dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Sept 12, 2016 8:23:49 GMT -5
Need to change out sights on 2 Ruger's.
#1 is an OM Vaquero 5.5" 45 Colt in SS. I would like to change to a Stroh, Harton, Clements style front and have a S&W rear added to the topstrap. I really don't care for the plain blade looks on these revolvers and can't see the front blade as well as I could.
#2 is a new Blackhawk 4.62" in 357 Magnum in SS and would like to have a new blade or new complete front sight. I really like the look of the Stroh but I believe Harton and Clements sights look very similar. This one may not be necessary as I can just get the blade added, but do like the way the whole new sight (base and blade) looks.
Does anyone know how long something like this takes?
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Post by alukban on Sept 12, 2016 8:37:01 GMT -5
I believe Stroh is retired so no go there.
If it were me, I would just contact those fine gunsmiths directly to ask them their timelines or if they are even accepting any work at the moment.
Good luck!
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Sept 12, 2016 8:51:20 GMT -5
I knew he was retired but thought he still made his front sight for sale.
I have looked at what adding a S&W rear sight to a Vaquero and it probably isn't worth the cost. I'll probably get a front sight added and call that a day.
I'll send out a few emails today for cost and timeline. There are always a few other things wanted and while the guns are in someone's elses hands anyway, might as well get them done then.
Thanks,
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Post by bradshaw on Sept 12, 2016 9:41:59 GMT -5
"I have looked at what adding a S&W rear sight to a Vaquero and it probably isn't worth the cost."----dhd
dhd.... the S&W adjustable is a fine sight----on a Smith & Wesson. Aesthetically, out of place on another gun. The S&W sight has been put on 1911s and, most egregiously, on the Colt Peacemaker and its copies. Make a usable sight picture on your Vaquero, regulate it, and get to shooting. David Bradshaw
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Post by potatojudge on Sept 12, 2016 10:35:33 GMT -5
I agree on most adjustable sight installations for fixed sight SA guns. Bowen has done some of the better looking installations: www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.htmlBut again, expensive. Clements has a couple of styles but isn't really any cheaper: www.clementscustomguns.com/vaquerosights.htmlDustin Linebaugh, I think, has the best setup for fixed sight topstraps. He seems to have a preference for Vaqueros and puts what he calls an "aspirin tab" in the rear sight along with a dovetail front. Adjustable for sure and a clean sight picture and to my eyes better looking than any other installation. I don't know if he will do just sights, he's got a good size backlog, and maybe another gunsmith will replicate that setup for you a la cart. singleactions.proboards.com/thread/5391Lastly, the poor man's option is to file and serrate the fixed front sight and blacken the rear sight in the frame. See the Bowen site above for the blackened rear sight and this thread for the front sight: singleactions.proboards.com/thread/15477/serrated-vaquero-rear-sightClements will probably take 6 months, Reeder maybe just a couple.
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steve
.375 Atomic
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Post by steve on Sept 12, 2016 11:13:15 GMT -5
You see, now I think S&W sights look beautiful on a Vaquero/SAA. It is expensive, but for me it was worth it. As far as a front sight base, it's pretty hard to beat forum member Aggie01's.
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Post by alukban on Sept 12, 2016 11:17:09 GMT -5
I LOVE the fixed sights on SA's but actually NEED the adjustables
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Sept 12, 2016 11:55:52 GMT -5
Clements can't even talk about it until 2017. Got a few other emails floating around and we'll get it done.
I already grooved the Vaquero front sight but still it isn't clear to my eyes. I'll touch it up with some black and see what I can see.
I've gotten used to the wait building rifles, but this single action gig takes the cake. I'll spend money in a heartbeat but what good is spending money when no one will take it? I'll at least get a couple sets of grips fitted on a quick turn around. Bowen is out of stock on their rear sights but I'm on the waiting list their for the Blackhawk.
Luckily, my rifle builder is more of a handgun guy and owns at least half a dozen Freedom Arms (I didn't even feel like counting the Ruger's), so as far as any action work is concerned, I'm well covered there. Maybe he'll feel like tackling the front sights.
Etc, etc, etc. Beautiful guns though. Got to start somewhere.
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JM
.375 Atomic
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Post by JM on Sept 12, 2016 11:58:19 GMT -5
Remove the Vaquero front sight & have a dove-tail cut.
Then you can pick & choose a front blade that you like.
The rear notch can be modified with some careful file work. Then bead-blast the rear sight & top to prevent glare.
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Post by CraigC on Sept 12, 2016 12:05:59 GMT -5
You can do a dovetail on the Vaquero: But I wish I hadn't bothered because I couldn't get along with it. It went right back for a S&W style rear sight and custom front. I agree that done right, it's a great conversion with an elegant result. Today, I would heartily recommend Jack Huntington for this work. His prices are reasonable and you'll get it back a lot quicker than anyone else. He did one for me from a drawing so I'm sure he would probably replicate Stroh's front sight.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Sept 12, 2016 12:38:04 GMT -5
Craig, that is the look and result I am looking for. Maybe/maybe not the S&W rear, but definitely the front! I had to look twice to be sure it was dovetailed. Huntington is one I haven't emailed.
I have to send both grip frames off as soon as I pick up the Blackhawk for the grips. I already ordered 2 Barranti holsters and have 2 more custom molds on their way, so I have some waiting in my future. I just had some neck surgery so having the guns out for work would be perfect right now.
I've read some of the horror stories about wait times on here and have waited for certain rifles for longer than I should have. That said, when you have it in hand the wait no longer matters, much. I know you can't see, but both fingers were crossed......
That might be the problem with the Internet, you can see it, you want to buy it.
I'll email Huntington and see what he has to say.
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941
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Post by dhd on Sept 12, 2016 15:55:18 GMT -5
You can do a dovetail on the Vaquero: But I wish I hadn't bothered because I couldn't get along with it. It went right back for a S&W style rear sight and custom front. I agree that done right, it's a great conversion with an elegant result. Today, I would heartily recommend Jack Huntington for this work. His prices are reasonable and you'll get it back a lot quicker than anyone else. He did one for me from a drawing so I'm sure he would probably replicate Stroh's front sight. Good advice there. Just got off the phone to JRH and off the Vaquero is to Sparks NV. Gonna have them do their grip frame mod and fit a set of grips while it's there (turn around should be quick they said). Any other JRH only upgrades that I just gotta have done while it's there? The Vaquero already has the cylinder throats opened up, action job, and free spin pawl installed. Anything else you all would do?
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Post by CraigC on Sept 12, 2016 16:04:15 GMT -5
What are you doing about sights?
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Post by Alaskan454 on Sept 12, 2016 19:51:01 GMT -5
If you want to experiment on the Vaquero I've had great success with serrating and reshaping the rear sight area with a 50 LPI checkering file. Originally I was set on a Clements rear insert but decided to stick with my own version on the gun. If you try it go very slowly! It cuts easier than I expected.
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Post by Alaskan454 on Sept 12, 2016 20:01:30 GMT -5
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