Installing Irons

Some makers still do offer iron sights as an option, so I suggest checking with the company or your local dealer.

As for putting sights on, any competent gunsmith should be able to install front and rear sights on a rifle, either screw-on or dovetailed. For a backup, the best bet might be to cut dovetails and install an unobtrusive folding leaf rear sight and bead front. Alternatively, drilling and tapping for a standard rear and ramp front is also a possibility.

I would assume that for a backup you wouldn't want to have to use a screwdriver to remove the scope base(s) so make sure the sights are high enough to use with the base(s) in place. The scope bell should be no problem since you will be choosing where to put the rear sight and you can put it forward of the bell. Depending on the scope, a folding leaf sight might clear the scope.

IMHO, scope backups are rarely necessary. In the old days, when just bumping a scoped rifle would knock loose a couple of lenses, iron sights were almost a necessity. But today's quality scopes are pretty rugged and it takes a lot to put one out of action. That is the primary reason rifle makers quit putting iron sights on rifles they are sure will have scopes installed by the owners.

Jim

You don't want this.

The MacFarland gunsmithing book 1965, talks about cutting sight notches in the barrel with a hack saw and finishing with a triangular file.

I would use a dovetail cutter on the mill.

"The MacFarland gunsmithing book 1965, talks about cutting sight notches in the barrel with a hack saw and finishing with a triangular file."

Thus why so many of us cringe today when we see these 60's vintage sporters. Some very fine quality work was done then, inspiring many hacks to attempt the same with no skills.

Axeman, you didn't advise what type of rifle you have and whether the barrel is tapped and plugged for sights from the factory.

I actually HAVE a Remington 760 WITH those peak thru rings.....Ugly as sin I grant you,...but they do work for me,...though mine are not as high as those in W.E.G.'s pic above though,.(.now that IS obscene.)

Axeman, look into how the back up sights are provided on the Remington sniper rifles for the US Army. Essentially mounting bases are installed so match front and rear sights can be installed later if needed. Need 2 holes drilled for the front base near the muzzle and 2 more for the receiver base, around $50 labor and another $40-50 for bases. Then a globe front and match rear could be added when wanted. Sarco had Parker Hale front globes for around $15-20 and also had Match front and rear sets from older Rem sniper rifles recently. You could find a Redfield Olympic rear for $100-120.