How to Sight In Lever Guns ~ And Lots of Other Rifles, Too!

Confused about the little step notches in your lever gun's rear sight and what they mean? You're not alone, according to the number of folks who ask this fairly common question on gun blog sites. Unfortunately, most answers are nothing more than contradictory opinions and guesses that add to the utter confusion. Based on hearsay, folklore, and worthless as astrology, most have no basis in fact, and provide nothing in the way of assistance. Follow along and see exactly what those little steps do with your bullet impact. What's more, you'll save lots of money on those incredibly expensive and hard to find rounds, and get the job of sighting in done with simple and amazing efficiency, saving that ammo for the game you hunt and valued practice sessions, not squandered wastefully and expensively on Sighting In Day.

[@tw0one208]

So glad that many years ago I watched your video on the 30-30. I am the proud owner of a 1956 model 94 thanks to you and your advice. No clunky 3-9 scope. No heavy sling. Just a handy little rifle that prints 3 inches at 100 yards with good old 170 grain loads from the hardware store. I even wear wool out there because of you! Thank you so much gunblue. I can’t tell you how much headache and money you’ve saved me over the years.

[@marvinbrock960]

That’s was awesome! I’m a detail oriented guy, in scope mounting, hand loading, etc… knowing what turn values are and so is so important. I’ve never considered actually doing the math on open sight ramps… Thanks Blue! Don’t go anywhere, I have way tooo much to learn from you! I’m 50 years old and most of my friends like I’m a genius at all this, no sir. You show me that regularly. Always learning! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rogerdildeau7507]

I'm as old as you are and have been shooting for over fifty years, but I thoroughly enjoy your videos. I can always learn something and your videos are both entertaining and informative. Please keep them coming.

[@tfrost33elkhunter]

I’m a man in my 50’s soaking up your vast knowledge like a school boy! Thank you sir!

[@tucsonjack3991]

I hit the like button before the video starts. He’s that good !

[@laughingdog6010]

I used the M94 Winchester when when I was young. I killed rattlers at almost muzzle range to 50-75 yards for deer, coyotes and to about 150 yards on running jack rabbits. I love the lever gun and it is perfect for what it’s designed for. Thanks for your excellent video. It takes me back.

[@kylecarpenter40]

I bought a Henry .22 LR with buckhorn sights and all it took was one smack and one increase on the elevator at 50 yds and it was done! Squirrels beware! I enjoy your knowledge and wisdom at 31 years old and replay your videos learning something new every time. God bless and keep them coming!

[@PlanktoniusRex]

I have the Henry H001 standard .22 and I got mine zeroed at 35 yards after a few adjustments. I have two issues with how Henry sights are designed. One is the elevation riser is super cheap and thin. It wiggles around with the slightest touch and it could have been done a lot better for next to no cost to manufacture. The second is the windage setting is done by loosening a VERY small and fine screw which is begging to be stripped out. When tightening it back up I swear you can't get it back strongly enough to keep even the smallest bump from moving it out of zero. Henry really needs to do a better job because the rifle itself is high quality and precise, but those sights are atrocious.

[@jg0943]

Nice to see Benny sitting there by your side

[@TimD9804]

Coincidentally, two days ago, I went through this exercise with an open sighted Savage 99F in 250Sav that I intend to take on a Wyoming muley hunt in two weeks. It was printing a bit higher than I wanted, so I adjusted the elevator one notch down, which made it too low. Funny thing is, I moved it back to it's original setting, and that now has it printing exactly where I want, splitting the difference between the original setting, (which it is back to now), and the adjusted setting. After watching this video, I went and measured the difference between the original setting and the adjusted setting, and it measured 4.35" ! I'm at a loss to explain why returning back to the original setting split the difference, though. Great video. Thanks again.

[@jimmorrison306]

You, sir, are like a professor. I’m gonna have to watch this again and take notes. Excellent stuff.

[@michaelreardon7667]

Your video came out the day before I am zeroing in my 1894 Winchester. Perfect timing

[@grumbledore424]

Growing up in the firearm purgatory of California I never had these kinds of talks with family. We had that same brass swivel lamp so this feels just like sitting and listening to Dad or Grandpa talk about how to be responsible with guns.

[@scottsozmtns7534]

Man, you know your stuff “Old Timer”! Lol I’m almost 50 & have 2 grandkids, so I’m not too far from being an “Old Timer”, myself. Nah,, Seriously you bring a nice sensibility, maturity & practicality to a lot of people that have never been taught how to use iron sights, let alone a scope. I grew up in the 70’s & 80”s & guns were a way of life for me & my family. You remind me of all the great men I knew growing up that was born back in ‘Ought-Eight”, or 1912, such as my maternal grandparents were, that gave all us young people a good example of how to guide our lives and “rifles”, the right way! Thank Sir for your time, effort & knowledge learned and shared! Thank you from a “young”, old timer!! Have a good day Sir! All my respect, Southwest “The Ozarks”, Missouri (all my life)!

[@me2bfc]

I have an early 1980’s era JM 30-30 Marlin I’ve been tinkering with and these types of calculations have been invaluable. I fear I may have to get a tang rear sight to handle the variety of loads I use with it, but it works pretty well.

[@waynehendrix4806]

Thank you sir. There were some very simple tips that I had not figured out. I have a passed down 94 that's 2-4" left at 50 currently, and I was focused on front sight adjustments only. Glad you focused on adding the rear sight adjustment as part of the windage options.

[@grb876]

Good explanation on that topic. I have a Winchester '94 30-30, always loved the lever action rifles. Simple, versatile and will put meat in the freezer. Appreciate the video 👍🏻

[@stinger4583]

Good info. Thanks. Two of my rifles are a Winchester '94 in 30-30 and an 1873 in 45LC. Love the lever-action rifles.

[@rick-kx7gy]

Always good to see Benny alert & healthy . A trick I learned when it comes to iron sights point of impact changes is FORS . Moving the Front Opposite , Rear Same .

[@jacobb.]

That's a good one Rick. Thanks for sharing, new info for the head bank.

[@seanoneil277]

I like the opening few moments where Benny is looking up at him. Not surprised at all to see such a gesture from Benny, obviously he's a well-loved and well-cared-for dog -- and I would expect no less from GunBlue490 & Mrs GB.

[@rick-kx7gy]

@@seanoneil277 You can almost hear Benny sayin hey daddio if you're not gonna scratch my head I'm goin over here and takin a nap .

[@scottmitchell1974]

What? I don't understand.

[@rick-kx7gy]

If you want to move your point of impact ( POI ) lets say to the right you would move your front sight to the left ( opposite direction ) . Or your rear sight to the right ( same direction ) F.O.R.S. Front Opposite , Rear Same . A catchy way to remember which direction to move which sight . No matter which direction you want to move your point of impact . @@scottmitchell1974

[@mightymouse8095]

I'm taking my 92 rossi 45 colt out tomorrow

[@nastybastardatlive]

150 yards is 1 1/2 football fields. That's a really long shot for hunting deer in the Catskills. Like military sniper stuff for us.

[@GunBlue490]

It certainly is, Ollie.

[@cgarrand78]

I was thinking the same thing up here in the Adirondacks.

[@tonymcbroom5252]

Thank you sir for the very valuable information and lesson! Never disappointed when I see you have a new video out there!

[@dansaver8247]

Terrific. Thank you. The racking of a lever sounds good.

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Excellent, clear, mathematical explanation. Much appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to compute this and then sharing it.

[@ikesquirrel]

Benny was on full alert when you worked the action. 😂

[@peterpaul6725]

The dog knows more than I do about guns😫

[@sniffythepoocowtatum5436]

I've been a teacher for 37 years myself which mostly qualifies me as being a good student. I can dig on some good teaching. Thanks!

[@RickyJr46]

My first long(ish) gun just arrived, a Henry Big Boy X, and I'm ready to go sight it in. Your methodical approach to the sighting process helps me a lot!

[@charlesludwig9173]

An understanding of MOA is essential to sighting in a rifle. You did a pretty good job explaining it. Another essential is calling the shot. I see folks on the range who, from poor trigger control or inconsistent sight alignment shoot off mark but nevertheless make a sight adjustment. So before making any adjustment the shooter should practice calling shots dry firing until able to call on mark.

[@tonyrome5584]

In the heavy woodlands of Ohio and Pennsylvania where, as you stated, typical shots are 30 to 100 yards I prefer my 45-70 Marlin. The rounds are very easy to load and I choose bullets from 300 to 405 grains and a moderate powder load. Recoil is moderate, feeling more like a push as compared to a 30-30. with a well placed shot, deer seem to drop more quickly as compared to the 30-30. I have never had to track down an anilmal I shot with shot with a 45-70 (yet!). Although the trajectories are not as flat I still get point blank shots out to 75 yards and only need to come up a couple inches at 100 (so that is like nothing considering the accuracy of these guns). Also, in Ohio only rifles with straight wall cartridges are permitted.

[@davidstepeck2644]

Always love Gun Blue in the fall!

[@boostimalaka1]

At least he’s saying it’s only 150 yard gun. Paul Harrell did a video “Don’t Underestimate The 30-30”. Many hunters have harvested whitetail deer well over 200 yards with 150 grain loads. Nothing wrong using the lighter bullets on deer. The 170 grain Remington Corelokt was always my choice until I watched a friend drop a 6 point buck with his 150 grain 30-30 Winchester Power Point at 190 yards. It was like lightning hit it.

[@OutnBacker]

As my eyes have aged, and being corrected with glasses, I have taken to placing a patch of electrical tape in the upper left corner of my right lens, with a 1/16" hole punched in the middle of the patch. I trimmed the tape to match the radius of my frames so it lays flat on the lens. After a couple minutes, I no longer even "see" it in front of my right eye because it is off to the side so far. But, when I aim the rifle, and adjust my natural head position to line up the sights, the hole is right where I need it. Just like a peep mounted on the wrist behind the hammer. What this does is act like a peep sight that is located very near my focal correction distance from my aiming eye. The rear sight and the front sight appear clear as a pin, with the corrective lens doing the job at the target. It's like being 20 years old again. On the other issue: I'm glad I reloaded about 1000 rounds of .30 WCF and .300 Savage before the SHTF.

[@seanoneil277]

That's a very ingenious add-on to your eyeglasses. Well done!

[@OutnBacker]

@@seanoneil277 It takes a bit of fiddlin to get the placement just right for when you tilt to aim, but it works like magic. Upper left corner, patch no bigger than the taoe is wide. Punch the hole sharp - no fuzzy edge. Costs about 1/2 penny.

[@robthebeekeeper8997]

Coolest eye correction hack I’ve ever heard of!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@billybigtime7749]

Thanks for the info. Genius idea!

[@OutnBacker]

@@robthebeekeeper8997 Nice thing too, when you 're done shooting, just peel the tape off and stick it on the side of the reciever for next time. Tha last one I made up is now about three years old. You just need to make sure the hole is sharp. Dust can make it fuzzy.

[@s60430470]

So good to hear from you!! Thanks my friend!!

[@craigschaefer8764]

Of all the gun videos on KZbin, I’ve never seen one of this subject. Thanks.

[@jasonweishaupt1828]

Lever guns are hard on scopes. If I get another one I’ll put a micro red dot on it. Both of my Winchesters had a problem of the rear elevators flying out under recoil. 😂

[@babybear5001]

Always meant to get a lever action. Finally got one. Off to range tomorrow. Masking tape, hammer and brass rod. All new to me. Used one before but never owned one. One of the other things this video taught me was I had to load, can't get the ammo I want locally, I mustn't be too critical. Thinking don't even bother ladder testing if it shoots OK. Thanks for all the videos.

[@peteshour768]

I didn't know this. Coincidentally, I am soon to purchase a 26" barrel Win. Model 94 in 30-30. My initial zero will be at 25 yards then 50 yards. The current price of ammo does not necessitate a 100 yard zero at this time. I can appreciate your math approach. For me it is important to know the numbers and how they relate to point of impact. I never did like to waste ammunition. Thank you Benny.

[@64samsky]

I have a JM stamped Marlin 1894 in 44 Magnum, thanks for the video!

[@DSMattitude]

I never thought of round count in the magazine changing harmonics. Good call. I dont consider my 30-30 a long range rifle any way, its just a handy little guy. Great video, with lots of good info and math to back it up!

[@Whiteghost-pv5zy]

I use levar guns and love them. Thank You for the great video.

[@lessharratt8719]

I really like how you use science and common sense. My 94 was a tack driver out of the box. 50 cent pieces at 25 yards without fail. The rifle is as accurate as I am Or maybe more so. Haven't touched the sights since I bought it.....50years ago. Great information though if I need to adjust some day. Might get dropped or something unforeseen. Thanks GunBlue490.

[@shaverx3293]

Very clearly and simply explained! Thank you for this posting!!

[@chrismills4213]

Another outstanding video…love the explanation. You sir are an awesome teacher, thanks for the work you put into your videos👍

[@seanoneil277]

The best firearms teacher on KZbin, in my view. And we get it all because of his immense generosity -- for free. He blesses us with his wisdom.

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

Your directions are easy to understand and follow. Thank you, for another excellent video.

[@mtnmandave]

Thanks, for sharing your knowledge. I’m picking up a 1907 Winchester model ‘94 in a few days. It shows its age but still shoots. This video is a good refresher on how to sight it in (and my 1976 model ‘94 as well). Thanks!

[@peterpaul6725]

When young I was a very good shot with "elevators". Now I need no less than a 4 x 12 magnification scope. Loves shooting rifles. Nice video. Thanks.

[@comlbbeau]

Pistols or rifles, remember the acronym FORS…. Front-Opposite, Rear -Same.. Thoroughly enjoy all of your insights whether they apply to my interests or not.

[@vehdynam]

Thank you , very valuable information. Much appreciated.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Funny how I like to get a decade of the rosary during the rut. 😊

[@kirkboswell2575]

Good presentation sir. I wouldn't be able to add a single thing to improve it. And that says a whole lot. More importantly, you have reminded me of several things I had forgotten. Valuable information for one and all. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@chrisborona5063]

Thank you...once again you knocked it out of the park.!

[@tonyadams6375]

Excellent advice. As always. Thanks.

[@dbmail545]

Wow! I had thought that I would never shoot iron sights again until I had both cataracts done. Each step seems to be close to a mil. Sounds about right.

[@C8geyB]

Good timing. I shot my first lever gun this morning. Win model 94 in 38-55 using my hand loads. Very different than LR bench. I’m hooked on black powder (substitute). Very cool experience; a lot of fun. Your audio is much better..

[@joemolf3894]

You are one very smart man and a gifted teacher. Good thing I don’t live close otherwise I’d be picking your brain constantly. Thanks for explaining this!

[@hutehund9519]

Great info... But wait! Somebody just stole your tractor!

[@Russianpaintrain]

the words " reality and realistic" are words you dont hear anymore , pretty much anywhere. Well said ! Now we need a lesson of the buck horn sighting system

[@joefennell7535]

Very good sir. Had get a taller sight for my marlin. The guy at Skinner Sites took real good care of me.

[@kevinsnead4225]

Excellent information. Thank you!

[@metasoft0221]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Bsaw13]

The beggining of the video feels like I’m about to be told a really good story

[@jeffestrada6857]

Thanks again 👍

[@garytredwell5649]

I scoured KZbin for years looking for this information! Dozens and dozens of combos to get this explanation, to no avail. I gasped out loud when I saw your video! Thanks for the excellent information, you are a great resource. PS - Aren't the ammo prices crazy? Luckily I reload for 30.30.

[@ianmccutcheon6319]

Excellent video. I needed to adjust my sights on a .30-30 M94win after having a fiber optic front sight installed. I chose to adjust the rear sight as it was more durable. The rifle was shooting about 5 inches to the right. I only had to move the rear sight a hair to bring it back dead center. The adjustment was not noticeable to the naked eye. I used a sticker and pencil to mark the position of the rear sight before making the change. Thank you

[@davepowell3293]

I was just given my uncles BLR in 308, yesterday, it was made in 1990.

[@starkad67]

I have one from 1976. Alu or steel receiver?

[@davepowell3293]

@@starkad67 it has a steel receiver, they switched in 95

[@vincebelmonte7710]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@leveractiongypsy1848]

My favorite rifle to take on pack trips is my Marlin 336 in 35 Remington modified with the Skinner LO-Pro peep sight. The older I get the worse my eyesight gets, but the ease and intuitiveness of a peep sight makes it easy to get on target fast at self defense ranges which is why I usually take it camping. I have since moved to Montana and am now in North West Rockies. Where I target shoot, I see Grizzly bears, and there are also wolves and mountain lions. I feel a 35 Remington even with standard factory ammunition is more than enough at its effective range. Its funny if you listen to internet lore on whats needed for 'bear country' you'll need hand grenades and a 50 cal....ask the locals that live in Grizzly country that have actual experience you might be surprised at the calibers that have done the deed often enough that are called, 'a reliable choice if you do your part' haha

[@A-Z__124]

I put a Williams peep sight on my 336 about 40 years ago. Never regretted it in the least.

[@Hungrybird474]

I love this channel .

[@BigRooster616]

My 1967 24in Octagon Winchester in 30/30 With a Williams Peep sight shooting my hand rolled gas checked 150 gr Lead Bullet . Hasbeen my go-to Rifle for more years then I can remember. She is Zeroed at 2.5 inches high at 25 Yards and deadly out to about 200 Yards . Mostly deer taken from 30 to 80 yards . My longest kill was 190.5 Yards years ago when my eyes was young . God bless

[@karlschulte9231]

I put peep sights on 2 of mine. And scopes on 2 more. Old style like this on several .22's i gave to sons. Buckhorn less usefult past 30 yds in 70's. Good video.

[@burrco3086]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@mightymouse8095]

Love your videos!

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

These Marlins are my absolute favourite rifles for work and play here in the Northwest Territories. Some might call them crude, but they always work. Was glad to learn some calculations from you. Thanks for that! I need some front sights for a few that shoot too high, even with the rear fully lowered, a fine bead and long distance shots. My .45-70 thinks it's a 600 yard rifle! LOL. To be fair, it hits the steel pig at 320 yards, so I'm not complaining. Also, .35 Remington is on my wishlist. Take care!

[@marksmith3582]

Thanks!! Outstanding.

[@alandavis6205]

That was a ton of valuable information. Amazing.

[@leonardjanda6181]

I’ve got same exact rifle 1970 35 Remington. With Lyman peep 👀 site, absolutely great 100 yards an in. Great 👍 videos as always Sir👍❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@1989truck]

thank you for taking the time to explaining this

[@nohandle257]

I'm copying the below from your Savage 99 video in hopes you might see it. Thank you for all you do! I've gotten to this video late in my 'obsession' with your content the last couple of weeks. I thought I knew some stuff about guns, ammo and the sporting world until I ran across your channel. %^). This particular video gives rise to a suggestion I have for a vein of content you might want to provide on your channel. That would be a discourse on the generations and permutations of the great American Gun and Ammo companies...and the European as well. I guess we shouldn't exclude the Japanese either. This fascinates me and it is a huge area of interest to me and perhaps many others. It is also very concerning. Luckily for us all there are millions of enthusiasts in the West and that keeps material development and innovation going. Competition is presently still functioning well, or so it seems. What is really going on 'behind the scenes' however is the large question I have? I think I see some odd consolidation of different companies and this give rise to wonderment on my part as well as concern. A case in point is highlighted by Winchester and their recent ( to me ) offering in their Model 70 guns. Who is really making them? How have they been able to achieve such a wonderful 'renaissance' in the design and quality of these guns? And most of all ... who and by what genius did they generate this accomplishment? Is Fabrique Nationale involved? Is FN a French Company or is it a truly international company now? I could list a bunch of questions regarding several prominent companies here but I'm sure I don't have to as you yourself could come up with them better than I could. I won't bring in the 'political' aspect of this subject although this could be a scary component and you might want to include something here if you take up my suggestion. And of course this pandemic has thrown everything up in the air and much more than just a monkey wrench in the gears of world commerce. Probably such a massive unknowable that it's not worth opining on.

[@JohnSmith-dh4gw]

I grew up with Dad's Marlin 39A with a Lyman receiver sight and a Merit adjustable peep. I highly recommend it.

[@nadieselgirl]

Thank you, I learned a lot. I've always just idiot hacked it spending ammo until its right making notes. Not a great option at the moment.

[@bushinbritishcolumbia6935]

Another great video,,,,keep em coming,,,i love em,,,,,,and hello from british columbia canada,,,,,also,,,,,dont hear many people talking about winchester model 88 lever,,,,i just aquired 1,,,,,1 inch----1 1/4 groups 100 yards

[@claygood2844]

Well done . Great easy explanation.

[@craiglewis6821]

I have a 336 made in 1980 and the rear sights are pretty basic, however this rifle is a tack driver. Good video

[@grzebyk05able]

Recently purchased my first lever gun, a Henry big boy in .45 colt. To match a Ruger Blackhawk in the same caliber. I’ve heard you mention being on the forefront of the “hot loaded” magnum .45 colt craze but can’t find a dedicated video. I would very much enjoy to hear your knowledge on the subject. Another great video, thank you.

[@terrystover7365]

Thanks for the video.

[@sonnygunz9207]

You’re a smart man Gunblue.

[@belowfray5251]

Awesome presentation

[@marycordova-de7bx]

Outstanding sir great knowledge and ability

[@thomaszaccone3960]

Love lever guns. Thank you!!

[@tommysmith5905]

Me to and this helps alot

[@freezerburn04]

Great tutorial, good Sir. 🙏👋

[@dougclarke4540]

Would love to see you do a video on the Lyman peep sight on your marlin similar to this one. I have a peep on my 94 30-30 and I’m struggling a bit with getting it where I’m very comfortable with taking it in the woods

[@cwby1978]

Great video Merry Christmas

[@nohandle257]

I put a peep site on my 'japchester' 1895 45/70 and that helped my old eyes a lot. I sold the gun though. Couldn't take the kick.

[@nohandle257]

1886. What was I thinking?

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks. I have a 1949 win 30-30 bought new by my dad, that shoots 6 inches to the right @ 100 yds. (I am a lefty my dad was was a right hander) I like the idea of the tape to do my windage. I have learned to shoot it anyway. My Dad left us last year. I treasure the piece.

[@GunBlue490]

I'm sure you will cherish the gun your dad left you. Pray for him, thank him for his many gifts to you, and he'll really appreciate it. As I mentioned, you can share the windage adjustment with the front sight.

[@paulcritchfield6958]

Beautiful gun

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

Great info here , Someone is driving your tractor back there

[@triptideom]

Thank you

[@4570levergun]

Hopefully now that Ruger is taking over Marlin, quality lever guns will come back to the market. It was hit or miss with Remington. I got a decent 1895 cba but I have seen and heard horror stories. Great stuff as usuaal. I learn something every episode.

[@angeleyes885]

Henry make beautiful and great lever guns. I have a side gate loading 45-70 and it’s my absolute favourite to shoot. So much that I started reloading ammo to shoot it more often.

[@ethanstone4896]

“I think any 5th or 6th grader can probably do” ya know, I’m gonna keep my age a secret but that one hurt😂

[@Hungrybird474]

I’m getting the itch to shoot my guns which have been sitting for 2 years .