Finally getting a marbles but now ... which one?!

[Donowitz]

What is the difference between the regular Marbles and the "Improved" Marbles tang sights?

Should I be looking at one over the other?

I got sick of waiting all this time for the cheap sight from Ruger so now I am dropping the money and finally getting to shoot my freaking lever gun! I hope ...

[AJMD429]

I don't know the answer, but I got four 'Taurus' brand tang sights for $29 apiece that are clones of the Marbles, have been sturdy and reliable, and function perfectly.

For $116, I equipped four leverguns with tang sights...! I presume at that price, they are not clones of the 'improved' version, but they adjust precisely and repeatably without any 'wiggle'. Unlike the Lyman's I've seen, they adjust for windage as well as elevation.

Although I like the Williams FP for 'best' durability in a knockabout/hunting gun, the tang sights just have a certain nostalgia, and in addition the longer sighting radius. Plus, you can use a Williams or other sight for 'normal' ranges, and flip up your tang sight for longer shots. Here's a picture of the Taurus tang sight (temporarily installed on a Rossi with the necessary 'metric' screws from Ace Hardware):

[Donowitz]

I've been waiting for that Ruger one for over two months ... they are kind of forcing me into spending money at this point lol

[Les Staley]

Doc...got a place to buy those Taurus sights? Thanks. Les

[Donowitz]

Doc...got a place to buy those Taurus sights? Thanks. Les

I ordered mine directly through them which was a pain. They wanted a serial number of a firearm "to ensure that you are ordering the parts that are compatible with your gun..." and I was unhappy with that. I finally managed to get it done using a random serial number that I found thanks to a quick google image search. They said it would take 3-6 weeks but now I have been unable to even contact them via phone for over 2 weeks and I have sent two emails to them with zero response. It is getting annoying.

[AJMD429]

Search the forum for a "Rossi" contact number - that's where I got the phone number to order them. About three years ago I think; got them in about two weeks from the order I believe.

[Shasta]

What is the difference between the regular Marbles and the "Improved" Marbles tang sights?

Should I be looking at one over the other?

The "New Improved" Marble's tang sight has the elevation screw and thumb piece held to the base by a set screw, and by loosening the set screw, taller or shorter elevation stem assemblies may be easily inserted (the taller the sight, the longer the range you can adjust for). The traditional Marble's tang sight has an elevation stem adjustable for height, but the stem length is fixed and cannot be changed without going to considerable effort. Here is a link to an old thread showing how to put a taller stem into one of the old style Marble's tang sights:

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... f=1&t=4102

The new style is convenient if you change shooting distances frequently, but in my experience the click detents as you rotate the new sights are not as defined as those of the traditional style. I like firm, defined clicks for positive sight adjustment.

SHASTA

[AJMD429]

The Taurus is not a post-patent copy of the 'improved' version then because I changed out my stem for a longer one and it wasn't all that easy - very doable, but not a simple set-screw affair. (In fact I think I made the longer stem from scratch using a bolt, nut, solder, and Dremel tool! Replacements from Brownells were too pricey when you had to pay shipping and I was in a hurry and didn't want to wait until I had other stuff to order.)

[bdhold]

the answer to the question is the improved Marbles has separate base and stems in different lengths, making it two separate purchases.

[Donowitz]

Seems like I would be best off with the original one. It seems like the clicks are more defined and if I am usually shooting at the same distance at the range etc I should be all set with not having to change the posts. Does that sound logical?

I just want to try to buy it once, buy it right, and never have to worry about it again.

[AJMD429]

Seems like I would be best off with the original one. It seems like the clicks are more defined and if I am usually shooting at the same distance at the range etc I should be all set with not having to change the posts. Does that sound logical?

I just want to try to buy it once, buy it right, and never have to worry about it again.

That would be my opinion, as well. If you really need a taller stem (which I did on one gun), it isn't something you'll be switching back and forth to, and so the switch doesn't really need to be set-screw-easy. Better to get a durable and click-repeatable sight with no wobble, and no need for the stem-swapping.

[FatJackDurham]

I just mounted an improved on my Lemonton and found it a little flimsy. The elevation is a little loose and even with the lock nut down, it is a little wiggly. However, it is easy to use and adjust. I need to buy the next higher post and a wider eye cup, which is nice that you can easily get the parts to custom fit to your needs.

[M. M. Wright]

A few years back the Marbles came with the correct screws and three different apertures. Now you have to order the screws separately and of course pay for them too. Do they only come with with one aperture now?

[pshort]

Howdy,
For the loose and wiggly Marbles stems; I've had 3 of the last half dozen or so come out of the box with some missing little ball bearings. There should be around 7 or so. I've seen the count down to one or two, making a very "loose and wiggly" stem assy.... Especially check the ball above the spring for the detent, one came thru with no ball there..
I called Marbles and they sent out some right away. The last time I asked for a few extras and they sent me 20 or so..... Good folks...
If you've never had one apart, do it on a towel so the parts don't get away!
Put in some grease as you assemble and you're GTG.......

Paul

[FatJackDurham]

Howdy,
For the loose and wiggly Marbles stems; I've had 3 of the last half dozen or so come out of the box with some missing little ball bearings. There should be around 7 or so. I've seen the count down to one or two, making a very "loose and wiggly" stem assy.... Especially check the ball above the spring for the detent, one came thru with no ball there..
I called Marbles and they sent out some right away. The last time I asked for a few extras and they sent me 20 or so..... Good folks...
If you've never had one apart, do it on a towel so the parts don't get away!
Put in some grease as you assemble and you're GTG.......

Paul

Wow, thanks, I will definitely do that! That is really the only complaint I have. For the money, its pretty reasonable. Also, they make a serious effort to match all the rifles. I even had to buy a 10-28 tap because they matched the original threads of my Remington No.1.

[bdhold]

Marbles saves money by packing all the pieces separately - it makes distribution and inventory simpler, but they also make more money by charging more for the assembled pieces.

[FatJackDurham]

Marbles saves money by packing all the pieces separately - it makes distribution and inventory simpler, but they also make more money by charging more for the assembled pieces.

i see. I ordered a complete base, standard post set up from Buffalo arms. The standard at full height isnt tall enough for my gun, as the Roller rear tang drops steeply. i need to order a mid range one, and I'd like a wider eyecup and smaller peep.

[Griff]

Get a Hadley eyecup, and just cry the one time!

[bdhold]

Hadley cups are great, because you just dial the aperture to the light conditions, but they are big.
Also the Merit #3 adjustable aperture (works like a camera aperture)
This is the Lee Hadley