Ruger Single Six Front Sight Issues

[rbannon]

I have had a Stainless Single Six with a 6-1/2" barrel. The front sight is canted a considerable amount to the left. I have toyed with the idea of shipping it back to Ruger and have them fix it. I am some what relunctant to do this as it is a Liberty model and I assume that they will have to replace the barrel with a newer billboard model. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,
rbannon

 

[Baldy]

Tell them to just repair the site and not to replace the barrel if it comes to that. Tell them to just send it back to you. There's no reason why they wouldn't respect your wishes.

 

[FergusonTO35]

I would just call them and ask.

 

[flatgate]

I'd investigate "turning the barrel". First, discern which direction will it need to be moved then decide if that direction will "tighten or loosen" the b/c gap. (Right Hand threads are used, of course.)
Also look at the ejector housing. Will it be "straight" enough after turning the barrel or will it be twisted and possibly give trouble.

I'd bet that a trip to the Factory would very likely result in a new barrel. Consequently, I've suggested looking "elsewhere" as a possible solution.

JMHO,

flatgate

PS If it's "really off" then the front sight could be remounted. Heck, that might be the best solution in the first place. The existing hole can easily be "plugged" and a new hole drilled and tapped.

 

[rugerguy]

careful what you "ask" for, as it may open a Pandoras box for you...as said above, if you "undo " it, the barrel may become loose, never know what you run into as to the condition of the threads, and as noted above, the eventual "outcome of where the housing willl now 'sit' and how it aligns......without "seeing" it, I'd have to go with 'moving/remounting' the front sight,you will NOT "see" the plugged hole under the sight body......
the factory will not have the "same" barrel for a "200th year " gun.and MORE work may be needed to end up with the proper alignment...never know , give them a call, BUT don't be surprised if the "tech" ( smith ) ends up doing what HE feels is the
way to do it.............they ain't 'collectors'......... :wink:

 

[G2]

Sounds to me that you;
1. Like the fact there is no Warning.
2. Like the 200th/ Liberty marking.

You didn't mention anything about the collectability of the 200th year, and let's be real, they really never bring that much more dough. Maybe $25. But it is kinda neat.

So if it were me, as a collector of shooters, I would scrap the the screw on sight and order some sort of a custom sight base/blade.
Might even do a Stainless Blackhawk Base, soldered on w/ a pinned Blade. Cut the base down to to the size of the current base, to keep the porportions the same.

Or a liitle more $$, The sight base/blade from Alpha Precision sure is a darn good lookin system. I would spend the money if I planned on never parting with the gun.

 

[flatgate]

Upon further thought, simply plugging the tapped hole in the barrel with a "plug screw" then accurately locating and re-drilling the hole is very likely the easiest and cheapest solution.

You'll need the services of a competent machinist, of course.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Occurs to me that the degree of "off" involved here would not be enough to be able to completely re-locate a new screw hole without running into the existing one. Thus Flatgate's last suggestion makes great sense.

Question . . . assuming it's necessary to "unscrew' the barrel to accomplish the adjustment I'd think that complete removal of the barrel, thorough cleaning of the external and internal threads, and re-installation of the barrel with a good, permanent thread locking solution would certainly work on a .22-caliber gun. Dan, what say you?

 

[rugerguy]

as I said, I'm with the removing and remounting the front sight, would be the simplest,easiest way to go ,after all these are a screw -on sight assembly......
One never knows what they will run into when removing the barrel and tryng to make it 'right",its one thing for a 'smith doing his own job, versus paying one to perhaps go through a multitude of steps to "correct" just "why" its off a few degrees..........yes, you just "may" luck out and be able to "nudge" it back , if its not too far beyond, but we have "seen" and found, once you "break it loose", its "LOOSE"............start all over again........

 

[Hondo44]

My 1st decision step is based on the alignment of the "Liberty" legend on the barrel; is it straight up and aligned at 12 o'clock? If it is I would definitely not mess with turning the barrel; just get the front sight repositioned as recommended above.. But if it's also slanted to the left and aligned with the front sight I'd turn the barrel to move the sight back to the right (unscrewing) slightly. There's no hokis pokis to fear about barrel turning and it will not be a problem for a competent smith. The last quarter to half turn is so tight already that a couple of degrees one way or the other is not going to leave you with a loose barrel. I've done my share.

What ever you do, I concur, do not send back to Ruger as advised above by others. Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[Pinecone]

rbannon, You never mentioned "how" the gun shoots as is. How does it shoot? Just another option to ponder. Maybe do "nothing"!.......................Dick :wink:

 

[rbannon]

Thanks for everyone's input on this. It is one of those things that never bothered me until I heard of other Ruger's having the same issue. It is probably silly to place any value on the Liberty part of it, but it came with the box and other goodies. It is also the first firearm that my son fired. The Liberty is at 12:00 and it shoots fine. I will probably leave well enough alone, and count my blessings.

Thanks,
rbannon

 

[Hondo44]

One simple thing you might try: with a well fitting screwdriver loosen the front sight screw and check for any left to right play, While pushing the sight as far to the righ as possible, tighten the screw.