Single Six Inquiries

[Burnston]

I've recently begun training a new horse for cow/field work. Part of said training includes firearms exposure, beginning with a .22 and working our way up. To this end I've begun carrying a NM single six on a daily basis in order to acclimate the new guy to gunfire. I had preferred and initially searched for an Old Model and it's iron sights, but this particular New Model became available in exchange for work instead of cash, so my pocket book won the argument. I briefly attempted to trade the NM for an OM via armslist and word of mouth, but boot was far too high, thus the less popular (for me) but ever functional New Model. On that note, if any member happens to have a line on someone more interested in a New Model than an Old Model and might be interested in a swap, I would sincerely appreciate the tip. That said, allow me to proceed with a glowing review. 

Photo #1 includes my wife's daily ranch carry, (top), and my newly acquired (used) ss featuring a Garza front sight and Zane's exquisite English walnut grips, both of which I already had and installed. I've never liked the factory rear sights on these, and this one is no better. It appears to me that at some point in it's life, someone swapped out the Ruger factory sight blade for some sort of aftermarket feature, as demonstrated in photo #2 when compared to my wife's rear sight blade, though my single six knowledge is extremely limited. Photo #3 shows the inconsistencies of my rear sight blade, which is prominent no matter how I install it; I've removed and flipped it with the same result. The Ruger website has new sight blades in stock for $7.99, but literally every review on display shows less than satisfactory results with customers, all claiming that their replacements broke. Lastly, when the "imposter" sight blade is installed, the screw is so counter-sunk, I can barely get ahold of it, further convincing me that this is not a factory set-up, (photo #4.)

Bowen is currently out of stock of his SS rough country sets. I'd like recommendations as to how I might offset this rear sight problem, even if its temporary while I wait for the next batch of rough country stock. 

Side note; I would like a new hammer as well, but never having explored this line of modification I am unsure as to what I should be searching for. I'd like SBH hammer, perhaps even a Bisley, but I do not know enough about the NM SS, or the smaller frame of the SS to know what I should be searching for in terms of size/function. 

Lastly, has anyone used Tom Beaudette of High Country gunsmithing? At some point I would like this barrel trimmed back to the same length of the EJH, (which incidentally I'd also like replaced with steel.) I've heard only good things from the limited few (whom I am acquainted with) who have used him. 

[Encore64]

That's mostly an installation issue and easily correctable.

Hopefully the spring is still inside the rear sight.

Blades come in at least three different heights and any number of notch widths.

Fermin (on here) can provide front sights in nearly any configuration.

[Burnston]

Feb 20, 2023 6:40:03 GMT -5 Encore64 said:

That's mostly an installation issue and easily correctable.

Hopefully the spring is still inside the rear sight.

Blades come in at least three different heights and any number of notch widths.

Fermin (on here) can provide front sights in nearly any configuration.

Thank you; the front sight is fine, already featuring one of Fermin's sights. It is the rear sight with which I take issue, which does indeed maintain it's internal spring. 

[Encore64]

Sounds like a new blade is all you need. I recommend doing a search on Ebay for a large selection of options.

Good Luck...

[rjm52]

I've changed out quite a few Ruger rear sight blades and have never seen a replacement whose feet looked like that one...

Bob

[500fksjr]

looks like a very bad file job???

[cddogfan1]

I have asked here about Tom Beaudette of High Country / Trapper Gunsmithing. Only reply I got was from Taffin and he said he did good work. I found Tom's website a few years ago. It says he does cylinder and conversion work . I do not know anything other than that.

[bradshaw]

Benjamin.... riding horseback and generally roughing it, you’re moles ahead with the PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEM of Bill Ruger’s New Model lockwork, as the old model should not be carried with a round under the hammer.

I’d call Ruger service in New Hampshire for sight slides. I know specifically of four notch widths used.

Ruger rear blades
* .109”----found on some old models. Precise for a tight posture with the .125” ramp on 7-1/2” (and longer) barrels.
* .125” (1/8”)----the old standard.
* .142”----believe this gutter notch introduced on the Security-Six. Inferior for precise shooting, especially with .125” front. However, must be a lot of people like the wide notch, as it started to show up across the board, even profaning Super Blackhawks, Redhawksa, and Super Redhawks.
* .090”----my spec for rear notch to compliment my preferred .100” (1/10”) target blade for the .357 Maximum 10-1/2” barrel.

Ruger made various height rear blades. I would ask for the tallest, hi=opefully available with .125” notch.

Remove rear sight slide (a.k.a. blade)
* Remove windage screw.
* Insert thin drift punch in hole, push side slide until retainer detent on sight lines up with notch in sight base.
* Wiggle right side up sight upward to remove.
* A needle with bent tip helps extract windage spring, if you wish to remove, clean, etc.

Install sight slide
* Tilt sight slide into sight base.
* Compress spring with drift.
* Align detent on slide with notch in sight base and push down.
* Install windage screw.
(I lubricate adjustable sights.)

Blackhawk/SBH vs Single-Six hammer
Single single has a shorter hammer.
David Bradshaw

[Gunny268]

OP... Check with Ronnie Wells, affectionately known here as RDW of grip frame fame. Definitely my first choice. He is currently somewhere in the process of producing Hammers for practically all the Ruger single action models (less the Bearcat). Also, check out Wirthwein Gun Parts for Ruger. They have factory rear sight blades for Ruger single actions in various heights and notch widths. Good Hunting.

[Burnston]

Feb 20, 2023 12:35:24 GMT -5 bradshaw said:

Benjamin.... riding horseback and generally roughing it, you’re moles ahead with the PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEM of Bill Ruger’s New Model lockwork, as the old model should not be carried with a round under the hammer.

I’d call Ruger service in New Hampshire for sight slides. I know specifically of four notch widths used.

Ruger rear blades
* .109”----found on some old models. Precise for a tight posture with the .125” ramp on 7-1/2” (and longer) barrels.
* .125” (1/8”)----the old standard.
* .142”----believe this gutter notch introduced on the Security-Six. Inferior for precise shooting, especially with .125” front. However, must be a lot of people like the wide notch, as it started to show up across the board, even profaning Super Blackhawks, Redhawksa, and Super Redhawks.
* .090”----my spec for rear notch to compliment my preferred .100” (1/10”) target blade for the .357 Maximum 10-1/2” barrel.

Ruger made various height rear blades. I would ask for the tallest, hi=opefully available with .125” notch.

Remove rear sight slide (a.k.a. blade)
* Remove windage screw.
* Insert thin drift punch in hole, push side slide until retainer detent on sight lines up with notch in sight base.
* Wiggle right side up sight upward to remove.
* A needle with bent tip helps extract windage spring, if you wish to remove, clean, etc.

Install sight slide
* Tilt sight slide into sight base.
* Compress spring with drift.
* Align detent on slide with notch in sight base and push down.
* Install windage screw.
(I lubricate adjustable sights.)

Blackhawk/SBH vs Single-Six hammer
Single single has a shorter hammer.
David Bradshaw

Thank you for the insight, Mr. Bradshaw. Your point about safety, especially on horseback, is well made. My preference for the old model stems from its iron sights, which I always prefer for field guns, even thought I’ve yet to have adjustable sights fail while on the trail or in the working pens. However, as you mentioned, there is certainly something to be said for the extra bean in the wheel that the NM affords.

[Burnston]

Feb 20, 2023 20:52:57 GMT -5 Gunny268 said:

OP... Check with Ronnie Wells, affectionately known here as RDW of grip frame fame. Definitely my first choice. He is currently somewhere in the process of producing Hammers for practically all the Ruger single action models (less the Bearcat). Also, check out Wirthwein Gun Parts for Ruger. They have factory rear sight blades for Ruger single actions in various heights and notch widths. Good Hunting.

Thanks, Gunny. Mr. Wells may be the only major/influential player on this forum whose yet to receive my incessant phone calls/messages on some obscure, perhaps common-sense (for most) revolver inquiry. Unfortunately for him, that may be about to change. I appreciate the suggestion.

[contender]

I know you said that "reviews of the factory replacement sights were unfavorable," but I can't help but wonder why? Ruger uses thousands of the rear blades many of their guns. Properly installed, they should be fine.
And here's a thought.

I'll bet a dollar to a donut that a POLITE call to Ruger by you, explaining that you have a broken rear sight blade, will get you one shipped for free. Just have the serial number of your gun handy.

What do you have to lose? A little time on the phone?

[z1r]

As David said, I discovered very early on that the rear blade on the 10.5" target models was a good bit narrower that most and promptly installed them on both my 7.5" SBH and 9.5" Single Six. Instantly transforming both into rigs capable of busting clay pigeons at 75 yds with frightening frequency.

[biblethumpncop]

Message sent regarding an old model Single Six.