with the gun.
I believe that the
Marble's peep tang sight would be ideal for the sport of Cowboy
Action Shooting in the long-range rifle matches. The sight is
both well made and authentic. It is easily adjustable for
windage and elevation, with each click adjustment moving the
point of impact about two fifths of an inch at 100 yards.
The Marble's sight
retails for $125 directly from Marble Arms. For the quality,
durability, and shooting enhancement, it is money well-spent.
The sight provides the lever-action shooter a useful and
beautiful piece of historically correct craftsmanship, that will
improve his ability to accurately place his shots.
You can view this
and other Marble products online at: www.marblearms.com
or call them at: 906-428-3710
Jeff Quinn
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Click the pictures to see a larger version.
Author's newly-acquired Winchester Model 1894 Chief
Crazy Horse commemorative rifle in .38-55 with Marble's tang
sight installed.
Marble Arms Company's tang sight for the Winchester
Model 1894, shown with screws and extra apertures.
Marble's tang sight adds a great deal to the practical
accuracy of the Model 94 Chief Crazy Horse commemorative
without detracting from the classic lines of the gun.
Adjustment knobs for windage and elevation are easy to
use, positive and aesthetically pleasing.
Tools required to install Marble's tang sight: drill,
properly sized screwdriver and tap. Mounting the sight is an
easy job, and can be inexpensively done by a gunsmith if you
don't feel up to drilling & tapping a hole in your rifle.
The additional hole required for the sight has been
drilled.
Tapping the additional hole required for the sight.
Author installed Marble's taller front sight with fiber
optic insert to aid shooting in low light conditions.
Author believes Marble's tang sights to be a practical
way to enhance the shooting qualities of a lever gun without
detracting from the beauty of the rifle. Marble's sights
should be ideal for the Cowboy Action Shooter looking to
enhance practical accuracy for long-range matches.
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