I ordered one without optics. But, one with green optics is being sent to me. I think the optics will help with aligning the rear and front sights. When I focus on the front sight, the points of the sides of the cloverleaf are very faint. So much so, it seems like a ghost ring. At least with a semi-buckhorn, the top of the front post could be aligned with the top of the semi-buckhorn cutout.
The main difference between a Marlin rear sight and a Henry's (that I can see) is a Marlin rear sight does fold. So, it should not block any view of the cloverleaf. As far as shiny, the base is dull at some spots. But, it does seem to shine up, with some work.