NM Blackhawk modification question

[Chief]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone attempted to mill of the rear sight "ears" on a NM to make a flat top? Would this even be possible, given the close proximity of the rear sight pin?
Thanks,
Ralph

 

[toroflow]

Yes, I believe you can. This gent did it to an old model, but it seems to me a new model is the same in this area. Check out this link: http://singleactions.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sas&action=display&thread=8082

 

[CraigC]

There are some that just mill the topstrap flat but that leaves an unsightly pocket at the front of the sight channel. To do it properly, the channel must first be welded up. Jim Stroh is the only one that offers this as a regular service. I handled his little Best Grade flat-top .32 Single Six in his shop and it's a sight to behold. There are others who also do welding. Alan Harton and Hamilton Bowen for example.

http://www.alphaprecisioninc.com

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com

 

[protoolman]

You can do it but it leaves the hole for the adjustable sight pivot pin oddly close to the flat top. Some have ramped the flat top slightly to avoid that. Another thing to look at.

 

[Chief]

This does not seem practical to me. More work/cost than it is worth.
Thanks to all,
Ralph

 

[CraigC]

This does not seem practical to me. More work/cost than it is worth.
Thanks to all,
Ralph

That depends on the individual. You're talking about custom gun work and that loses many people right off the bat. I love custom guns and would much rather have a $500 gun with $1500 worth of custom work than four $500 guns. IMHO, the flat-top configuration is much better looking than the eared version. I don't consider ~$300 bad at all for such an extensive modification that has such a pleasing effect. It can also be the most cost-effective way to get what you want. Even with the new flat-tops on the market. While it costs about the same to have a flat-top converted to a Bisley as it does to flat-top a factory Bisley, Bisley conversion parts are not exactly growing on trees anymore. It's a nice option to have.

 

[Aggie01]

This has a Bowen old model (no Bump) rear sight in it.

If the pivot pin is low enough in the top strap, you can do this with no welding and have a square tang flattop.

 

[Hondo44]

This has a Bowen old model (no Bump) rear sight in it.

If the pivot pin is low enough in the top strap, you can do this with no welding and have a square tang flattop.

Nothing wrong with that look in IMO. Plus one can do that for free. The pins in the Blackhawks are usually not a problem, it's the Super Single Sixes old and new models that are iffy. But looks just as good on them as well and makes them very unique.

 

[Chief]

This has a Bowen old model (no Bump) rear sight in it.

If the pivot pin is low enough in the top strap, you can do this with no welding and have a square tang flattop.

Nothing wrong with that look in IMO. Plus one can do that for free. The pins in the Blackhawks are usually not a problem, it's the Super Single Sixes old and new models that are iffy. But looks just as good on them as well and makes them very unique.

I agree. Nice looking revolver. Can you use the original sight also?
Ralph

 

[Hondo44]

This has a Bowen old model (no Bump) rear sight in it.

If the pivot pin is low enough in the top strap, you can do this with no welding and have a square tang flattop.

Nothing wrong with that look in IMO. Plus one can do that for free. The pins in the Blackhawks are usually not a problem, it's the Super Single Sixes old and new models that are iffy. But looks just as good on them as well and makes them very unique.

I agree. Nice looking revolver. Can you use the original sight also?
Ralph

Yes you can.