The 1903 rifle included a rear sight leaf that could be used to adjust for elevation.

As the M-16's butt-stock slid against his shoulder, he located the target over the sight leaf.

The rear sight leaf's position teeth that secure the sliding adjustable notch were transferred over from the right to the left edge of the ramp.

During production, the sights were modified, and M1884s with serial numbers higher than 4330 also had a battle sight fitted to the backside of the sight leaf, which could be revealed by folding the leaf fully forward.

The first rear sight leaf had a 7 mm aperture which could be used alone for night shooting or the second leaf could be raised in front of it, superimposing a 2 mm aperture for day shooting.

For night-time operation the weapon is equipped with gaseous tritium-illuminated vials (supplied by Betalight): one installed in the front sight post, and two-on a notch sight under the standard aperture sight arm (before use, the rear sight leaf is pivoted forward to expose the night notch sight).