For nearly a century, Williams Gun Sights has been the name shooters trust to hit their mark. But what makes this Michigan-based brand a legend in the firearm industry? In this post, we’re going to introduce you to Williams gunsight products and the company itself. If you’ve been on the fence about whether Williams is worth it, this article will give you all the answers.
Table of Contents
About Williams Gun Sight Company
- Established Legacy: Founded in 1926 by Harvey Williams in Davison, Michigan, with nearly a century of expertise in firearm sight manufacturing.
- Innovative Product Lines:
- Firesights: Fiber optic sights known for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, available for pistols, rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders.
- Peep Sights: Classic designs like the FP, 5D, and WGRS, trusted for precision and quick target acquisition.
- LRS (Low Reflex Sight): Modern precision optics offering a lower reticle position for shotguns and rifles.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Extensively covers hunting rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders. Also produces sights for handguns and tactical firearms.
- Manufacturing Excellence: Uses high-grade materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and precision CNC machining. Combines durability with affordability to deliver value-packed solutions.
The story begins with Harvey Williams, an avid outdoorsman who founded Williams Gun Sight Company in Davison, Michigan. Back in 1926, firearm optics were far less sophisticated than they are today, and many shooters struggled with less-than-ideal iron sights that didn’t quite hit the mark, literally or figuratively. Williams revolutionized this with finely tuned peep sights that quickly gained a reputation for improving accuracy.
Before long, Harvey’s six sons joined the effort, expanding the business into retail and shooting ranges. Together, they transformed Williams Gun Sights into more than just a manufacturer; it became a key player in America’s firearms community.
Innovations that Shaped the Industry
Throughout its decades-long history, Williams hasn’t just kept pace with the evolution of firearm sights; it’s often led the charge.
The Peep Sights That Started It All
One of Williams’ enduring legacies is its iconic line of peep sights. Models like the FP, 5D, and WGRS continue to be favorites among shooters for their simplicity, dependability, and functionality. At their core, peep sights offer a natural way to align your eye with the target by creating a tunnel-like effect for superior focus and quick acquisition. What sets Williams’ peep sights apart is their adjustability and robust construction, which cater equally to bench shooters and hunters navigating rugged backcountry trails.
Take the FP (Foolproof) series, for example. Crafted with precision-machined aluminum, the FP sights are incredibly lightweight yet tough enough to handle anything the field throws at them. The fine micrometer adjustments are intuitive, allowing users to dial in their settings with remarkable precision. Whether you’re dialing in for long-range shots or fast-paced hunting scenarios, these sights serve as a reliable companion for consistent accuracy.
WILLIAMS FP-94/36 Receiver Sight with Target Knobs
$64.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Precision aluminum construction
- Comes with Target Knobs
- For Models: Winchester Models 94 Top eject, 55, 63, 64, 65, and 9422; Marlin Models 36, 336, 444, 44 Magnum, and 93 and 1895 and 1895G pre 2001
Now, the 5D, on the other hand, is all about simplicity and function. It lacks the micrometer adjustments you’d find in the FP series, opting instead for a set screw system you adjust manually. It’s a sight you lock down and forget about, which is ideal for hunters who want rugged, no-fuss gear. Sure, adjusting it requires a bit of patience, but once it’s set, it’s rock solid.
The WGRS (Williams Guide Receiver Sight) takes a different approach. It’s compact, sitting low on the receiver without snagging on gear or getting in your way. This design makes it practical for hunters who deal with brush-heavy environments.
This sight is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using a lever-action, pump shotgun, or even a single-shot rifle, the WGRS adapts well, especially when standard mounts aren’t an option. Adjustments for windage and elevation are there, straightforward and easy to manage.
Now, the 5D, on the other hand, is all about simplicity and function. It lacks the micrometer adjustments you’d find in the FP series, opting instead for a set screw system you adjust manually. It’s a sight you lock down and forget about, which is ideal for hunters who want rugged, no-fuss gear. Sure, adjusting it requires a bit of patience, but once it’s set, it’s rock solid.
The WGRS (Williams Guide Receiver Sight) takes a different approach. It’s compact, sitting low on the receiver without snagging on gear or getting in your way. This design makes it practical for hunters who deal with brush-heavy environments.
WILLIAMS WGRS-336 Rear Peep Sight with Front Fire Sight
$40.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Light, Rustproof Aluminum Alloy
- Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
- No gunsmithing required
- Designed to fit tapped holes in Marlin 336 receiver
This sight is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using a lever-action, pump shotgun, or even a single-shot rifle, the WGRS adapts well, especially when standard mounts aren’t an option. Adjustments for windage and elevation are there, straightforward and easy to manage.
WILLIAMS WGRS-RU22 Rear Peep Sight
$35.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Compact Low Profile
- Lightweight, Strong, Rustproof
- Positive Windage and Elevation Locks
- Fits Ruger 10/22 without drilling or tapping
For those in search of peep sights for muzzleloaders, the Western Precision Muzzleloading Sight is a standout option. Designed with long-range accuracy in mind, it addresses a common issue with standard fiber optic setups that often obscure the target beyond 100 yards. With 10 interchangeable reticle inserts included, this sight offers customizable options for different preferences and shooting conditions, making it a favorite among dedicated muzzleloader enthusiasts.
WILLIAMS Western Precision Muzzleloading Sight
$109.95
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Designed for optimal visibility and a clear sight picture
- Front globe sight comes with 10 interchangeable reticles
- A non-magnified reticle with multiple hold points
- Paired with Williams peep sight, low profile globe design eliminates need for shims under rear sight
- CNC machined out of high-grade aluminum
- This sight system is designed to fit many of the modern round barrel in-line muzzleloaders.
- Fits CVA, Knight Mountaneer, TC & Traditions
The Firesight: A Revolution in Low-Light Shooting
The early 1990s saw Williams redefine low-light shooting with the introduction of Firesights, their groundbreaking fiber optic sight technology. At the time, fiber optics in firearm sights were relatively novel, and Williams was ahead of the curve in recognizing their potential. Williams Firesights use carefully engineered fiber optic rods to capture ambient light and channel it into bright, highly visible aiming points—even in dim or low-light conditions.
If you’ve ever hunted during the dawn or dusk hours, you know how vital clear visibility is when lining up a shot. Firesights have become a must-have for hunters in such conditions, offering clarity without the need for batteries or external lighting.
Williams makes Fire Sights for all kinds of firearms, from concealed carry and competition handguns to shotguns and muzzleloaders.
WILLIAMS Universal Ghost Ring Fire Sight Set
$53.08
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Attaches to most Vent Ribbbed Shotgun
- CNC Machined Aluminum/Steel Base
- Clamp On Attachment
- Red Fiber Optic, Fixed Front Sight
- Green Fiber Optic Ring, Windage/Elevation Adjustable Rear Sight
- Matte Black Finish
- No Gunsmithing Required
For instance, let’s take the Universal Ghost Ring Firesight, a solid option if you’re gearing up for turkey hunting, deer tracking, or simply enhancing personal defense. Its fiber optic ghost ring naturally draws the shooter’s eyes to the center, making target acquisition faster and more intuitive. Besides, Williams ghost ring sights boast straightforward windage and elevation adjustments. To mount one you don’t need a trip to the gunsmith because the sights are designed to attach directly to the vent rib.
WILLIAMS WGRS-RU22 Rear Peep Sight with Front Fire Sight
$39.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Aluminum construction
- Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
- No gunsmithing required
- The rear sight is fully adjustable with no drilling and tapping required.
- Fits Ruger 10/22
And what if you want to combine Williams’ signature peep sights with their Firesight technology? Well, for traditional hunters appreciating the peep sights for their simplicity and effectiveness but seek to upgrade their setup for better low-light performance, Williams offers Fire Sight Peep Sets.
With their rugged design and vivid illumination, Firesights are still widely respected in the shooting world. They eliminate the guesswork in challenging lighting conditions, helping you focus on the hunt rather than fumbling for your aim.
WILLIAMS WGRS-RU22 Rear Peep Sight with Front Fire Sight
$40.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Light, Rustproof Aluminum Alloy
- Fully adjustable for windage and elevation
- No gunsmithing required
- Designed to fit tapped holes in Marlin 336 receiver
The LRS: A Low-Profile Reflex Sight for Modern Shooters
The latest gem in Williams’ lineup is the LRS (Low Reflex Sight), an innovation that demonstrates the company’s ability to evolve with modern shooting demands. Designed for rifles and shotguns, the LRS outperforms most traditional red dot sights by addressing common complaints related to reticle positioning and speed. The magic of the LRS lies in its 30% lower reticle position. This adjustment minimizes parallax errors and allows you to acquire targets faster without sacrificing accuracy. Plus, due to being low profile, the shooter doesn’t need to raise their head to see the dot, which leads to a more stable shooting position and recoil management.
WILLIAMS LRS Low Reflex Sight
$40.99
Price accurate at time of writing
Specs:
- Reverse Reflex Sight design for shotguns and rifles
- Red 32 MOA segmented circle & 3 MOA dot
- 6 hour sleep function
- 6 illumination levels
- Sealed design to combat moisture and dust
- Machined out of high-grade aluminum
- Picatinny rail adapter included with sight and will mount to any picatinny style rail. Rail not included
- Product Weight: 2.77oz (includes sight, pic. rail adapter and battery)
Built with the same durability and precision as the rest of Williams’ products, the LRS is crafted to handle the recoil of heavy-caliber shotguns and rifles. The sight’s housing is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring long-term reliability in the field. Additionally, it works seamlessly with both Weaver and Picatinny rails, making it a versatile option for a variety of setups.
Many hunters and tactical shooters have praised the LRS for being particularly effective in dynamic shooting environments, such as upland game hunting or three-gun competitions. Whether you’re tracking a fast-moving target or transitioning quickly between shots, the LRS offers an edge that many other reflex sights simply can’t match.
FAQs
To determine the correct sight, you need the make, model, and caliber of your firearm. Sometimes the year of manufacture and measurements (using calipers) are also required. Contact Williams’ technical support for assistance with fitment.
Many Williams sights, including Firesights and Western Precision Sight Sets, are designed for user installation. For fiber optic replacements, you need basic tools (flush wire cutters, small torch) and can follow Williams’ step-by-step instructions or video guides.
Remove debris from the sight, insert the new fiber optic from front to rear, leave about 1/16″ exposed, and carefully melt the end with a butane torch to form a bead. Trim excess fiber and repeat for the other end. Ensure the fiber is secure and cannot move.
The LRS uses Reverse Reflex Sight technology, positioning the reticle 30% lower than standard reflex sights for a more natural cheek weld and faster target acquisition. It has a 32 MOA segmented circle with a 3 MOA dot, six brightness levels, a six-hour sleep function, sealed design, and is made from high-grade aluminum. It is not pistol-rated except for rimfire pistols with non-reciprocating slides.
The LRS sits lower on the firearm, which is preferred for shotguns and rifles. It is praised for durability and smart design, especially for turkey hunting.
Williams does not recommend pairing the WPS front globe with other brands’ peep sights or rails due to potential alignment issues. Modifying the globe sight for compatibility voids the return policy.
If your shots are consistently high or low, you may need to adjust sight heights. For example, if shooting high with the rear sight bottomed out, a taller front sight may be required. Measure the current front sight and consult Williams or experienced users for the correct height adjustment.
Williams doesn’t make sights to fit Henry rifles directly.
