Question re: Lyman 56 sights and Winchester 92/53s

[cubrock]

I have a Winchester 53 that someone drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. At a recent gun show, I came across a Lyman 56 (no suffix, just plain 56) that looked like it might work, so I bought it. Well, the screw spacing is slightly different.

So, my question is this. If I had the gun drilled and tapped for the 56 screw spacing, would it work? Or, is there another Lyman sight I should be looking for? Or, Redfield? I can't find a list of receiver sights made for the 92/53 and want to weigh my options before further modifying the gun.

Also, for which guns was the Lyman 56 intended, other than the Winchester Model 71?

Thanks in advance!

[KirkD]

As far as I can see from the Model 53's in my database, the Lyman receiver sight was not a factory option, unlike the tang sight. I can't recall if I have your Model 53 in my database or not. If not, I would be grateful if you would PM me. I have about 1% of all production now (just over 150 guns in my database).

[Marc]

I would be more inclined to elongate one of the holes in the sight if it is just slightly different. If a skosh more than slightly then maybe drill a new hole in the sight.

[cubrock]

As far as I can see from the Model 53's in my database, the Lyman receiver sight was not a factory option, unlike the tang sight. I can't recall if I have your Model 53 in my database or not. If not, I would be grateful if you would PM me. I have about 1% of all production now (just over 150 guns in my database).

Kirk,

I thought I had sent you the info on it when I bought it. I'll have to look at the SN and get back with you. This is definitely not factory work. It is well enough done, but not good enough to be factory.

[Shasta]

According to the book "OLD GUNSIGHTS" by Nick Stroebel, the Lyman 56 application codes were:

56A- winchester 1892, 1894, 1886, Models 53, 55, 64, 65, 71, 1885, 87 Single Shot, Remingon Model 14 & 141.

56B- Winchester Model 1903, 63, 61, Marlin Models 1894, 36.

56BSA- BSA Model 12, Martini action rifles.

56C- Remington Models 14, 141, 25, Marlin Models 39, 39A, 1897, Savage Models 1903, 1914, 1929, Stevens Model 75.

56LA- Marlin 336.

56MB- Marlin Models 1893, 1894, 36.

56MC- Marlin Models 39, 39A, 1897.

56R12- Remingon Models 12, 121, 25, Savage Models 1903, 1914, 29, Stevens Model 75.

56S- Savage Model 99

56W- Marlin Model 1893.

56W71- Winchester Model 86 and 71.

Some applications require a different front sight also.


Hope this helps. SHASTA

[cubrock]

Shasta,

That is immensely helpful! However, mine only says "Lyman 56" on it. Were the application coded sights later? Thank you!

[KirkD]

Kirk,

I thought I had sent you the info on it when I bought it. I'll have to look at the SN and get back with you. This is definitely not factory work. It is well enough done, but not good enough to be factory.

Then I'm sure I have it. I don't keep track of names in order to keep all the data anonymous.

[Shasta]

cubrock- The book states that application codes are stamped on the exposed surface of the mounting block. There is no reference for just "56".

edit- Per the mentioned book, Winchester rifle receiver sights use either 0.525- or 0.600- inch hole centers with 6-48 screw size.
Marlin receiver sight hole spacing is either 0.600 or 0.775 inch on centers using a 6-48 screw size.

edit- cubrock, the letter suffix may not always be stamped next to the number. Check all areas of your sight for a letter code.

SHASTA

[cubrock]

Shasta,

That was it! I found "LA" on the sight arm. Now I need to decide if I keep looking for a Winchester sight or have a new hole drilled in my gun.

[Sixgun]

Shasta....keep looking for a Winchester sight or have a new hole drilled in my gun.

No, no---take Marks advice--you can rework the sight or.......call Ken Bean of York, Pa and make a switcheroo ----------Sixgun

[cubrock]

I missed Marc's post. That bears looking into.

[Shasta]

OK guys, we have a Winchester owner with a QUALITY Lyman 56 receiver sight designed for a Marlin. Surely, (don't call me Shirley) there is a Marlin guy out there with a quality all-steel receiver sight for a Winchester, willing to swap?

Hey cubrock, just trying to help! Good luck!


SHASTA

[cubrock]

OK guys, we have a Winchester owner with a QUALITY Lyman 56 receiver sight designed for a Marlin. Surely, (don't call me Shirley) there is a Marlin guy out there with a quality all-steel receiver sight for a Winchester, willing to swap?

Hey cubrock, just trying to help! Good luck!


SHASTA

Yeah, that is probably the best solution. However, I don't mind keeping a Marlin sight around, either.

[2520WHV]

Somewhere around 1955 a new Lyman receiver sight for lever guns became the Lyman 66.
I'm not sure screw holes were the same spacing as the earlier 57 sight. Perhaps your gun is drilled and tapped for the Lyman 66?

[cubrock]

Good point. I'll check into that.