I just acquired a used, fired Browning Model 71 High Grade. Over time it will change calibers, but that's another topic. Among the first things to do is to have a receiver-mounted adjustable aperture sight installed.

I do not care for Lyman's or Williams' with the sight base being affixed to the left side of the receiver. Is there available a sight that mounts astride the breech bolt while affixing to the top of the receiver?

Don't know if the XS sight from the M94 will work or not but Ashley's design puts the aperture way too high for my taste. You might try a custom application with a low aperture mounted directly on the bolt itself. Seems like just such a thing has been done before, at least once http://www.leverguns.com/articles/taylor/model71.htm If a fella went with a fixed rear and shot only one load he could take his adjustments at the front sight.

quote:

Originally posted by nordrseta:
Don't know if the XS sight from the M94 will work or not but Ashley's design puts the aperture way too high for my taste. You might try a custom application with a low aperture mounted directly on the bolt itself. Seems like just such a thing has been done before, at least once http://www.leverguns.com/articles/taylor/model71.htm If a fella went with a fixed rear and shot only one load he could take his adjustments at the front sight.

Thanks for the XS heads-up.

I am uninterested in a bolt-mounted sight because of its inherent inconsistency. Since the bolt is a running fit within receiver, a bolt-mounted sight will not return to its original point of departure every cycle of the action. How serious or significant will be the deviation? Dunno. The Model 71 is not the most accurate shooting platform, so why put an additional burden on its potential?

I have XS rears on my Browning 71 50 Alaskan, and my 86 50-110, both have Williams Firesite fronts.

I find them just about perfect for me.