Need guidance on fiber sights

[Flynt]

I've recently acquired a Marlin 336 (30-30) and 1894 (.44) and I don't plan on scoping them. Both guns are deadly at 50 yds. -- when I can see the @#$% front post sight against a dark target. I'm thinking about ordering a Williams fiber set to experiment with. The front post of my 1894 is hooded, and I'd prefer to leave it way. Does the fiber on the front sight need to be exposed -- to sunlight -- in order to work? (I've also seen a picture of a hood with a hole in top; wonder if it is to allow sunlight to hit the fiber?) Thanks.

 

[Asherdan]

Yes, the fiber needs light to illuminate. Some guys have modified their hood but I also believe you can find after market hoods if you don't want to cut up the original.

As a personal preference, I like the green front dot over the red. Shows better on a dark target for me. Match it up with an aperture sight and it's a pretty good setup for those rifles.

 

[Simon Yu]

I recall in a physics class once that green and yellow are the easiest colors for the human eye to pick out. So Asherdan's preference is not uncommon. I favor the green over red myself too (mine is on a handgun though, not my rifles).