XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight Review

First Thoughts on the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight promises faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. XS Sight Systems is a well-known name in aftermarket sights, and this bolt-on ghost ring replacement aims to modernize the classic lever-action Marlin. For years, I’ve relied on my trusty Marlin 336 for deer hunting in dense woods, but the factory sights have always felt a little lacking in speed and clarity, particularly during those crucial dawn and dusk hours.

My aging eyes are no longer what they used to be, and the standard buckhorn sights were becoming increasingly difficult to use effectively. I needed a sight system that offered a clearer sight picture and quicker target acquisition in those low-light scenarios. I was considering a red dot optic, but I wanted to maintain the classic feel and simplicity of iron sights on my lever gun. The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight seemed like the perfect compromise.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed with the apparent build quality. The steel construction felt robust and durable, and the white stripe on the ghost ring looked like it would indeed enhance visibility. The sight components felt substantial and well-machined. I had been considering the Skinner Sights and the Ranger Point Precision peep sights, but the XS Sight Systems version won me over with its combination of a bold white stripe and reputation for ruggedness.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The sight looked promising, but the real test would be how it performed in the field. I was excited to see if the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight could truly improve my accuracy and speed while preserving the classic feel of my beloved lever gun.

Real-World Testing: Putting XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight at my local shooting range and then during a weekend deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The range provided a controlled environment to zero the sight, while the hunt offered a realistic test of its performance in varying lighting conditions and terrain. The temperature during the hunt ranged from a brisk 35 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning to a milder 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon, with intermittent light rain.

The most noticeable improvement was the speed of target acquisition. The large ghost ring allowed me to quickly center the front sight, even when shouldering the rifle in a hurry. This was a significant upgrade compared to the slower, more deliberate process required with the factory buckhorn sights.

The white stripe on the ghost ring also proved to be highly effective in low light. During the early morning hours of the hunt, I was able to clearly see the sight picture against the dark background of the woods. There were no immediate issues, but I did notice that the white stripe could be a bit too bright in direct sunlight, requiring a slight adjustment in my aiming technique.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of wear or loosening. Even after being exposed to rain and mud during the hunt, the sight remained securely mounted and fully functional.

Cleaning the sight is a breeze. A simple wipe-down with a cloth and a bit of gun oil is all it takes to remove any dirt or grime. The sight requires minimal maintenance. Comparing it to my previous experiences with other aftermarket sights, the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight definitely outperforms them in terms of ease of use and durability. It has become an indispensable addition to my Marlin 336.

Breaking Down the Features of XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight

Specifications

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight is a bolt-on replacement for the factory rear sight on Marlin 336, 1894, and 30AS rifles. It features a large-aperture ghost ring rear sight and a white stripe for enhanced visibility. The sight is constructed from durable steel and finished with a matte black coating to reduce glare.

The sight is designed to be easily installed with minimal gunsmithing required. The large ghost ring aperture allows for faster target acquisition, while the white stripe helps to center the front sight quickly and accurately. These specifications are important because they directly impact the sight’s performance in the field, particularly in low-light conditions and during rapid shooting scenarios.

Performance & Functionality

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Accuracy is significantly improved compared to the factory sights, especially at shorter ranges. The ghost ring allows for a wider field of view, making it easier to track moving targets and maintain situational awareness.

The main strength of this sight is its speed. Target acquisition is noticeably faster than with traditional iron sights. One weakness is that the bold white stripe can be a little distracting in bright sunlight. Overall, it meets and even exceeds my expectations for a ghost ring sight.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight is excellent. The steel construction feels solid and durable, and the matte black finish prevents glare. The sight is lightweight and does not add significant bulk to the rifle.

The sight is remarkably user-friendly. The large aperture and white stripe make it easy to align the front and rear sights. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight is built to last. The steel construction and durable finish should withstand years of use and abuse in the field. The sight requires minimal maintenance.

Cleaning is simple and straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a cloth and a bit of gun oil is all that’s needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight itself does not come with any additional accessories. It is designed to be a standalone replacement for the factory rear sight. However, the sight is compatible with various front sight options, allowing for further customization.

For example, you can pair it with a fiber optic front sight for even greater visibility in low light. Many users also choose to install a scout scope mount for mounting a red dot or other optic.

Pros and Cons of XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight

Who Should Buy XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight?

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight is perfect for hunters who need a faster, more accurate sighting system for their lever-action rifles. It is also an excellent choice for those who appreciate the simplicity and durability of iron sights but want to improve their performance in low-light conditions. This sight would also be ideal for those who participate in cowboy action shooting or other shooting sports that require rapid target acquisition.

Anyone who prefers a very precise, long-range sight should skip this product. Those who primarily hunt in open terrain may also find that the factory sights are sufficient for their needs. A must-have modification would be replacing the front sight with a higher visibility fiber optic.

Conclusion on XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight

The XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight is a worthwhile upgrade for any Marlin lever-action rifle. It offers a significant improvement in speed and accuracy, especially in low-light conditions. The price of $99.99 is justified by the quality of construction and the performance benefits it provides.

I would personally recommend the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight to anyone looking to enhance the sighting capabilities of their Marlin rifle. If you’re looking for a simple, durable, and effective way to improve your accuracy and speed, look no further than the XS Ghost Ring for Marlin 336/1894 Rifle Iron Sight. Upgrade your lever gun today and experience the difference!