I have a standard model 1885 in 45-70. I've hunted with the open sights but would like to get a peep sight for it. Can anyone that has added one to theirs recommend one? What front sight did you go with? Thanks for any help.

Lyman 17A. Includes a whole bunch of inserts of various heights and configurations. BTW, welcome.
Pete

I would second the recommendation for the 17a.

Then, I would go to Brownells or similar and order a set of Lee Shaver's inserts for it. Combine a post or bead insert with the crosswire insert for a perfect front sight.

Brent

Smitty, Marble makes a tang site for your rifle. It is for the rifle without a metal tang. They make one for a metal tang also. I briefly considered getting one, but changed my mind, since the sight was screwed into the stock. If I do go to one of the tang sights in the future, I will get a tang welded onto my action, or sell it and get a rifle with a tang. Probably would have done that a couple of years ago, but the rifle shoots so well with the iron sights that I can't bring myself to sell it off.

Thanks for the ideas on the front sight and the tang sight. Drilling the stock is not an option. I agree with you Pete that it shoots very well with the iron sights. I'll keep searching for a peep sight.

Smitty, I'd just drill it. If you would tap it for a scope then you should tap it for a tang sight. Limiting yourself is foolish in my opinion.

Brent

I am a confirmed tang-sight user, and prefer those to any type of iron sights I've ever used. That said, Williams (I believe) makes a receiver sight that attaches to the factory drilled holes in the receiver ring of the Browning. I don't know how good, or repeatable this sight is, but it might work for your application.

Greg

PS...since I posted this I checked, and Midway has one, a Williams FP Receiver Sight for Browning 1885, for $58.95 .

I have the Williams FP 85 on my rifle no drill and tapping required.
The Lyman 17 is a decent sight but I am not sure that is what I would choose for hunting. I have the .494 high 17 A on my rilfe an it definitely too low. The front sight needs to be about .650 tall.

Marbles may make a tang sight that fits in the existing holes in the tang. I have a Browning 1885 in .45 Colt which came standard with a Marbles tang sight (marked "Browning"). Check Marbles web site.
Pete

If you go for a hunting type Marbles or Lyman tang sight as opposed to a vernier target tang sight, be careful of your eye on recoil. Heavy 45-70 loads could be dangerous. With the vernier sight the ladder will keep the sight out of your eye but it is not as quick as the Lyman or Marbles.