Marble's Tang Sight or Willliams FP???

[Jetmugg]

Yesterday, I took delivery of a Henry Big Boy in .327 Federal Magnum to be used in PC lever action matches. Our first local match is in March 2026, so I have some time to get this rifle sorted out, but don't want to waste time.

I'm tempted to use a Marble's tang sight on this rifle in combination with whatever Lyman 17A is needed to get the front sight height correct. I haven't used a tang sight previously, but they are interesting to me in terms of lengthening the sight radius.

Alternatively, I can use a Williams FP sight designed for Marlin 336, which also happens to fit the receiver of the Henry Big Boy.

I'm seeking advice, particularly from anyone currently using a tang sight for silhouette matches.

Thanks,

Steve.

[375Short]

I’m surprised you didn’t get some response. I think your topic got lost before anyone read it. Between your listed choices I would go with the Williams. The Marbles look great and for hunting function great. It was the first sight I used and it feel short on durability and adjustment convenience. Adjustment is straight forward enough I just found the constant counting of clicks or rotations tedious and error prone. A few creative folks use some form of measuring device and just move the sight to match the measurement for each animal. I decided that was called a Vernier sight and went that direction. Like you, thinking any extra distance between the sights can’t hurt. Been down the Williams road also. The Williams work great and are very durable. I personally just like the looks and easy repeatability of the vernier. I think any advantage the extra sight distance makes isn’t enough to matter much. One great thing about lever gun is folks are successful with all the listed options. Go with what you like for whatever reason you like it. I think there is a little wisdom in having the same sights across the SB, PC, CLA rifles but again probably not enough to loose any sleep over.

[DAVIDMAGNUM]

375Short wrote "It was the first sight I used and it feel short on durability and adjustment convenience. Adjustment is straight forward enough I just found the constant counting of clicks or rotations tedious and error prone. "

I started with Marbles Tang sights and over the past few years switched over to MVA Vernier sights. They are twice the price or more, so that is a consideration.
I had two problems with the Marbles Tang Sights. They all go loose and sloppy. Both the detent spring and posts would be loose enough to be useless for accurate shooting. The second problem was me. I would walk to the firing line and ask "did I turn the sight up to the turkey setting"? The clear, visible vernier scale on the MVA sight tells me where it is at a glance.
I have no opinion about receiver sights as I have never used one.

[PAndy]

I have not used a tang sight . I have settled on the Williams FP sights because they seem to work fine and it is easy to mark the elevation slide for repeatable zero or sight settings. Reading the little fine factory elevation marks and numbers on sights is difficult for me especially when light is not great on the firing line. They seem durable. Down side for me is that I forget to tighten the gib lock screw now and then.

[edgehit]

I made my own vernier for the Williams and can dial it to 1/2-minute. I also have a couple of Lyman 103 range sights that have micrometer click settings that are repeatable but I feel they’re more prone to human error than Williams. But they look cool

[Porpoise]

I have both kinds, I have to count turns on both. Since a turn is only about 3 inches at 100 meters, I prefer to count half turns or quarter turns, whatever, instead of counting clicks. I think the elevation thread pitch is the same on both the marbles and Williams. The tiny Williams sight marks I can't see to use accurately. As far as sight radius, I haven't noticed any difference at all in accuracy, what I do notice is having the front sight farther out is more important than sight radius

[Jetmugg]

I made my own vernier for the Williams and can dial it to 1/2-minute. I also have a couple of Lyman 103 range sights that have micrometer click settings that are repeatable but I feel they’re more prone to human error than Williams. But they look cool

I like that idea. Did you use a section cut from a machinist's 6" scale and attach it to the Williams sight? I've given some thought to attempting such a feat. Start with a 6" scale, trim it down to a short, narrow section, and then screw or glue it to the Williams "arm".

[375Short]

IMG_1378.jpeg

This method is fast, ugly and works way better than counting. Pen, straight edge, tape and a box cutter blade. A little alcohol wipe to remove oil before applying the tape. It’s on the pig setting at the moment.

[Jetmugg]

Nicely done, Wayne! Straightforward and effective.

Steve.