Need to modify Ruger Blackhawk sight...

[Peakbagger46]

I got a new blackhawk .45 and was unable to adjust the rear sight low enough to sight it in (it shoots high). Called Ruger and they sent me a "low" sight blade that still shoots high.

I'm thinking about taking some of the base of the sight blade with a Dremel. Has anyone done this successfully? Ruger wanted me to mail the gun in and says it will take 4-6 weeks to fix.

 

[rcmodel]

I would highly discourage using a Dremel.

A safe-edge square needle file and a smooth-cut flat file are the best tools for DIY sight blade mods.

rc

 

[Peakbagger46]

rc,
Thanks, I will us a file. About how much should I take off the bottom if it is shooting 4" high at 25 yards (4 5/8" barrel).

 

[rcmodel]

I'd just file & shoot, file & shoot.

I can't give you a meaningful exact figure because it depends entirely on the load you are going to use.

Light loads with little recoil shoot lower then heavy bullets with a lot of recoil.

It all depends on barrel time of the bullet, and how far the gun moves from recoil before the bullet clears the muzzle.

Here is the formula, but don't put all your trust in it!
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=11181/guntechdetail/Determine_Sight_Height

rc

 

[woodwrkr]

Measure the exact distance between the front and rear sights and I'll draw it to scale using Autocad. That'll get you a very close.

 

[moosehunt]

I'm smelling a rat! I've never had that problem with a .45 Blackhawk, and it doesn't sound kosher. I'm wondering if it has the correct front sight? I know that they are pretty basic, but I did have a SP 101 with the incorrect front sight from the factory. The front sight height varies per caliber, and that's where the error was on the 101--could happen. Measuring (after getting specs from Ruger) solved my problem--well, it didn't solve it, per se, but then I got the correct front sight blade and it did.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Moosehunt,
That is what I am thinking as well. Aren't the sights welded on? I'm trying to avoid sending it back to Ruger.

 

[MMCSRET]

I shoot a 4 5/8" RNMBH using hand cast Lyman 454424 that drop at 263 gr. This shoots to POI at closer ranges like 25 Yds. using the adjustable sights.
I would try different loads or different brands if you don't handload before I started modifying the sights.

 

[moosehunt]

Well, they aren't actually welded on, but they certainly are more of a problem than in the SP 101. For starters, I suggest that you measure the height, plus half bore diameter--height from center of bore-- (precisely, in thousandths) and then visit with the folks at Ruger. I've always found them friendly and helpful, especially when you have the precise numbers to discuss. If it is incorrect, you pretty well will need to send it to them. If so, be sure you replace any alterations with the original parts before sending to them.

 

[brian923]

moosehunt has a point. if you go and start changing thngs, then send it to them with a filed front site, they will charge you with any fixes they need to make as you altered the gun before sending it to them.

 

[ranger335v]

Precisely measuring the sight line vs. the bore line is virtually meaningless for suggesting sight heights. The barrel rises during recoil. Heavy bullets have more recoil. Bullet travel time varies too, lower velocity bullets have more bore time so they always impact higher than faster bullets. We would need to know those intangibles to make any kind of valid prediction but they change with changes in the load.

Grip changes shift the impact point too, both horizonally and vertically. We really need enough sight adjustment range to compensate for all of these factors.

If it were mine, Ruger would get it.