SP101 front sight replacement

SG1 · Feb 28, 2010

I have searched the forums and cannot find this topic covered (if I have missed it, please feel free to point me in the right direction).

I am looking into replacing the front sight on my Ruger SP101. I have found several options. My question is; is this something that can be done without major fitting, or would it be best to take it to a gunsmith? I know the stock front sight comes out by knocking out a pin, but I'm wondering if replacing the front site would require making a height adjustment or if it is just a "drop in" part.

Any advice would be appreciated. If you have made this modification yourself, please show it off!

Thanks!

dfariswheel · Feb 28, 2010

If the sight is made for a Ruger SP-101 it will be the factory height, and should shoot close to the same point of aim.

Where you might run into issues is if the new sight isn't drilled for the pin. Drilling new sight holes is tricky, and its not a good idea to do it with the sight on the gun due to risks of the drill drifting off and damaging the barrel.

SG1 · Feb 28, 2010

Thanks for the reply dfariswheel. I have found a few that are made for the SP101, but they didn't specify whether it needed to be installed by a gunsmith or not. I'm assuming they are already fitted for the pin.

BullsAndClays · Feb 28, 2010

I bought a meprolight sight for mine and you have to drill it yourself. I'm sending mine away for some custom work, so I'll have the gunsmith take care of it then.

DMK · Mar 1, 2010

I drilled my own. You need to put it on the gun, mark where the hole goes and then remove the sight and drill the hole with a drill press and a new bit. If you're all thumbs, not patient and careful, you could definitely screw it up. It's not difficult otherwise.

SG1 · Mar 1, 2010

Most of the ones I'm finding are the green Trijicon night sight for around $60. It doesn't specify whether the pin-hole is drilled or not, but according to what you guys have said, I'm starting to think maybe it is not.

EDITED: I found the meprolight and I think I might like it better than the Trijicon night sight.

markallen · Mar 1, 2010

The SP101 front sight is held in by a 1/16" pin.
Take a 1/16" pin punch. Put masking tape on both side of the barrel over the pin. This will protect the finish from scratches. Tap the pin out from the right to the left.
Put the new sight in the barrel and place the barrel with sight installed, vertically in a soft( plastic, or wood) jawed vise. You want pressure on the top of the sight, to the underside of the barrel. DON"T use too much pressure.
Take a 1/16" drill bit, and drill from the right using the pin hole as a guide, but only drill about halfway through.
Remove the drill, and drill again from the left side using the pin hole as a guide. when the hole meets in the middle, remove the drill, and put the pin back in from left to right.
Takes about five minutes, and is not rocket sience.

SP101 front sight replacement

SG1

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dfariswheel

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SG1

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BullsAndClays

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DMK

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SG1

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markallen

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