How to remove front sight from pre-warning Blackhawk barrel?

wellfedirishman · Feb 15, 2011

I have a Ruger Blackhawk 45 barrel (old style, pre-warning) that has the front sight mounted (soldered, I think) on. I cannot see any screw head on the sight.

What level of temperature do I need to melt the solder and get the sight off? I want to shorten the barrel and re-mount the sight. A previous owner drilled through the ejector rod housing, so the front of the barrel is unusable. I plan to trim it back to about 3.5".

What type of flame is needed to remove this sight?

Can I just use a plumbing-type flame (for soldering copper pipes together) or something else?

I have only ever mounted sights with screws or with dovetails, never with solder so I am a newbie to this.

Here is the sight:

Any advice is appreciated :D

flatgate · Feb 16, 2011

IIRC, the silver solder used needs a bit more heat than a "plumber's torch" produces.

You should also devise a good "clamp" to hold down the sight.....

Do you have Kuhnhausen's book?

flatgate

tek4260 · Feb 16, 2011

Drilled thru the ERH? A MAPP gas torch will heat it enough to remove the sight, but it will take a few minutes and will discolor the blue.

I_Like_Pie · Feb 16, 2011

I am sure if you don't want to do that much work that there is someone on the forum that would sell you a reasonably priced barrel.

Would save a lot of time.

wellfedirishman · Feb 16, 2011

I realize that it would be easier to just buy one, but part of the goal is learning how to do this so I can do it on other barrels later.

That's why I purchased a cheap barrel to work on. If I screw it up, it is easily replaced :) I wouldn't do this to a nice new barrel.

I_Like_Pie said:
I am sure if you don't want to do that much work that there is someone on the forum that would sell you a reasonably priced barrel.

Would save a lot of time.

I_Like_Pie · Feb 16, 2011

Neat....That is certainly the way to learn. It is both fun and rewarding.

Let us know how it turns out

woodape · Feb 17, 2011

If I remember right , there is a small pin that goes between the barrel and the sight base. When you heat the solder to liquid be sure to lift it off the barrel with a set of pliers.