Redfield International Sights for Model 70 30-06 Match Advice

E

Enahs

Guest
I have a 1971 Model 70 heavy barrel match rifle that I bought new — an old friend and favorite. I would like to equip it with a set of peep sights (to accompany a Lyman Super Spot that has shot exceptionally well). Presently, I am looking at a set of Redfield International match sights in very nice condition (or a similar set of Olympic match sights). Any thoughts as to the appropriateness of this combination. Does anyone know how to identify the bases required without being there to match them to the rifle. Any preference for the International or the Olympic sights? Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
I don't use iron sights much anymore, but ...
The International rear sights have a feature to compensate for any slop in the threads, and were considered an improvement over the Olympics. There is also a Redfield Palma, which I was once considered, but was advised against due to a problem keeping the piece that holds the eye piece aligned. Someone else may remember the exact details. I have had both the Olympic and International, and currently only own the International rear. I use an Olympic front sight on rimfire and the International HP front sight for centerfire. I find the aperatures supplied with the International HP front sight too small for my aging eyes - I use the largest one and wish it was larger. For the rear sight, I have a Merit iris type insert which is helpful. The rear bases are, as I recall, marked as to what receiver they fit. Front bases are marked by height. Front base height is not terribly sensitive. Close counts. There are some better sights available if you're going to get really serious. There is a line in the Sinclair catalogue, and some of the outfits that cater to HP match shooters have some fancy alternatives.
Hope this helps, and hope someone more current adds a comment for you.

Harold
 
Enahs,

Are you looking to maintain the rifle in a "correct for the period" configuration, or are you looking to shoot the rifle in competition? If the latter, a good set of Internationals are the best iron sight choice for a Redfield product.

If you aren't dead set on buying a Redfield, there are better sights. Consensus is the best rear sight today is made by Warner Tool Company ( www.warner-tool.com , the #1 model is for 200/300/600 yards, while the #2 is intended for 1000 yard shooting using a .308 Winchester), and one of these is well worth what you pay for it. (The sight body alone is about $500 - then add in a rear iris on top of that.) Less expensive sights are made by Phoenix Precision, REG, PNW, RPA and Centra. Depending on who you talk to, these sights are either:
  • Terrific, or;
  • A piece of junk.
Redfield Olympic, International, and Palma sights use a standard base shape, which is nearly universal in the US (Warners are made to figt this base, as are many of the other models I've named). Front sight heights are another story - be careful when selecting one.

Other websites you might consider asking this question on are www.Long-Range.com and www.Nationalmatch.us . Registration is required to post to or read each of these boards, but registering is free.

Hope this helps.

DISCLAIMER: I am an Admin at Long-Range.com and Nationalmatch.us, but derive no financial or material gain from this activity.
 
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Thanks to all of you for your observations. A set of Internationals looks to be what I want. German — thanks very much your your reference to Clint Dahlstrom. He does have the sights, but they are without mounting bases. I'll likely buy a set from him if I can come up with the Redfield bases for them. Incidentally, I've read your thoughts on the elimination of 30-06 from Palma competition. And it's not clear to me from reading the present rules whether that has been changed back again. Shane

[Just reread and conclude the 30-06 is still disallowed for Palma]
 
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