Sights works very well. Wished I had put it on years ago. Interestingly I too make my sight blanks as you do and think I learned to do so from this forum. Maybe it was you? I did not need to replace front sight and these old eyes (71) do smooch better with the peep.
Thanks for asking
Charlie
My 71 has this vintage Redfield peep sight and it works great. I remove the peep insert and use the aperture much like a ghost ring when hunting in the heavy timber. This sight was on the rifle when my Dad bought it 50 years ago.
IME, when/IF a vintage Model 71/86 steel Redfield receiver peep sight can be found, at all, it will cost at least 3x what the Williams FP does - but they ARE nice (I have one on my .35 Remington Model 141 pumpgun).