Dawson Precision on a Freedom Arms or BFR?

[kmcdonou]

Long time lurker.  Looking to get my first SA in the near future. Probably will try to find a used 454 and then get an extra cylinder for 45 Colt.  I might consider just shooting 454 brass at 45 Colt loads or 45 Colt brass and keeping my chambers clean. Haven't decided that, but am leaning towards having an extra cylinder.

Anyway, I really like Dawson Precision fiber optic front sights. Have a couple on my Sigs.  I like that they are small, and you can see the black edges of the sight blade. I know BFR has a larger FO rod in the Hi-Viz sights they sell, and FA has a small FO, but no square edges on the sight blade.  Not sure either will be desirable for me and I rather have what I like, if reasonably possible, to keep things standard.

So how reasonable of a job is it to have either of these platforms customized to accommodate a Dawson Precision front sight or have a custom FO sight made with a .040 diameter rod and square edges on the sight blade? I would even buy a revolver with a longer barrel and have it cut down if that makes it easier to install.  

Second question, if this is possible, who should I look for that can do it in a reasonable time frame (e.g. less than a year) and what do you think this will cost?  

Thanks much.

[cas]

I have Dawson sighs on a few guns, but I don't think they make anything that would be applicable to the mounting style FA uses. (I have no idea what the BFR has).





Dave Clements made the FO sights for my two FA revolvers.





As well as a one of custom match for a Harton front sight base recently.



(I need to re-do this one, I left a lot sticking out and made a big dome, so the dot is a bit too wide.)

[kmcdonou]

Jan 17, 2021 13:56:04 GMT -5 cas said:

I have Dawson sighs on a few guns, but I don't think they make anything that would be applicable to the mounting style FA uses. (I have no idea what the BFR has).

Yes, I was aware of David Clements work in this regard, but I also read that he retired, and isn’t doing this work anymore. When I suggested cutting the barrel down I was thinking maybe someone could then create a sight base that can accept a Dawson. I don’t know, though, it might be too expensive for someone to do that. Maybe someone else could make a fiber optic side that fits the base on the FA or BFR. That’s what I’m trying to figure out before I commit to purchasing either one.

[squawberryman]

Call him KMC. He's still doing gussy work, just not heavy machining stuff

[cas]

Yes the Harton sight was done relatively recently, well after word of his retirement, and it was considerably more work than making a standard FA sight.

Call or email. Worst he can say is no. For your sake and mine, I hope it's yes.

[kmcdonou]

Actually he said "maybe."  He said he is too busy right now and check back in a couple of months.  Just to see if there are other options in case he never gets free enough, are there other talented gunsmiths/machinists that can make a front sight blade that fits a FA/BFR and can take a .040 FO rod?

[cas]

Freedom Arms does make a fiber optic sight, but it's a round top one I suppose for their express rear sight. I wonder how that would work with a standard rear sight? Lot's of daylight around the side like some people like.

[kmcdonou]

Jan 17, 2021 20:21:20 GMT -5 cas said:

Freedom Arms does make a fiber optic sight, but it's a round top one I suppose for their express rear sight. I wonder how that would work with a standard rear sight? Lot's of daylight around the side like some people like.

Yeah, I was wondering if I would have to settle for that or the Hi-Viz ones BFR sells. Neither are ideal or what I want.  I don't like the idea of a round fiber optic as it seems like it would be harder to center the round FO rod in the square notch of the rear sight blade.  The Hi-Viz sights have a larger FO rod. I think they are surrounded by the square edge sight blade, but I am not sure. I have also read people really don't like the visibility of these sights, but it may be they are wanting more from fiber optics than they can deliver.  My main concern as stated earlier is they are bigger than what I am accustomed to.  The Dawson catches your attention, but isn't distracting.  

Another option I just stumbled upon, and I think could be the answer is a DX front sight base from Bowen Classic Arms. It appears I can use a variety of sight blades with this setup.  I am wondering if the one he sells for single actions could be easily fitted to a BFR or FA and give me the flexibility of using a Dawson Precision FO sight blade? Cas or anyone with more knowledge of these things care to weigh in?

[pacecars]

You could contact Gary Reeder