Red Dot Sight on Lever-Action?

[Brass Rain]

I'm going to be picking up a lever-action in the near future. Either in .357 Magnum or .30-30 Winchester, but most-likely .30-30. How useful are red dot sights on lever-actions? In theory they would give a better sight picture without ruining their handiness with a heavy scope. Though I was thinking about a weak, 4x scope as well, or something similar.

Thoughts? What would be best? I don't think I would be hunting, but I'd like to be shooting to the limits of my rifle, whatever it may be.

 

[WinchesterAA]

I see no problem with that. I'd say if you want it, go for it. I'd probably do the same if I had a lever gun.

 

[Titus]

They're as useful on lever actions as they are on everything. I have one on an 1894c and an 1895GS.

 

[jmr40]

I'm not a fan of red dots. Tried them and didn't care for them past about 25 yards. The dot covers too much of the target for enough accuracy for me. On a lever I like a small 1.5-4X variable or something similar. Even a straight 4X has more magnification than I need. Or install a peep sight if you want to keep the rifle handy.

 

[AK103K]

I tried one on one of my Trappers. Worked great, as any good red dot will, I just hated the look and feel. Tried a Scout scope too, and ditched it for the same reason. Put an AO ghost ring on it and it works great too.

The problem with putting optics on something like the Trapper or even a full sized 94 for me is, it takes the "handiness" out of them.

 

[WinchesterAA]

On this topic, I sure wish someone would come up with a 0-2x adjustable red dot.

That sure would be sweet to have crystal clear vision with no magnification or a little magnification if you need it.

 

[W.E.G.]

To me, a red-dot sight on a Winchester would be displeasing to the eye.

But, if its utility that matters...

 

[Brass Rain]

"To me, a red-dot sight on a Winchester would be displeasing to the eye."

That is a bit true.

 

[Shawnee]

I have a Tru-Glo 2x on a 10-inch .22 LR match Contender barrel, a Tasco on a .22 lever gun and on a Browning Buckmark.
They're fine. The 3 MOA flavor is notably nicer than the 5 MOA.
Buy spare batteries though !

 

[ArmedBear]

 

[Z-Michigan]

If it's what you like, sounds great. If you're only thinking of daylight use, a conventional optic of 1x to 4x power is another good choice.

 

[telecaster1981]

DO IT! Kind of odd to look at to begin with but it's a very cool combination! I set up my mother's Marlin 336 with an ATN Ultra-Sight so she could get into deer hunting. She's right handed but legally blind in her right eye so being able to shoot right handed and sight with her left eye seemed like a good solution. Her Marlin is a hoot to shoot with the ATN. It makes an already handy rifle deadly fast on target. A lever gun in .357 with a red dot of some sort makes a nifty HD gun as well.

 

[tkcomer]

I put a Millett red dot on my Henry 22 mag for night time critter duty. I practice with it during the day but never shoot over 50 yards with it. Here are a few pics of it: http://www.pixagogo.com/9777704129 Click on a pic to make it bigger, then click on original at the top to blow it up. It's a fun gun to play with.

 

[kBob]

One of the earliest red dots on the US market was marketed with a mount specifically made for replacing the rear sight of a WInchester 94. It was unpowered and used a light gathering system very much like the early Single Point occluded eye system to project a dot in an 1X scope.

Thus in the 1970's there were scout mounted red dots available for '94s.

There use is wholly a matter of personal choice. The most legitamate complaints about those early red dots on a '94 were.....wait for it...... they ruined the visual lines of the rifle and made the rifle less handy.

I generally don't care for the fiber optic open sights, but I would think a "fire eyes" type front sight with a color of your choice bead coupled with an apperature rear would give you much the same capabilities as a red dot with out the scope body looking ugly or beng in the way. Not having tried it, this is just supposition on my part.

Do what ever blows your skirts up and come back and tell us about your experience.

-Bob Hollingsworth

 

[George Hill]

http://www.madogre.com/PowerHouse/DSCF0295.JPG
I like mine. Works well.

 

[BlackJackal]

a red dot on a lever?.. i just dont find that pleasing in anyway

 

[Brass Rain]

"I like mine. Works well."

Yes, I just recently saw that--your "tactical lever-gun". You did great work on it! Now I'm thinking of working on one of my own someday.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I prefer aperture / ghost ring sights on my leverguns, but it's a matter of personal preference. You might also look into a Trijicon Reflex optic. Doesn't require batteries, doesn't weigh a lot.

 

[32winspl]

While I agree that any optics on a '94 et al, ruins the lines; I'd buy/mount a big-tubed Aimpoint or Pro-point (or other) if I could mount it far enough forward so that I could carry the rifle with my hand around the receiver... the way the good Lord intended.
I have a low power Leupold on top of the receiver of my Marlin 1895 MR, and the "carry-ability" is really just destroyed. I don't know why, but having to keep my thumb beside my palm instead of over-the-receiver-and-opposite-the-palm would make so much difference in how long I can walk or stand with it without having to shift hands or grip, but it sure does. Anything out there that'll allow the occular lens to be placed at least an inch forward of the junction of the bbl/receiver?
Thanks.
Robb

 

[Shawnee]

Hi 32Win...

FWIW...

The Tasco on my Ithaca 72 lever-action (.22lr) still accomodates the carrying hand in the Divine Position.