Need advice on sights for Howa .30-06

[GNLaFrance]

I have a Howa 1500 in .30-06 and need advice on sights from people who know what they're doing with a long arm.

First, background: I'm mainly into handguns, especially black powder cap 'n' ball. I've never fired a .30-06 and only rarely handled a bolt action. I'm 52 years old with moderate vision problems, worn glasses nearly all my life. Hand-to-eye coordination about the same as your typical staggering drunk.

My rifle has no iron sights, just a 'scope the size of a small sewer pipe with knobs, dials, buttons and doo-hickies all over it. I hate it. I'll give it to anyone who sends me $10.00 for shipping and insurance.

I want iron sights installed, thinking a ghost ring peep in the rear and a big, can't-miss-it post in front, unless someone knows some setup that would probably work better.

Or I'm thinking something like an Aimpoint, maybe. Non-magnifying red dot sight, simple and rugged and easy to put on a 200-yard target and have a decent chance of hitting the paper. Simple to install, simple to adjust, simple to use. Rugged because I'm your basic klutz.

Did I mention simple? I need to be smarter than the sights, and that might not be too easy.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[R.W.Dale]

pm sent on the scope



You should be able to use any rear peep sight intended to fit a remington 700 as the screw holes are the same. That leaves you only needing a front sight.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=594607

leave out the aperture and PRERSTO you have a ghost ring rear sight

 

[GNLaFrance]

Are there front sights that don't need a tapped hole to install?

 

[ArmedBear]

I'm 52 years old with moderate vision problems, worn glasses nearly all my life.

Leupold FX II 4X fixed scope. Simple, light.

200 yards with a ghost ring? Only if you're shooting at a small dumpster.

I like irons, even though my eyes also leave a bit to be desired. I also have that same action in a .30-06 Weatherby Vanguard Sporter. Irons don't do it justice. That's a MOA rifle with ammo that works. Could do better, even.

 

[DnPRK]

For a good rugged mount, click the link EGW scope mount Then select "Long" and "No angle/0MOA" from the pull down menus. De-grease the rifle receiver screw holes and mounting screws with Q-tips dipped in rubbing alcohol and let dry. Install the mounting screws with a drop of blue Locktite on each screw - only 4 drops needed, one for each mount screw. (Locktite can be found at your local auto parts store).

For a great no-fuss red dot scope EOtech with 308 ballistic compensating reticle Install per the instructions in the box.

 

[hankdatank1362]

I know it's not what you asked for, but...

Get a good 3x9x40 (or 50) scope. Non-finger adjustable turrets. Zero at 100 yards.

I have the same rifle, and the same, if not much worse, vision. (my hand-eye coordination is pretty good though)




It's my go-to deer setup.

ETA: Yes, my shooting mat is an upside down beach towel.

 

[GNLaFrance]

Get a good 3x9x40 (or 50) scope. Non-finger adjustable turrets. Zero at 100 yards.

That looks like what's on the rifle now. The rifle's at my local toy store, been on consignment sale the last two months, but I'm planning to pick it up Monday. I'm thinking I might give the thing a chance the way it is before selling the 'scope. The guys at the store say they'll bore-sight the 'scope for free.

Okay, just made up my mind, I'll take the whole rig to the range and get someone to show me what to do on the 100 yard range. Maybe I can learn to use the 'scope. My whole problem has been 1.) nervous about shooting a big, high-power rifle and 2.) not sure I can figure out how to use the 'scope.

I'm not trying to start an argument with you or ArmedBear, who said iron sights at 200 yards will only work on a small dumpster - I am, after all, totally new to this kind of rifle and to high-power 'scopes - but the Appleseed Project people http://www.appleseedinfo.org/ say they teach people to hit a man-sized target with iron sights at 500 yards. They're 'scope-friendly but prefer you use iron sights. Maybe if I can figure out what I'm doing with it a football field away, I can think about doing that too.

So I'm going to give this a try instead of giving up before I even pop the first cap. And I have you guys to thank for helping me decide.

 

[35 Whelen]

LOL He asks for advise on iron sights, and everyone tells him what scope to buy...
I think you're on the right track with the ghost ring sight, but I'd suggest a regular receiver monted aperture sight. If you need a larger aperture, you just screw the insert out and use the bare hole. Check ebay for sights. There you can find STEEL receiver sights. The old Lyman and Redfield brands are very rugged and reliable. I have both. You're also on the right track for the front sight. A post, in my opinion (and the opinion of 90% of the High Power shooters with against whom I have competed) is the best way to go. The problem with the post type front sight is they can be a bit difficult to find. Order a catalog from Gun Parts Corp. They stock odd front sights and will likely have what you need.
Regarding your 52 year old eyes, the aperture type sight is THE way to go as you only have to focus on the front sight. A Hunter Ed Instructing buddy of mine recently discovered High Power competition at the ripe age of 60+. He bought an AR-15 and even with his aged eyes absolutely kills them at matches both at the local and state level.
Now, for you fellers that think iron sighted rifles aren't capable of accuracy...



Granted, that was "only" 100 yds., but in High Power competition, competitors fire slow prone at 600 yds. and their groups are very, very impressive.

Good luck,
35W

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Depends highly upon the use of it. Are you just trying to HIT the paper at 200, or trying to get groups? Are you going to hunt with it. A good answer cannot be given without narrowing down the specific use(s).