I just picked my first deer rifle. It's a Marlin 336SS 30-30 caliber. Decided on a Marlin 'cowboy' looking gun because my father had one when he hunted and took his first buck with it. My question has to do with the iron sights that's on it. I am having trouble lining up both. The back sight seems so dark it's hard to get the front sight in the middle notch of the back sight. Hope I explained that so that you can understand. I have shouldered other style of guns with iron sights and I have no problem.

Is there any modifications that you have done to increase the ease of using iron sights? If I can't become confident in shooting out to 75-100 yards I may put a scope on it. But I really want to be able to shoot this thing with iron sights. What do you think?

Also, what grain bullet would work best with gun? Are there any special loads that would increase accuracy?

By the way, this is a awesome looking gun. The walnut has lots of figure and character. The gun shop owner said that this type of wood is not normal on standard guns. It sure looks great!

thanks! -cowboy shooter in new england-