Why are so many current models of bolt action rifles offered without sights?

[Sigblaster]

I understand that I'm probably not in the majority on this, but I prefer that my rifles have sights on them, even though I will be using optics on them. Are there really so few of people like me who like to have the option of sights?

I'm shopping around for a new bolt-action in .308, and I really want sights on it. There are few offerings I can find that even come close, but they're not close enough.

I like to challenge myself at the range with open sights sometimes, even though my rifles have optics on them.

Would it really be so hard to offer this as a factory option?

 

[Basher]

I understand that I'm probably not in the majority on this, but I prefer that my rifles have sights on them, even though I will be using optics on them. Are there really so few of people like me who like to have the option of sights?

I'm shopping around for a new bolt-action in .308, and I really want sights on it. There are few offerings I can find that even come close, but they're not close enough.

I like to challenge myself at the range with open sights sometimes, even though my rifles have optics on them.

Would it really be so hard to offer this as a factory option?

For bolt actions, very few optic mounts are “quick disconnect” so I’m sure most manufacturers figure “why bother?” Most irons would be in the way for an optic, and modern optics are generally reliable enough to not need a backup.

If you want irons, go buy an AR upper that has them, a milsurp that has them, or get something like a Ruger Scout with them on it. I know those aren’t answers you want, but that’s where the market demands are, and a VERY small handful of people who want irons is unlikely to change that.

 

[42769vette]

It's probably been 5 years since I had someone ask for scope mounts that you could use irons with.

Thankfully I was able to educate them enough to abandon the idea of see through scope mounts

 

[BehindBlueI's]

Savage Hog Hunter was still offered with irons, and a threaded barrel if you care, last time I was looking. That's been quite a few years ago, though, so no idea if it's still in production.

 

[INP8riot]

Maybe a scout rifle would give you what you're looking for? But then you have a scout eye relief scope...

 

[Sigblaster]

I understand that the population who would want them is small, but it certainly isn't zero. It's at least 1 (me).

Would it really be so hard to add it as a custom factory option? "Add Express Sights.....$145" or something.

I have semis with optics, and a semi without. I have a milsurp with open sights. I can scratch that itch when I want to.

Right now, I want a bolt-action with sights as an option, and I want it new. I may have to consider older models to get that, but I'd prefer not to.

 

[Sigblaster]

Savage Hog Hunter was still offered with irons, and a threaded barrel if you care, last time I was looking. That's been quite a few years ago, though, so no idea if it's still in production.

It is, and it's one I'm looking at. But, I have issues with it. They're my issues, though, and I know that.

 

[NyleRN]

If you have irons on a bolt action then you'll need to mount the scope higher which generally is against common practice

 

[Sigblaster]

If you have irons on a bolt action then you'll need to mount the scope higher which generally is against common practice

That's not always true, though, and co-witness is also possible.

 

[Creedmoor]

700 Remington BDL models.

Model 700 BDL | Remington

And like posted above The Savage Hog Hunter 110

110 Hog Hunter | Bolt Action with Iron Sights | Savage Arms

Hunt hogs with the versatile 110 Hog Hunter. Features a 20" carbon steel barrel, adjustable iron sights, oversized bolt handle, and rugged synthetic stock.

savagearms.com

@BehindBlueI's

 

[NyleRN]

That's not always true, though, and co-witness is also possible.

Give a specific example.

 

[Sigblaster]

700 Remington BDL models.

Model 700 BDL | Remington

And like posted above The Savage Hog Hunter 110

110 Hog Hunter | Bolt Action with Iron Sights | Savage Arms

Hunt hogs with the versatile 110 Hog Hunter. Features a 20" carbon steel barrel, adjustable iron sights, oversized bolt handle, and rugged synthetic stock.

savagearms.com

@BehindBlueI's

Yeah, the 700 BDL is also one I'm looking at, but again, I have issues with it.

 

[Sigblaster]

Give a specific example.

Pre-64 Winchester 70.

 

[Creedmoor]

Yeah, the 700 BDL is also one I'm looking at, but again, I have issues with it.

And what would those issues be?

 

[Sigblaster]

And what would those issues be?

I really don't want to cloud this discussion with my other ridiculous issues.

 

[Creedmoor]

I really don't want to cloud this discussion with my other ridiculous issues.

 

[Sigblaster]

I'm just saying, how hard would it be to offer this as a factory option? Not on every rifle, but as a custom option?

 

[NyleRN]

How are you co-witnessing a scope with a rifle with sights that are a half inch in height off the barrel?

Pre-64 Winchester 70.

 

[Cavman]

I understand that the population who would want them is small, but it certainly isn't zero. It's at least 1 (me).

Would it really be so hard to add it as a custom factory option? "Add Express Sights.....$145" or something.

I have semis with optics, and a semi without. I have a milsurp with open sights. I can scratch that itch when I want to.

Right now, I want a bolt-action with sights as an option, and I want it new. I may have to consider older models to get that, but I'd prefer not to.

Wanted the same set up. Got lucky and found a tikka t3x arctic at a gun show. Comes with irons

 

[Sigblaster]

How are you co-witnessing a scope with a rifle with sights that are a half inch in height off the barrel?

My post was:

"That's not always true, though, and co-witness is also possible."