How to Mount a Receiver Peep Sight and Rear Slot Blank ~ 336 Marlin Deluxe Upgrade!

The Lyman 66 LA receiver sight is one of the most respected and precise sighting devices ever made for the lever action rifle. Learn how to mount this remarkable peep sight on your knuckle buster to bring out the best accuracy and speed possible. Learn also how to install the Marble Slot Blank like a pro, from a skilled armorer with over 5 decades of experience.

[@dannyruth9925]

With all the people on the web that think they know what they’re doing it’s good to see someone who really does and explains it very well.

[@anton1949]

Yes, his command of the language makes listening easy on the ears.

[@scottwilson1258]

Gunblue490 is THE most informative Educator of our favorite pastime! Pay attention folks

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.

[@timl8258]

I feel like I'm in school. Thanks for providing a valuable gunsmithing lesson. Hopefully your dog is getting some attention after you made this video.

[@BlueRidgeCritter]

I installed a peep sight on my 94 Winchester about 25 years ago (Williams, but same difference), but this is the first time I had ever seen a dovetail blank. Cool! I might have to see about one of those.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Another video full of invaluable information and explicit instructions ! I just bought a set of skinner sights for my Henry .44 Mag carbine, and this fitment of the dovetail blank was very helpful to assist me with the task of doing so , and applicable for the the front sight replacement as well . Thank so much for sharing your knowledge and experience !

[@markihde4381]

A very nice explanation of how it's done. I did pretty much the same thing with my Marlin 1895 XLR in 45-70. I used a Williams sight but didn't have to do any bluing, since the barrel and receiver on mine are stainless steel. I also left the rear sight on my rifle and simply folded the sight blade down. Thanks for bringing attention to the usefulness of these sighting systems as a viable alternative to mounting a scope.

[@chrismills4213]

This was another fantastic and very informative video…what a breath of fresh air to set back and listen to such a wonderful source of information. Thank you sir the gun community needs such people that will educate another generation 👍 God bless.

[@douglassnyder5681]

Absolutely the best explanation and demo of the proper fitting of a dovetail blank. Spot on.

[@gtex5834]

I can't wait for a range trip vid. I have that set up on 2 marlins. I also added the Lyman globs front sight. Very accurate lever guns.

[@onpsxmember]

Helpful! A video for fitting driftable sights on handguns would make a great addition to this video if there are significant differences to look out for. For overlay text, try a black letter outline and it'll be easy to read no matter how the background changes. Thanks a lot for the lesson and taking the time for the sketch to show the process.

[@marksmith3582]

Outstanding!! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@ericbrabham3640]

Excellent instruction. The best video on this subject ever.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you and God bless.

[@TomRiverSimpleLiving]

it is nice to see a job done right! Fine work Sir.

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer, that's a scam.

[@COREYDEER]

Love watching your videos. I’m thinking about taking out the 30-30 this year as well and do a close stock on a deer. I would like to hear a tale of your most memorable deer or elk hunt. I’m sure there others would too. Nothing like a man smoking a cigar, drinking a beer and telling a good hunting story 👍

[@chriswalsh9989]

That's an awesome lil upgrade! I have a Winchester 1894 in 30-30 and love it, always have wanted a Marlin though just never have ran across one at a good price. Great video, I love you how to video watching you work is amazing, I'd love to just spend a day in your shop with you. Thanks again!!

[@larrysayers1377]

Greetings from western Canada. Thanks for such good videos. I’ve been meaning to put a Lyman on my 1972 Winchester 30-30 that has a 24” barrel and 3/4 magazine. I currently have a Williams on it but I much prefer how the adjustments are on the Lyman. Appreciate your videos. All the best in 2023.

[@dr.killjoy29]

Your videos are the best!!💯💯

[@drstrangelove4998]

Thank you Sir, excellent instruction and just in time!

[@mr.x1510]

You're very impressive, not many people know about the tools that they're using like you do. I'm sure you have a copy of a machinery handbook like I do. Love your Channel

[@billpray3069]

I just got done installing a Lyman slot blank on my 1894 . Thank you for the video , I followed it step by step made and my job much easier. P.s. I enjoy all your videos

[@TallCoolOne51]

I recently completed the same project on my Win 94 top eject using a Williams 94/36 aperture. Excellent upgrade.

[@robertlawson698]

Thank you for the sight removal and installation tips. Things I'll remember for now on.👍

[@sneak6654]

Thanks for taking the time and effort in making this video and you did an excellent job explaining the entire process.

[@rogermiller4912]

Excellent workmanship!

[@bullseyedixon5660]

WHAT GREAT INFORMATION SIR GOD BLESS. POOR POOR BENNIE. HE JUST WANIED TO BE ON CAMERA FOR HIS MILLIONS OF FANS

[@randallmunson9909]

Thank you for your presentation sir.

[@thomaspounds9031]

Awesome and detailed video as usual. Thank you sir.

[@rustybass2766]

Excellent video thanks 👍

[@MarkJohnson-yz6jt]

Thank you for an easy to understand video!

[@beetlefang]

Very Helpful - Thanks!

[@tommyt8998]

I've done this twice myself, using the Williams 5D peep sight. Unfortunately, it was never compatible with the front sight I used with the semi buckhorn, and I had to use trial and error to get the correct replacement front sight. Thanks for the good video. You are more devoted than I am. I never did anything to the sight blank channel except to clean it and oil it.

[@firstnameiii7270]

thank you sir!

[@MarcosCaminante]

I use the Williams Fool Proof and really like it but I would LOVE that sight. Great video.

[@zeke1eod]

Very nicely done. Thanks for sharing, stay safe and God bless.

[@leonardwood8024]

Thanks for the great info and God Bless to you too.

[@popsmccartney435]

Thank you for sharing

[@pablosuarez4592]

OUTSTANDING!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@earl9035]

BTW. I mentioned the tang sight because I am waffling over a receiver mounted sight versus a tang mounted sight for my Marlin limited 1895. Your presentation has me leaning toward the 66LA. I am a little concerned over the real estate loss with a tang mounted sight.

[@forward1165]

I could listen to you talk about guns all day! Thank you for what you do I greatly appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I have a Winchester Model 94 30-30 that I would like to be install a receiver sight on. Would you go with the Lyman or a Williams sight? And on a Winchester would you still drive the dovetailed sight out towards the ejection port? Thank you

[@colby7625]

I hear ya Benny!

[@JoelMMcKinney]

I wonder if he wanted out, was hungry, or just was yammering for attention.

[@colby7625]

He's getting older so probably all of those.

[@markihde4381]

Benny wants co-star credits. 🙂

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.

[@colby7625]

@@onpsxmember no doubt

[@user-kg1zx4xn5o]

I installed a Skinner peep sight on a 336. My groups really decreased at 100 yards.

[@davesbackyardchickensandou3905]

I wish you could still get those

[@GunBlue490]

The Lyman sight is still very much available.

[@endutubecensorship]

Useful tip: If your rear sight that has downward spring tension against the barrel will scratch on it's way out of the dovetail. Use a piece of flexible plastic (like the kind used on Butler Creek scope cap packaging) and slide that under the rear sight after removing the elevator. As you tap the sight out of the dovetail the plastic piece protects the finish of the sight and the barrel. The rear sight shown in this video did not have downward pressure, so the protective measures weren't necessary.

[@GunBlue490]

It had no contact with the barrel, or I would have shimmed it. A piece of paper is all that's necessary.

[@endutubecensorship]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you for the reply, I have seen rear sights like yours and others that have a lot of downward spring pressure where the piece of paper/plastic is needed. Thank you so much for your videos, your knowledge is a tremendous resource!

[@earl9035]

Great and informative content as usual. I have never heard you mention tang sights, any particular reason or perhaps I missed it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge in a direct and easy to understand manner.

[@GunBlue490]

Tang sights are some of the earliest precision peep sights made, and were long favored by the target shooting fraternity, including Schutzen rifle competitors in the black powder era. Because of their closeness to the eye, together with the somewhat extended sight radius, they are capable of fine accuracy. In practical field use however, they were always found to be quite vulnerable to damage, due to the leverage that can be imposed on the high fixture with no lateral support. Their popularity faded greatly by the turn of the 20th Century after the introduction of highly effective and more robust receiver mounted sights by Redfield, Lyman, and others. Everyone has their own personal favorites, and I'm glad that they continue to be manufactured for those traditionalists who seek them. In using the popular Skinner sight on my own rifle, it didn't take long before I tired of its crude adjustment limitations. Allen wrenches and sights are ok at a bench for sighting day, but are no end of frustration when a field adjustment is necessary, or when they loosen. The simplest factory sights accomplish the requirements for pretty fine adjustment, given sufficient patience, but any expenditure for an upgrade should offer a wide latitude of adjustment in windage and elevation, together with easy field adjustability and precise, repeatable increments.

[@earl9035]

That's a great breakdown, thank you.

[@buckshot4428]

Very nice installation. Please let us know if you had to install a taller front sight. BTW Williams makes a twilight apperature that is brass outligned to allow for better sighting under low light conditions. God bless you as well.

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you for that reminder. I had seen that aperture in their catalog, but had forgotten it.

[@Paladin1873]

I put a Skinner wing sight on top of my Marlin receiver. The sight can be adjusted with some effort, but once zeroed, it is a very rugged setup.

[@GunBlue490]

Yes, I've installed and used the very nice Skinner sight. It's perfect for a rough "set it and forget it" zero that's adequate for many folks. This is a traditional, finely adjustable sight with precision incremental clicks that can be immediately adapted to changes in ammo, elevation, windage, etc., exactly as one would have on a target rifle It depends on what degree of precision and adjustability you desire.

[@Paladin1873]

@@GunBlue490 I agree. Good luck bagging some venison in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

[@GunBlue490]

@@Paladin1873 Thank you!

[@buddy22801012]

I also installed a skinner wing sight on my Marlin 336. Absolutely great sight. I did need to install a higher front sight which wasn’t a big deal,purchased a sight that was tall than needed then filed it down a bit.

[@guaporeturns9472]

You prefer the Lyman to the Skinner obviously.. care to share why? Thanks

[@GunBlue490]

I've owned and used both extensively. The Skinner is a nicely made sight but has very limited and crude adjustability. The Lyman 66 LA is precisely adjustable target quality sight, on par with the long extinct Redfield Olympic.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@GunBlue490 thanks

[@stevenhaney575]

I was just wondering could you still use a scope on it at the same time? Without removing the peep sight.

[@xBaronSamedi]

Hello, I have a question about the dovetail blank if you don’t mind. I’ve installed a dovetail blank on my lever gun just as you described, but I’m not a fan of how chunky it looks. Have you ever filed the top and sides of the blank to give a flush or near flush fit to the barrel? I’m wondering if it’s a bad idea for an amateur like myself to get so close to my barrel with a file and file on it while it’s installed. But I don’t see myself getting it close to the right shape if it isn’t installed. What do you think, should I just live with the look? Thanks!

[@service1956]

At 9:15 in the video, you mentioned that you line up the peep sight with the way the ladder sight is set before removing it. That would tell me that you would not have to replace the front sight. That in itself is a big bonus by not spending the extra money. Many times with other manufacturers, that front sight also has to be replaced.

[@GunBlue490]

That remains to be seen! As it appears, the sight may have sufficient clearance, but possibly not for the target aperture, if I desired that. Sights that mount atop the receiver require a mounting base in addition to the aperture, which necessarily creates a higher plane than side mounted sights. I'll report back later.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@GunBlue490 I use a Lyman 66 LA on my 336 in .30-30. I shoot a handload driving an FTX gummy tip at 2380 fps. My stock front sight (the Marlin design with the serrated ramp that attaches to the barrel with two screws) works just fine for me. I also use the Merit adjustable iris aperture disc, so I can adjust the size of the hole as lighting conditions change. Whether wide open or as small as it'll go, the stock front sight works fine for me.

[@JRTRAPP1]

Someone taught me to put a business card, index card, paper under the rear sight before you drift it to prevent scratches.

[@onpsxmember]

If you search the comments using ctrl+F, search for playing card. It didn't apply here, but a good idea if there is no clearance. Don't answer the scam below.

[@philippefrater2000]

Eyes, fingers. The best tools God gives us! Yes Sir! 🖖🏻🇫🇷😎🇫🇷😎🇫🇷🖖🏻

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Hi Gunblue Does the same hold for pistol sights too regarding the direction you remove a sight (the direction the brass is ejected)? Thanks!

[@GunBlue490]

Pistols and revolvers are more varied regarding front and rear sight attachment and employ methods that remain secure during the more vigorous recoil and cycling forces. Some are simply press fitted with mechanical force without dovetails, while others have dovetails. Some are staked unto place, some are integral to the frame or are soldered permanently, and some are fitted into vertical slots and pinned horizontally, and others have retention screws in addition to tightly slotted installations. Close inspection is necessary, as often, pins are concealed by grinding and finishing after installation, as with many S&W revolvers. However, where they are installed into a dovetail, the convention of moving the sights into position from the right should always be followed. A great many pistol sights require far more sophisticated means and should be given to gunsmiths or factory personnel for service.

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

Isn't that the way it goes? You try to do a little project and there is always someone in the background trying to get your attention away from it. My little entourage does the same thing. God bless Benny.

[@user-rk4zm3nb5f]

Any idea when Winchester started adding the mounting holes for these sights? I have a '51 model 94 and the last year of the top eject, I believe early '80s and neither have the tapped holes. A mid '70s has the holes.

[@GunBlue490]

My understanding is that Winchester drilled left side holes beginning in 1957. The introduction of the angle eject model allowed for scope mounts, which I believe simultaneously ended those optional receiver sight mounting provisions. I personally feel that Winchester didn't understand that a great percentage of lever rifle shooters buy them for their compact, quick handling nature, which is juxtaposed to scope mounted rifles. All lever rifles should provide for the receiver sight option, regardless of whatever else may work.

[@blackie1of4]

The first thing I noticed when using a peep sight was just how quick it is to get on target and stay on target even while it's moving. Also.. when I removed the factory sight.. I placed a playing card ♦️ underneath it so it wouldn't scratch the barrel. Love your video.. it definitely would have helped me out a lot! I did line up my peep before I removed the sight and that truly makes a world of difference for 😊 Thanks for sharing this and God bless!

[@GunBlue490]

You're quite welcome. This particular sight stood off the barrel and required no protective shim, but you were spot on to use that old trick.

[@MarlinWilliams-ts5ul]

Do yo need to replace the front sight?

[@sdimeblazer01]

Is a dovetail blank required? I imagine it’s to protect the dovetail but I wasn’t sure if it was structural or not for the barrel?

[@GunBlue490]

It's not required for structural reasons, but it does protect the user from very sharp edges. It's a traditional treatment that has been done for over 100 years. I think that a bare dovetail is as unfinished and ugly as a faucet without handles.

[@user-pd1fq6in4h]

Where do you get the German silver punch? Having trouble finding one. Thank You.

[@GunBlue490]

Look for nickel silver. It's a more common name these days for the same item. It comes in long rods that can be cut to length and shaped with a file.

[@endutubecensorship]

Hello sir, thank you for the great knowledge! What is your opinion of Williams peep sights compared to Lyman?

[@GunBlue490]

As currently offered, they are simply different approaches to placing a peep hole on the gun. Williams goes with a top mount with a rough, set-and-forget style adjustment, while Lyman uses the side mount with fine target style click adjustments and greater latitude. Due to their top mount bulk, it's not uncommon for Williams sights to require a higher front sight, which they offer, too. It's strictly a matter of preference.

[@endutubecensorship]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you for the reply, as always your knowledge helps so many!

[@MidwestSurvivalCompany]

Working on one for a customer and I can’t get that dove tail to even bulge at all

[@criscross6591]

👍👍

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.

[@roller_47]

I wonder when Ruger is going to bring back the 336 now that they own Marlin...

[@robertholland6655]

Can you make a video on finishing a new gun stock? I just bought a model 70 supergrade with walnut stock and I am unsure what to do with it.

[@GunBlue490]

I'm not sure if I understand your question correctly. The Model 70 Supergrade is one of the most beautifully finished stocks in the world. It needs nothing but your tender loving care to keep it that way. The stock is finished with a durable urethane. Never, ever apply anything to the wood, and never oil the rifle, except to wipe the metal with a soft oiled flannel cloth, or oil will destroy the wood. (Oil finished military stocks were done with linseed, not lubrication oil)

[@robertholland6655]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you.

[@Unequalibrium]

I have a CZ 457 with the front sight blade and two adjustment screws in the front facing the muzzle. The booklet says to use the two screws to adjust the elevation, but it doesn't say what each of the screws actually do. I've searched the net/forums and found other people asking how to use the adjustment screws, but they haven't received any answers either. Can you tell me how to use the screws to adjust the elevation? I'm sure if anyone knows, you do. I can't believe it's so hard to find this info.

[@GunBlue490]

Yes, I can help. The sight pivots on a lateral pin. The two screws work in opposition to each other using equal turns. Screwing the top in and the bottom out lowers the sight, and vice versa. Both must be snug after adjustment.

[@Unequalibrium]

@@GunBlue490 Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@ruger3089]

Would you recommend this Lyman or Williams? I’m putting one on my 336 in 35 rem

[@GunBlue490]

I've used both. Williams is top mounted and has limited adjustment, but is compact. Often, it requires a higher front sight though. I prefer the side mounted Lyman.

[@ruger3089]

Thank you for the quick response, appreciate that. Love all your videos

[@mirzaadil6955]

Is this gun good for elk and moose? Thanks.

[@GunBlue490]

The 35 Remington with its 200 grain bullet has a long history as a moose cartridge, and many elk have fallen to it, though prudence would dictate keeping shots within 100 yards.

[@randallmunson9909]

@@GunBlue490 So, drop scale or elevation scale on the new peep will be different between 30-30 and 35 Rem. ?

[@jerroldshelton9367]

@@randallmunson9909 No. The drop will be different between them the two cartridges, certainly. But the "drop scale" as you call it is graduated in minutes of angle assuming a 28" sight radius. My 336 is in .30-30. I shoot Hornady 160 grain FTX bullets out of it, handloaded to 2380 fps / 2013 ft/lbs at the muzzle. I sight mine in so it is 3" high at 100 yards, where the bullet is moving along at 2181 fps and hitting with 1691 ft/lbs. It is dead on at 200, where the bullet is doing 1992 fps and hitting with 1411 ft/lbs. At 275 yards, it's 2.8" low and the bullet is moving at 1858 fps and hitting with 1226 ft/lbs of energy. That's not exactly a surplus of power, but it's enough to kill a mature bull elk or a moose stone-cold dead. Sighting in the way I do, I just aim for the center of the boiler room and don't have to worry about bullet drop from 0 to slightly beyond 275 yards. Just aim for the center of the boiler room and squeeze the trigger....... Pop and flop, every time. In my 47 years as a licensed hunter, hunting primarily in the "wide open west," the farthest shots I've ever made on game were a 275 yard poke at a Santa Rosa Island, CA pig with a Model 1903 Springfield in .30-'06 that was fitted with the Lyman Model 48 aperture sight, and another 275 yard shot on a California HIgh Desert mule deer with a 3-9 Leupold- Ruger No.1 B in .300 Weatherby Magnum. If I could go back in time with my peep-sighted 336 and the ammo I've been using since 2007, I'm pretty sure I'd get the same result. I'm so sure of this that the Marlin 336 that I've had since I was 11 years old is the only centerfire hunting rifle I own now. Even with the Lyman 66 on it, it's the only one I really need. I'm a still-hunter, so even in open country, I'm usually not shooting all that far, and the .30-30 with the ammo I use has enough velocity and energy and bullet mass to kill pretty much anything you can hunt in North America stone-cold dead out to the 275 yard line. I've used my 336 on mule deer, black-tail deer, whitetail deer, two pronghorns, 7 elk, and more feral swine than I can count. Over the years, I've had my 336 scoped, peep sighted, open sighted, and moved back and forth between these, but I come back to the peep and particularly the Lyman 66 LA. Compared to a scope, the Lyman 66 LA doesn't futz up the handling dynamics of the rifle, It carries like a thirty-thrity is supposed to. It gets on target RIGHT NOW like a thirty-thirty is supposed to. It adds no meaningful weight to the rifle. Rain and snow can't obscure lenses that aren't there. Having no magnification means I can't out-shoot the terminal ballistics of my ammo, no matter how hard I might try. A deer that's 36" high at the shoulder starts to look pretty small at 200 yards with 0 magnification in the sight. Lastly, I don't shoot my 336 as well with the peep as I do with a scope. I bobbed the magazine tube on mine to half-length and glass bedded the butt to improve accruacy. Scoped, it's a solid 1.5 MOA rifle. With the peep, it's a 2 MOA rifle for me, but then so was the AR-15 A2 I used to shoot service rifle matches with. It's more accurate than it needs to be for the game I shoot with it over the distance that I'm going to shoot it, even with the peep sight.

[@kevindrone]

Second!

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.

[@tonymcbroom5252]

How do I get to your Patreon page?

[@onpsxmember]

He should put it in the description and on his channel page, but you have some options to get there: You can search on your preferred search engine like google, duckduckgo, startpage 'patreon+gunblue490' or you type in your address bar patreon. *com*-mercial /gunblue490 . Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.

[@JRTRAPP1]

The S&W collectors are going to cringe when they see the modified screwdriver.

[@onpsxmember]

Don't answer the post with the numbers, it's a scam.