Anyone shooting irons anymore?

[Trogon]

Thinking about light rifle and the never ending debate of light optics got me thinking, anyone just run iron sights? A short barrel tikka superlite or fieldcraft with irons would be a foot hunters dream, provided you could hit anything with it....

Those that do, any reco's on a sight brand/model/configuration?

 

[bitbckt]

I shoot Marlin 336 both in .30-30 and .35 Rem with irons for deer and pig. Particularly with the .30-30 (0 @ 100, MPBR @ 200), I've had no problems at typical hunting distances in CA.

The configuration I like best is a ghost ring rear and "sourdough"/post front sight. I use Skinner or Williams sights on both. When I'm at the range, I screw in smaller apertures.

On a sporter type rifle, I'd probably go with a Lyman 17A globe front with a .100" post, and an XS ghost ring in the rear.

 

[Trogon]

I shoot Marlin 336 both in .30-30 and .35 Rem with irons for deer and pig. Particularly with the .30-30 (0 @ 100, MPBR @ 200), I've had no problems at typical hunting distances in CA.

The configuration I like best is a ghost ring rear and "sourdough"/post front sight. I use Skinner or Williams sights on both. When I'm at the range, I screw in smaller apertures.

On a sporter type rifle, I'd probably go with a Lyman 17A globe front with a .100" post, and an XS ghost ring in the rear.

Awesome. I used to have a model 94. Surprised the hell out of myself when I hit a target at 100 off hand.

I kinda like the idea of a thumper set up for shorter ranges. Like an ultralight in 338 fed with irons. Would be nice to pack for sure.

 

[CA_Blacktail]

Not exactly what you asked but in CA for muzzleloader we're not allowed any optics unless you have an eye issue confirmed by doctor. On my first hunt I used the stock blade iron sights and had difficulty with sight picture when the time came to shoot resulting in a miss at 70yds. Fast forward to last season and I upgraded the rear sight to an aperture style and had no trouble harvesting my first deer at 90yds. I recommend the aperture sight 100%

 

[bitbckt]

Awesome. I used to have a model 94. Surprised the hell out of myself when I hit a target at 100 off hand.

I kinda like the idea of a thumper set up for shorter ranges. Like an ultralight in 338 fed with irons. Would be nice to pack for sure.

A Savage 110 Hog Hunter with a Williams receiver peep would be fun.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

My Ruger 77 .270 and 30/06 both with factory iron sights 150 yards is no problem. With NECG receiver sight on either one 300 yards is no problem.

When I’m bear and cat hunting with dogs I prefer open sights as a scope is just dead weight with no benefit.

Mountain hunters used iron sights for decades before reliable scopes were available so it’s tried and proven equipment. All one needs is the range time to become protectant with it.

 

[sndmn11]

I would absolutely buy a rifle with irons over something similar without. I almost bit the bullet to get them added fro the Weatherby custom shop on our two current rifles, but the few hundred dollars was too much for my taste.

 

[lyle_destroys]

Killed a doe last year with a Circuit Judge carbine 45lc. Just reloaded a bunch of .32 win spl for my ancient win 94. All open sights, my dad wouldn't let me get a new rifle until I killed my first deer with that same open sight 94 when I was a kid. I would love to put a ghost ring or Lyman peep on the rear.

 

[Shraggs]

I also use and treasure my pre WWII winchester 94 in 32 special! Iron sights are great in the woods for deer. Although I would prefer peep ring and post as my eyes age.

Added a BLR sport stainless in 358 Winchester. Theres’ a thunber with range ! Thought hard about not scoping it, but did add a leupy vxr but removable in case.

 

[VernAK]

Most of today's rifles have a too high comb to make most irons easily used.

I have a Husqvarna 4100 that has the perfect comb elevation for the Lyman receiver sight. This is a delightful rifle to carry and seldom is a sling used and it rests so nicely in my hand.

If I need a telescopic sight to shoot a moose, he's too far to pack out.

 

[Blue72]

Love iron sights

Especially on lever guns

I use a Williams rear peep sight with the smallest aperture hole and the smallest brass bead front sight. I forget the exact measurements of the sights. But they resulted in my rifle shooting 1 MOA....I couldn’t believe it!

 

[1Zach1]

Another east coast Winchester 94 30-30, and Marlin 35Rem user checking in. Love open sights, but the hunting distances I am in are almost always less than150yards, usually less than 100.

 

[67bronco]

all my rifles with scopes have backup irons with QR rings. I enjoy shooting irons and try to stay sharp with it. Amazing how good accuracy you can get with some practice. My frontstuffers are irons only. Took this one last year at 96 yards in fading light.