Is there a different rear sight available for an SP101 with the rear gutter sight?

[Sacramento Johnson]

Hi all!
I have an SP101 with the rear gutter type sight. I'd like to get a taller rear sight put on it. I contacted Novak and Ruger and asked about the low mount Novak rear sight Ruger puts on some of their SP101s and was told by both companies those guns have a thicker top strap allowing the dovetail to be cut; mine is not thick enough. Is there some other sight that could go on the top strap between the hammer and where the cylinder window starts? Thanks!

 

[RoninPA]

Probably not without some type of machining of the top strap. That said I'll look at my SP101's tomorrow and see if I could maybe think of something.

 

[NikA]

Maybe the windage adjustable blade used on some .32 and .22 versions would be possible? That seems like a minimally invasive machining operation.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

just joking but maybe JB weld LOL

 

[RoninPA]

Maybe the windage adjustable blade used on some .32 and .22 versions would be possible? That seems like a minimally invasive machining operation.

I thought about that last night also, but I'm not sure if it would be tall enough and there's not really any way of setting/varying the height.

I just looked at mine and I believe there might be just enough top strap thickness to mill it for a shallow Novak sight. The problem would be that you would be milling through the sight channel (gutter" and as such you wouldn't have a complete "solid" dovetail to grip the sight. But, if it fit tight enough, the dovetail "ears" should hold it as long as you're not shooting real heavy loads.

 

[ADP3]

Bowen Classic Arms offered a SP101 package at one time with this rear sight and a corresponding front sight. The pics are from a Gunblast article by Jeff Quinn from 2007 on the package. It's not listed on the Bowen site anymore. Cylinder and Slide Inc offers an installation of a S&W adjustable rear sight.
The most cost effective option would probably be swapping for a Wiley Clapp version.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[GypsmJim]

just joking but maybe JB weld LOL

I have a SS snub nose revolver with a fixed front sight blade. It would not shoot to POA and needed a taller front sight. I built it up with JB and then taped all around it and carefully filed it smooth. The color is so close enough to SS so it looks like it belongs there.

I holster the gun and carry it when I'm out walking in the woods. It's been over 20 years now and it hasn't fallen off yet.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

Ya that JB weld is some amazing stuff

 

[s4s4u]

I have a SS snub nose revolver with a fixed front sight blade. It would not shoot to POA and needed a taller front sight. I built it up with JB and then taped all around it and carefully filed it smooth. The color is so close enough to SS so it looks like it belongs there.

I holster the gun and carry it when I'm out walking in the woods. It's been over 20 years now and it hasn't fallen off yet.

I would think that if OP raises the plane of the rear sight, he would also have to raise the front sight. Well, that is unless the gun shoots low as it is currently configured. Not sure it would be worth the trouble.

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

Yes, it shoots low at present.
Thank you @ADP3 !
Called Hamilton Bowen Corp and they have some of those sights left! Now in process to see who can put them on!

 

[3manfan]

Yes, it shoots low at present.
Thank you @ADP3 !
Called Hamilton Bowen Corp and they have some of those sights left! Now in process to see who can put them on!

I'd give Gemini Customs a call. Marc is a whiz on Rugers. He's tricked out 2 of mine, outstanding work.

https://www.geminicustoms.com/