Blackhawk front sight question??

[Mus408]

Why did Ruger design them so big and blocky? I like the Blackhawk revolver but the size and style of the front sight just seems to be a bit too much.

 

[contender]

I'd ask Bill,,, oh wait,, we can't.
I think they fit the size of the guns. Besides,,, Bill had a mantra of building guns a bit robust.

But as to why,,, I have no clue.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Ruger has sold several of them over the years. Someone must like them.

 

[pisgah]

Blackhawks are chambered for cartridges that range in velocity and bullet weights from mild to wild, as loaded. If you want a front sight most likely to be useable with all possible combinations, better too high than not high enough.

 

[rugerguy]

I'd go along with what 'contender' built them a bit robust...they stayed on, and yes later, others have improved upon this by making the blade "pinned" in place, on a sturdy, robust sight body............. :wink:

 

[Mus408]

I was watching Hickok review a Blackhawk and he mentioned the same thing about the robust front sight and stated it was more of a hunting gun than a Western Cowboy type gun.
I guess it is the large ramped up base that make it appear so large. But yeah that thing won't be falling off anytime soon.

 

[Hondo44]

There is a very nicely contoured replacement made by one of the custom smiths, and several of the other smiths use it. It sounds like what you'd prefer. Check out here:

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/workshop.html

http://parts.bowenclassicarms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=23

Check photo # 15 at Jack Huntington's site here:
http://www.jrhadvancedgunsmithing.com/read-me/

Some like the sleek looking Colt New Frontier front sight.

 

[chet15]

If I remember correctly, the ramp front sight that Ruger started using in 1955 for the Blackhawks were very close in style to those made by Baughman (not sure if that's spelled right), who made a very respected, modern front sight during that period.
Chet15