Ruger #1 Front Site

[wapiti22]

I've found an older (1979) #1A that I'm considering purchasing. It is missing the front site at the end of the barrel. I'm told the original owner removed it. Was wondering what is involved in replacing it or does this require a trip back to Ruger for service?

 

[mike7mm08]

Missing the whole thing or just the blade? If the base is missing more than likely the barrel was cut as that is the easiest way to remove it. If the barrel was cut one of two things could happen with Ruger. They tell you need a new barrel because it is no longer factory. Or they might not be able to install a sight as the barrel contour might not match the factory sight band.

If the barrel has been cut least expensive option would be to find a smith to install a new front sight. There are band type sights similar to the Ruger available from various makers. Or just go with a simple ramp sight that needs drilling and tapping for the base.

 

[wapiti22]

I hadn't thought about it being cut. I'll have to ask. From the picture I've seen it does not look cut. It is missing the complete sight assembly,, i.e. ramp and blade, nothing but the round barrel remains. I know hte ramps, etc. are available from Brownells and Numrich.

 

[mike7mm08]

The reason I suspect it being cut is the way Ruger installs the front sight. The barrel is chilled sight is heated and then put on. Once the barrel expands back and the sight band contracts it is not going anywhere without doing some damage. Typically heating the band does not expand it enough to get it off.

You can mill a slot in the band carefully so as not to damage the barrel and then pound off the band. But usually you at the very least damage the bluing. Much simpler to cut and crown the barrel and just touchup blue the crown, only would lose about and inch inch and a half and the bluing difference is hardly noticable. Easier than trying to get a touchup to match the rest of the barrel if you damage the bluing under the sight band.

 

[wapiti22]

Well, he made me a deal I couldn't refuse so looks like I'll be acquiring the rifle. It's shootable without the front site as it has a scope. I'll just have to figure out how to get a sight back on it. Or send it back to Ruger

 

[wapiti22]

I received the rifle Saturday. The whole front sight is mising, not cut off. Don't know how but it's gone. You can see the outline of the sight in the blueing of the barrel. Also looks like he did some grinding on the rear sight rib. I'll be talking to Ruger either about some ne wparts or just send to them and have it rebuilt.

 

[Boxhead]

When I bought my M77 RS 35 Whelen a number of years ago it came the same way. It was not easy then to get the front sight barrel band but I did find one a bit undersize at a gunshow. I gave it to the local 'smith (I was living in Alberta then so local was 150 miles away...) and he installed it and gave the rifle a nice matte bue which is what I wanted. He had to machine the ID of the band to fit the barrel taper. The "blade" is from NECG. All in all it came out great but it was not cheap. I would start with a call to Ruger with the min ID, caliber, etc., and see what they say. They were not helpfull when I was dealing with it.

 

[wapiti22]

Thanks for the info. I'm taking it to the range tomorrow with a scope to see how it shoots. I'll probably send it back to Ruger for the repairs and maybe even a re-barrel and blue job. I had them rebuild a 7x57 1A for me last summer and they did a fantastic job and quick - less than 3 weeks.