Getting adjustable sights installed on an SP-101

[goon]

I like the SP-101 and I may have to add one to "the list".
The only thing lacking is adjustable sights. Fixed are better for CCW, but I like the ability to precisely zero what I am working with. The .357 is the most versatile handgun round IMO so why limit it by having to use Kentucky windage to try and hit what you shoot at?
Are there any smiths out there who specialize in this type of thing? Anyone ever seen this done? What kind of cost are you looking at to have the topstrap milled out and get something adjustable screwed on there?
Thanks.

 

[daniel61]

I also enjoy the SP, but every one I have had shot point of aim with the proper handloads. The first one I owned was an absolute tack driver and shot perfect poa at thirty yards. Now I carry a three inch Smith model 60 357 which has the adjustable sights and am well pleased with it. I would imagine that the front sight would have to be replaced, and milling on the topstrap for a adjustable rear sight would have to be performed. Probably it would cost you more than the purchase price for the revolver.

 

[gunfan]

Tain't worth it! If you wanted an adjustable sight model, you should have bought it in the beginning.

Sorry,

Scott

 

[goon]

First thing: I haven't bought it yet.
Second thing: They don't make them with adjustable sights, except for .22LR.
I just checked Cylinder and Slide's site and they say they can do it. Looking at putting a little extra out into an SP-101 vs. some of the guns I have spent money on, it doesn't seem too outlandish.

 

[paul105]

Check out item 10. This is for a Vaquero but Clements might be able to do a SP101.

http://www.clementscustomguns.com/handguns/options.htm

Paul

 

[goon]

Paul105 - that may work too. It is more than $100 cheaper than getting a J-frame adjustable sight installed on the SP-101. At the very least, that site is a good one to have around for refererence. I put it in my favorites. Thanks.

 

[Brian Williams]

An adjustable sighted SP101 with a 3" barrel, Gold bead front sight and a swap cylinder setup for 357/9mm would be the cat's nutz. That would be a candidate for a one gun only rig.

 

[goon]

Hadn't considered the 9mm cylinder but it ain't a bad idea. I like the .357 because between it and the .38 SPL you have anything from plinking, small game hunting, personal defense, and even medium game covered, and you can find ammo at any sporting goods store or Wal-Mart. Although shooting a whitetail with a 3" .357 wouldn't be the best way to go about it, I am sure that a good shooter would do OK with it.
An SP-101 is tough enough to stand up to alot of .357 loads but still small enough to be carried discreetly. The only thing lacking is the sights. It is hard to take advantage of that kind of versatility when you have to just sort of aim a little high or a little to the left and wing it.
I see the expense but I also see what the gun will be after the expense. People pay $2000 for 1911's that are nowhere near this versatile (although they are very good for what they are intended for), so what would be the big deal about adding a little to this to make one of these little guns into a potential "one-gun"?
After I deal with other concerns I think I might try this.

 

[BigBoar]

Jim Stroh of Alpha Precision does this. Sometime ago on his discussion board at his website he stated he would make a new taller front sight and use a S&W J frame rear. As he is making a front sight for the gun anyhow he could construct a gold bead front, ramp with insert or whatever. Here is a link to his website:

http://www.alphaprecisioninc.com/

He is noted for his metal work and has some pictures of other conversions on the site.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Considering the distance these guns are intended for use at, I really don't see a beneift from adj sights. If you can't hit your target at 21 feet, with fixed, you're not gonna do any better with adjustable ones. If the gun is shooting that far of POA at that distnce, it's most likely the shooter not doing thier part rather than the gun (sights) being off.
Mine shoots POA with a number of different loads, but really likes the 125gr Federal Hi-Shoks.

 

[Moonclip]

Not to be an ass but someone mentioned only the 22lr Sp101 as having adj sights. The 32mag also has them. IIRC the adj sights on a SP101 that has them though are only windage adj.

I'm sure any talented smith can put adj sights on a SP101 if you are willing to spend the $. My friend had a 3" mod 60 S&W 357mag with adj sights and he liked it a lot. I would think a more durable Ruger along the same lines would be even better.

 

[Cosmoline]

A 9x19 SP-101 would be a terrible waste. If the moon clip route is taken, at least chamber it for the 10mm!

The .22LR version of the SP has adjustable sights, BTW. I doubt it would be difficult to grind off the existing sights and screw on adjustable ones.

 

[middy]

Personally, I would just go for the 4" GP-100 if I wanted adjustable sights that badly. It holds 6 rounds, and it's more suitable for hunting. Besides, the 3" SP-101 is too heavy for anything but belt carry, IMHO. The GP wouldn't be much harder to conceal than a SP in a belt holster.