I have a new model Ruger Super Blackhawk 10.5 in .44 Mag. I don't like the front sight what so ever. I am looking for advice from you experienced gentlemen on what to do in replacing the hook sight, or as I call it the "get ya" sight. This thing will cut you and gets caught on everything. I would even consider replacing both front and rear sights. I'm open to any suggestions. Thank you in advance.
Last edited by DaveWV; 03/29/19. Reason: Added photos
Don't have both infront of me to compare them But if my memory is correct that front sight is the same as Ruger MKII 22 target model with the bull barrel. That said there are aftermarket sights for the 22 available that should work with the 44. I would go with a fiber optic sight myself and stick with the standard rear.
The hook sight was the preference for IHMSA and was still smoked as were the rear sights. My hate are any red or orange plastic inserts. They are target sights you can see and center and not made to carry in a holster or waistband. The worst to see is a big blob out front. Made a mistake once when I built my long rifle with a brass front sight. I could not hit a deer at any distance. It looked like the sun out there. Blotted out the rear sight so bad I could not use it. Like a 100 lumen flash light in your face. That Ruger is a target gun and one of the best you can buy. If you hunt, remove the front sight and put an Ultra Dot on it. The front sight screws on so you can get a ramp but you will be sorry.
There's no accounting for taste, however you like it is right. Generally speaking I favor the orange inserts. On some firearms the front sight would simply disappear in the shadows. On others I liked the faster pickup. Plain yellow insert did wonders for a pocket pistol that wsn't close to pointing naturally. I got a kit from Brownell's long ago with needle files and different color Plexiglas sheets. Does a nice job but it takes some practice to get it right. And a little Plexiglas goes a long way if you're not in the business.
The key elements in human thinking are not numbers but labels of fuzzy sets. -- L. Zadeh
Thanks to all for your input. This is a hunting revolver. I would like to stay with open sights, optics are an option, but would still like to get a nice open sight picture.
I have been working on a Colt Anaconda and it has an insert. I can't see the light gaps at the rear and even have trouble getting the tops even. It is like the front sight on the S&W 29 and SRH. A point and shoot carry pistol will be OK since you just look at the front sight. But maybe early or late when light is not good, the insert might work out. I know if light is dim I can't see opens and then I got cataracts so went to the red dots. I got my eyes fixed and still hate the glow out there. I tried a regular 2X scope and in the AM I could not see crosshairs or a deer through them. The exit pupil scatters since the distance is far from the eye. A black hole! Red dot is best.
I had Dave Clements replace my front sight on my old 3 screw .45 Colt Blackhawk. He has done other work for me in the past and I would use him again. He is in Virginia.
"Allways speak the truth and you will never have to remember what you said before..." Sam Houston Texans, "We say Grace, We Say Mam, If You Don't Like it, We Don't Give a Damn!"
