Do fiber optic sights distract from the old-timey aesthetic?

[sierra11b]

Speaking again on my Ruger Single Six...

The last Ruger SA I purchased was a NM Lipseys Flattop .45 convertible and I can't find a reason to send it off for any slicking-up service, whereas my previous Black Hawk was sent off to Dave Clements for a modified Basic Package which brought the factory Ruger to about where the Lipseys is in overall feel out-of-the-box. So I'm happy with those.

But now that I have my new Single Six, the wheels are already turning on what to do without getting too costly, as the trigger pull is pretty darn stiff, and I want a bit more out of the sights from a casual plinker. 

I've already covered the basepin in a recent thread and think that (thankfully) worked itself out, but as mentioned there, can't seem to keep well enough alone, and will probably get the Belt Mountain #5's for both the Single Six and Lipseys as I need something new in the mail to excite me, and like the overall aesthetics of that basepin, as most here would agree.

But I don't want to get too deep $$$wise into the Single Six. I shot it today and just as I suspected -- it might benefit with a better sight picture and trigger.  So here I am.

So here are my thoughts...

1) I have no business doing an action job on my own, so will likely take Mr. Clement's Basic Single Six package. 

2) I'll likely order the BM No.5 basepin(s) tomorrow.

3) So that leaves the sights... I could A) Install a rough country white outline rear sight and apply some enamel paint to the OEM front sight to keep it "classic", OR B) Go for a fiberoptic set such as the  Williams Fire Sight Set, or another set you might recommend.

[cas]

"Do fiber optic sights distract from the old-timey aesthetic?"

Yes. But my old timey eyes can't see them otherwise.





Mr. Clements makes FO sights. I have them on my Freedom Arms revolvers... I keep wanting to have one made for the Bisley he built me. Yes it will look better without it, but I find myself using the gun less and less because I can't see the front sight under many light conditions.


I have a gun with a "#5"style front blade, and while I like the looks, I'm struggling with it. I put a yellow paint dot on it and that helps a lot. I'm thinking a gold/brass bead would work and maintain the classy looks. Neither will be as good in the woods mornings and evenings as a fiber optic sight though.

[bigbrowndog]

Being able to see your sights is a must, if you want to hit what you're trying to hit. Flat black sights work great on black and white targets or any target that you have contrast with, and good light.
For poor light, what you usually get when hunting, fiber optics are a better alternative, besides the gun looks the same in the holster.

All my hunting SA's wear either fiber optic fronts or an optic. My 4" 500L due soon from Huntington will have a fiber optic front.

Trapr

[whitworth]

If the revolver in question is stainless steel, then no.

[lscg]

Nov 5, 2017 18:20:07 GMT -5 bigbrowndog said:

Being able to see your sights is a must, if you want to hit what you're trying to hit. Flat black sights work great on black and white targets or any target that you have contrast with, and good light.
For poor light, what you usually get when hunting, fiber optics are a better alternative, besides the gun looks the same in the holster.

All my hunting SA's wear either fiber optic fronts or an optic. My 4" 500L due soon from Huntington will have a fiber optic front.

Trapr

your .500 was the first revolver I've handled that had fiber optic sights. I must say I was quite impressed with how well the sights showed up in low light. I'd definitely consider them for a hunting handgun.

[bullseye]

I'm guilty of denouncing them before actually having any experience with them. After purchasing a gun with FO sights I found that I didn't dislike them nearly as much as I thought I would. They are useful in low light situations and are definitely easier to pick up than a dark blade front...That being said I wouldn't want them on every gun I own.

[cas]

I think they look awful. That's why I only have them on a dozen or so pistols and revolvers.

[jfs]

Freedom Arms 44 mag with a 7 1/2" barrel and their green fiber optic front sight that helps my eyes when shooting 50 yds and under at game....Its just about impossible for me to line up and center black on black iron sights when hunting.... The FA`s fiber optic sight is one of the smallest I seen....

[jfs]

Not the best photo, but it shows my S&W m-29 Classic w/5" barrel and IPA adj. rear and tall fiber optic front sight I ordered from a Dillon catalog...Its a pretty fast combination for 50 or under.....

[sierra11b]

Thanks for the replies, fellas... And thank you JFS for those shots of fiber optic alternatives. Much appreciated, sir.

My original thinking was with Max's response and he helped seal the deal on my original thinking. However, I will consider it for a stainless hunting rig on my bucket list. Although, JFS, while your S&W appears blued and you've "made it work" and likely handsomely so, given that my minimalist collection and the fact I rarely hunt anymore and seldom get a range day, I think i'll try to preserve the overall look while trying to increase visibility and quality, even though it likely will never amount to what fiber optics can accomplish.  

So what I did was spend some cash online like it was online funny money...

Bought x2 rough country square white outlines for both my Rugers, including the Single Six and Lispeys's .45 convertible, and x2 BM #5 basepins for both. It's just money, right?

My hope is that the white outline is enough with the OEM front sight, but if it isn't, I'll send the Lipsey's off to Clements when I send the Single Six off for the basic tune-up next year, and have both added to the work order for custom partridge front sights, perhaps a bead.