Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight Review

One Week with the **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight**

For those of us who appreciate the subtle elegance and time-tested functionality of iron sights, the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight presents an intriguing proposition. This isn’t a cutting-edge, tactical marvel; rather, it’s a nod to simpler times, a reliable backup or primary aiming solution designed for a specific niche. Lyman, a name synonymous with firearm accessories for over a century, offers this folding leaf sight as a testament to enduring design principles. Its promise is straightforward: a readily deployable rear sight that stays out of the way when not needed.

My journey to the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight was born from a desire for a minimalist sighting solution. I’d been experimenting with a classic rifle that, while beautiful, lacked a proper rear sight aperture. The goal was to retain the rifle’s aesthetic while regaining practical usability without resorting to a scope mount that would detract from its heritage. I wanted something that folded down neatly, presented a clear sight picture, and wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon receiving the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight, my initial impressions were a mix of pleasant familiarity and a touch of caution. The sight itself is undeniably compact, with a satisfyingly solid feel despite its diminutive size. The steel construction, while not overly ornate, suggests a robust nature. The white triangle on the elevation blade is a simple yet effective visual aid, promising quick sight alignment. It felt like a tool designed for purpose, not flash.

When considering alternatives, the landscape offered a few paths. Some custom gunsmiths offer bespoke sights, which are often exquisite but carry a premium price tag. Others, like the Skinner sights, are highly regarded for their robust construction and excellent fitment, though sometimes at a higher cost. The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight seemed to strike a balance, offering traditional styling and functionality at a very accessible price point. It represented a pragmatic choice for adding essential sighting capability without significant investment.

My excitement was tempered by the knowledge that fitment can sometimes be a gamble with dovetail-mounted sights, especially on older firearms. However, the promise of a simple, effective, and unobtrusive aiming system made me eager to get it mounted and see how it performed in the field. The reputation of Lyman in the shooting world provided a baseline of confidence, but as any seasoned gear user knows, real-world application is the ultimate test.

Real-World Testing: Putting **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight** to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight was at my local, somewhat rustic, outdoor shooting range. The rifle I’d chosen for this experiment was a well-loved, 50-year-old .22LR sporter, a platform where the simplicity of iron sights truly shines. The weather was a pleasant, late-autumn crispness, dry and cool, ideal for testing basic firearm components.

Mounting the sight was, as advertised, straightforward. It slid into the existing 3/8″ dovetail with a satisfying, if slightly loose, engagement. The adjustment for elevation was intuitive, a small screw allowing the blade to be raised or lowered. The white triangle on the blade immediately drew the eye, facilitating rapid sight acquisition.

However, my initial range session brought a small snag. While the installation was easy, the dovetail fit on the rifle was, as one user noted, a bit on the loose side. The sight would slide with a gentle tap, indicating a slight variance in the dovetail cut of the rifle or perhaps the sight’s base. This meant I needed to use a thin shim, a common practice when dealing with older firearms and varied manufacturing tolerances, to ensure a snug fit. Once shimmed, the sight held firm, and I was able to get down to the business of shooting.

The sight’s performance, once secured, was as expected for an open rear sight. It provided a clear aiming point, and the white triangle was effective in drawing the front sight post into focus. The elevation adjustment allowed for quick zeroing. It was a functional, no-frills aiming solution, exactly what I had hoped for in terms of basic utility.

Extended Use & Reliability

Following that initial range session, I’ve had the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight on a couple of subsequent trips, including a longer day out in the field for some informal plinking and pest control. I’ve also given it a thorough cleaning after exposure to some light dew and dust.

So far, the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight has held up remarkably well. Despite the slightly less-than-perfect initial fit, the shimming method proved robust, and the sight has remained securely in place through recoil and handling. I’ve noticed no significant wear on the adjustment mechanisms, and the painted white triangle is still bright and clear.

Compared to my previous experiences with open sights, this Lyman offers a good balance of adjustability and simplicity. It doesn’t have the micro-adjustments of some target sights, but for its intended purpose, it’s more than adequate. The folding mechanism remains stiff enough to stay down during use but allows for easy deployment when needed. There’s a satisfying snap when it locks into place.

Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe-down with a silicone cloth and an occasional light application of gun oil on the pivot point have kept it functioning smoothly. The overall impression is one of a durable, albeit basic, piece of equipment that can withstand regular use without complaint. It’s not a delicate instrument; it feels like it’s built to take a bit of a beating, which is reassuring for any piece of gear destined for outdoor adventures.

Breaking Down the Features of **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight**

Specifications

The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight is a testament to functional design. It’s designed to fit standard 3/8″ dovetail slots, a common mounting system on many rimfire and older hunting rifles. The sight itself features an adjustable elevation blade, allowing for fine-tuning of the point of impact. A prominent white triangle is integrated onto the blade, serving as a clear aiming point that enhances sight acquisition speed.

The weight is remarkably low at just 1/2 oz, meaning it adds negligible bulk or balance shift to the firearm. This is crucial for maintaining the rifle’s original handling characteristics, especially on lighter firearms. The sight’s construction primarily consists of durable steel, promising longevity and resistance to minor impacts.

The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight is available in different models, designated by letters such as “16A .400 to .500”, “16B .345 to .445”, and “16C .500 to .600”. These designations likely refer to the range of heights or base widths available, catering to different rifle barrel contours and dovetail depths. This variety is a significant advantage, allowing users to find a more precise fit for their specific firearm.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight is to provide a reliable aiming point, and in this regard, it performs admirably. Once properly secured, it offers a clear and usable sight picture that is significantly better than no rear sight at all. The white triangle, while simple, is highly effective in drawing the eye and facilitating quick alignment with the front sight.

Its adjustability is a key strength. The elevation blade allows for reasonable tuning of the point of impact, making it practical for zeroing at various ranges within the capabilities of the firearm and ammunition. The folding mechanism is also functional; it stays down under normal use but can be easily lifted to present the sight.

A notable strength is its inherent simplicity. There are few moving parts to fail, and its operation is intuitive. The main weakness, as experienced, can be the variability in dovetail fit. This is less a fault of the sight itself and more a characteristic of dovetail mounting systems across different firearm manufacturers, particularly older ones.

Overall, the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight meets and often exceeds expectations for a folding leaf sight in its price category. It successfully transforms a non-sighted firearm into a functional shooting platform without compromising its classic lines.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight prioritizes function over form, though it possesses a certain understated utilitarian aesthetic. The all-steel construction gives it a solid feel, and while not heavy, it doesn’t feel flimsy. Its compact profile when folded is a significant ergonomic advantage, allowing it to lie flat against the barrel, minimizing the risk of snagging on clothing or gear.

The white triangle is a thoughtful ergonomic touch, providing a high-visibility aiming reference without the complexity of fiber optics or tritium. Deployment of the sight is straightforward; a simple lift brings it into the upright position, ready for use. Its slim profile when deployed means it doesn’t obstruct the shooter’s peripheral vision excessively.

While the general design is user-friendly, the specific fit to the firearm’s dovetail is the primary ergonomic consideration. As mentioned, variability here can necessitate minor adjustments like shimming. However, once secured, the sight is comfortable to use and doesn’t present any sharp edges or uncomfortable protrusions during aiming.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is a key selling point for the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight. The all-steel construction suggests it’s built to withstand the rigors of field use, including bumps and scrapes that are inevitable when one is out in the elements. The pivot mechanism for the folding leaf appears robust, designed to withstand repeated deployment and retraction.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light cleaning with a soft cloth and occasional oiling of the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep it in good working order. The white triangle is a painted element, so while reasonably durable, it’s something to be mindful of during aggressive cleaning. However, its simple design means there are no complex springs or mechanisms to trap dirt or debris.

Given its solid build and lack of intricate parts, this sight should offer many years of reliable service for its intended purpose. It’s the kind of gear you can depend on without excessive worry about its fragility.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight itself is quite focused, and its customization options are primarily tied to its installation rather than add-ons. The key accessory that comes with it, in essence, is the instructions manual, detailing its operation and installation. The product is designed to fit 3/8″ dovetail slots, which are standard on many firearms, meaning it’s compatible with a wide range of rifles without needing proprietary mounts.

The sight’s design makes it inherently compatible with most standard front sights, whether they are blade sights, bead sights, or even some forms of post sights. The available variations, such as the 16A .400 to .500 and others, are the primary “customization” available, allowing users to select a base size that best matches their rifle’s dovetail. This attention to fitting ensures that when properly installed, it integrates seamlessly with the firearm.

Pros and Cons of **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight**

Who Should Buy **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight**?

The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight is perfect for owners of vintage or classic firearms, particularly rimfire rifles and lever-action hunting rifles, who want to add a functional rear sight without altering the rifle’s aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice for casual plinkers and shooters who value simplicity and affordability. Furthermore, it’s ideal for survivalists or backcountry enthusiasts looking for a reliable, low-profile backup sighting system that won’t add significant weight or bulk.

Those who should skip this product are competitive precision shooters requiring highly adjustable target sights with fine windage control, or individuals who prefer modern, high-visibility fiber optic or tritium night sights. Users with firearms featuring non-standard dovetail sizes might also find this sight challenging to fit without modifications.

A must-have accessory for this sight, especially for those encountering loose fits, would be a small roll of thin brass shim stock. This will allow you to achieve a snug and secure mounting. Beyond that, regular cleaning supplies like a silicone cloth and gun oil are recommended for long-term care.

Conclusion on **Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight**

The Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight embodies a philosophy of practical utility and enduring design. For a mere $22.99, it delivers a functional, adjustable rear sight that can breathe new life into firearms that have been rendered less practical due to the absence of a rear aperture. Its solid steel construction, simple folding mechanism, and clear white triangle aiming point make it a reliable companion for a variety of shooting applications, from casual range fun to essential backup sighting in the field.

While the potential for variations in dovetail fit is a minor caveat, this is a common issue with many aftermarket iron sights, especially when mounted on older firearms. The ease with which this can be remedied with a simple shim makes it a manageable concern. This sight doesn’t pretend to be a high-end tactical component; instead, it’s a humble, effective tool that fulfills its purpose with quiet competence.

For anyone looking to restore functionality to a classic rifle, add a simple and robust backup sight, or simply embrace the elegance of iron sights without breaking the bank, the Lyman No. 16 Folding Leaf Sight is an easy recommendation. It’s a testament to Lyman’s legacy of producing dependable firearm accessories that stand the test of time. If you’re seeking a no-nonsense, affordable, and effective folding leaf sight, look no further.