OM 45 face lift new taller front firmen sight!

Medicmike3762

Medicmike3762

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Well I got this OM 45 a while back. It was not a perfect specimen, in fact far from it. Appears to be a reblue, someone swapped the grip frame to a standard XR3…..not upset about that. Anyway this gun shot a million miles high and it appears this was a common occurrence on these OM 45s. Even with filing the rear blade down it still was just too high. Made a call to Fermin and orders up one of his mirrored front sights! Came in yesterday and got to work last night and finished up install today. Very easy installation and the sight quality is top tier! Also clipped a couple inches and made me a 5.5 OM like JT used to do! Reblued half the barrel and FS now I just have to install the mirror! Sight picture is excellent. This gun is quickly becoming one of my favorite old models, and has been a good base for me to practice my shade tree gunsmithing!
 

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That looks good!

I will say that I'm a bit of a collector enough to where I hate seeing a desirable OM modified in a manner that can't be restored to "as shipped" condition.

BUT,,,,,,, BUT,, if a gun has been well used, re-blued, or abused etc,, restoring it to a nice workable condition, AND doing mods is normally an improvement. Plus,, while my preferences are to keep them, original,, I respect others who prefer to customize their own guns.

BTW; I have one of Fermin's mirror sights. I haven't put it on anything yet,, as I don't have a "project" gun for it yet.
 
I agree, and since this gun had been refinished and did not have the original grip frame it was and easy choice for me! While not a horrible reblue it was noticeable enough for me to feel there was no collector value. That along with the shooting high, oh and the tube being too long 😂 it was an easy choice!

Now I need some leather!!
 
The grip frame swap is easy to re-convert. But the bluing, not reversible. I have seen guns reblued by Ruger & other skilled craftsmen that were like original, and if you didn't know,,,,!
The shooting high,, ehh,, that can be worked with a bit.

Now,, the "tube" being too long,, well, that's a personal choice. Having an example of the 4-5/8" AND the 7-1/2" ones,, I can say I enjoy both.

I'm NOT,, repeat NOT,, giving you any grief for modifying your gun. Just making comments. And it does look like a good shooter for sure.

Leather,, That's an easy one. Such a fine gun deserves a Barranti holster.
 
No grief taken or given! And I appreciate your comments! You always have great input here and on the SA forum. Hope I didn't come off defensive…..

Have never ordered a holster from Doc before but this might be my moment!

I also think this would be a great gun to try one of Ronnie's new bisley hammers! That and a base pin I'll be set!
 
Medicmike3762 said:
Anyway this gun shot a million miles high and it appears this was a common occurrence on these OM 45s.
Click to expand...
Just curious. What kind of ammo were you shooting? I have OM .45's with the factory sights -- both barrel lengths -- and have not had the "shooting high" situation you apparently experienced. I shoot nothing but the standard loads for .45 Colt, nothing more exotic. :unsure:
 
Medicmike3762 said:
Nothing too crazy, 250 gr LRN over 9.5 of Unique Winchester LPP. It's my standard 45 colt load in all of my guns.
Click to expand...

Well, that's a tad warm according to SAAMI, but I'm not starting that discussion again. :ROFLMAO: It might have a little to do with your sighting issues, but I'm sure no expert. I run 8.0 gr Unique under the 250 gr lead stuff . . . "serious plinkin' ammo".

Fermin does good work. ;)
 
Who's SAMY!? 😂 it's very possible it could have been my problem but I'm also no expert. I guess it won't matter soon as I can't get anymore unique!!!!
 
"Hope I didn't come off defensive….."

Not at all!!!!! And thanks for the kind words.

Get a Barranti. You will not be disappointed. Mike Barranti aka; "Doc" got his nickname by some of us who grew up reading Skeeter Skelton, and knowing his excellent work with handguns. Skeeter would say; "Next to my doctors,, my holster maker is the most important person I know."
Well, Mike is also a Skeeter fan,, and a holster maker of the highest quality. So someone started calling him "Doc" fondly because of that. It quickly caught on & became his nickname.
And Skeeter has the only printed magazine article (that I could find) about the OM .45's when it was introduced.
Your gun deserves a Barranti.

I own a couple of OM .45's and I too haven't found them to shoot too high or anything. Never had the need to rework the front sight or the rear blade.
Maybe,, as noted above,, either it's the load, or the method of how you align the sights??? But Fermin's sights are excellent too!

SAMMI,, you really need to do a little research. :D That's where you can find a lot of info on the pressures of ammo & MANY other things.

Unique powder. It's still around in odd places & such. About two months ago, I found a new can of it, didn't need it myself,, but got it for a friend. Cost me $35. (I still have plenty!) Keep your eyes open,, look in out of the way places, and you may well find some.
 
Medicmike3762 said:
Who's SAMY!? 😂 it's very possible it could have been my problem but I'm also no expert. I guess it won't matter soon as I can't get anymore unique!!!!
Click to expand...

Home - SAAMI

saami.org saami.org

About SAAMI - SAAMI

About SAAMI The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) is an association of the nation’s leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components. SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and tasked with: Creating and publishing industry...
saami.org saami.org

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) is an association of the nation's leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components. SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and tasked with:
  • Creating and publishing industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality
  • Coordinating technical data
  • Promoting safe and responsible firearms use
 
Ale-8(1) said:

Home - SAAMI

saami.org saami.org

About SAAMI - SAAMI

About SAAMI The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) is an association of the nation’s leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components. SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and tasked with: Creating and publishing industry...
saami.org saami.org

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) is an association of the nation's leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components. SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and tasked with:
  • Creating and publishing industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality
  • Coordinating technical data
  • Promoting safe and responsible firearms use
Click to expand...
Yes sir, an attempt at humor on my part…….i am familiar with SAAMI. I understand 9.5 may be a touch warm but it is absolutely no problem in any gun I'm using it in. Heck I have manuals that show as much as 10gr (not ruger only). I was just razzin ya a bit!

Either way, I appreciate you commenting and input! I did get down to the cabin today and got her shooting very happy with the results! This is 25 yards off the porch on my hillbilly target!
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IMG_0743.jpeg
 
I kinda figured you were just a funnin' us about SAMMI.

But newbie's may not know about SAMMI,, so it's always good to inject the facts as well.

Looks like it's a shootin' just fine. Not too high or anything. Time to whack a hog or prep for deer hunting!
 
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