Book Review
The Sight Book
George Madis is still helping Winchester collectors even after he’s gone. With the help of his wife, Patricia, George has published a new book on Winchester sights simply titled The Sight Book.
About the same size as the handy Winchester Handbook, this 183 page work differs from other books as it is specifically geared toward sights used on Winchesters. In typical George Madis fashion, the book’s layout is clean, simple and straightforward. The introduction is very informative and a pleasure to read. It appropriately explains:
“Of the many fascinating features to be found on collectors' Winchesters, probably the subject of sights is the most complicated. In the continuing study of Winchesters, sights have probably generated more questions and controversy than any other subject. Possibly the most important part of a gun, sights were changed, altered and modified more than any other component…. All of the information in this book is from the original Winchester records. For this book, original drawings, "Master Sight Books", catalogs, interfactory correspondence, patent drawings and an amazing amount of primary reference material has been consulted. This reference material has come from the Special Order Shops, Engineering Offices, Production Department, Drafting Offices, Assembly Lines and Sales Catalogs. In most cases, a dozen or more primary reference works have been used. Often a great deal of research had to be done to “glean” only one line of information valuable to collectors… It is hoped this limited edition will provide answers to the more frequently asked questions and to help authenticate sights that belong on a Winchester, especially if the sight is non-standard.”
This work offers a detailed compendium of original design drawings and specifications for most Winchester rifle sights. One nice feature is that all of the Winchester drawings throughout the book are full scale and most include critical dimensions.
This book is comprehensive and an invaluable tool in identifying Winchester sights. It is a must for any serious Winchester collector, and is available online for $22.00 plus shipping and handling at www.WinchesterCollector.org.
Rob Kassab
WACA
Second VP
