topstrap treatments

[PotatoJudge]

What all can be done to make the blocky topstraps of Blackhawks and similar look better? I've seen some bullnose filing done on the front, but what else is out there? I also keep looking at my stainless Blackhawk and can't help but think it'll look better as a flattop. It looks like an easy job, but is that really the case? Are there any modifications that need to be done to the sight to make that work (the cross pin is easily low enough)?

 

[roylt]

I'm sure others with more experience will be along to comment but I say google around and see what you can find then go for it. The best thing about stainless is you can buff out a lot of error. Personally I thing regular looks better than flat top.

 

[DeletedMember275]

I've seen some over the years that have had the rear sight "ears" removed to make the gun into a "flattop." Some looked quite nice, others not so much. If I wanted to do it to one, I would have it done professionally on a milling machine. Before you start, make certain that the holes for the rear sight cross pin are low enough in the frame that the hole won't be exposed or cut into when the flattening is done. Although you would think that they would all be in the same exact position, they're not.

 

[rugerguy]

thats correct, and in fact to do it RIGHT , one has to slightly do it on an angle (Higher in the rear, slope downward to the front) it will still be flat but all too often those 'cross holes' for the rear sight pin will be right at or near the surface..................sooooooooooo :roll:

 

[Hondo44]

PotatoJudge,

1. The top strap nose: go to Hamilton Bowens website and you'll see his "S&W contour". That's the only treatment I've seen.

2. Flat topping: there are basically two locations for the sight pin; the old rear sight with flat bottom has the higher pin location on the top strap, the newer rear sight with the bump on the bottom after ~ 1985 has the lower pin location (see below). These can be flat topped without issue.

I think Ruger added the bump to lower the pin location because when they cut the bevel on the sides of the two frame ribs around the sight, they were awful close to cutting into the pin hole.

So if you have the rear sight with bump and it sits too high after flattening the top strap, just use the old style flat bottomed sight, it will sit lower in the to top strap sight channel and solves the problem. You will need to file the bottom of the sight or the sight channel a bit to get the pin holes aligned to mount the lower old sight. But the sight will be flush with the top strap after flat topping.

A Bowen flat top:

Photo by Aggie01

Here's an old model Super Single Six that I flat topped to match my converted 44 Spl OM flat top:

 

[Sharps40]

50th Nosed.

Three screw, nosed and flattopped and edges rounded.

1860 Army Blackhawk (NM 357 + Colt 1860 Army Grip) nosed and flattopped.

Lightning Blackhawk, Rounded nose and semi flat top

Gentlemans Workhorse, nosed and flattopped

The Arthritus Project, Nosed

 

[Sharps40]

Its all patient file work. No mill or machining needed and even if available, you'll be done with accurate and fine looking file and polish before you get the bridgport jigged, set up and test cuts made on scrap stock.

 

[November]

Excellent work, Sharps40. I'd like to mimic the standard Bearcat top strap nose on my new 357/9 flattop, but there's no way I'm taking a file to it.

 

[PotatoJudge]

Thanks guys. That Bowen is great looking, and Sharps there's a lot of food for thought there. I like the more gradual nose as well, just need to decide if I want to give it a shot.

The gun I have in mind can be flat topped, but I may leave vestigial ears to help blend in to the Bowen sight.

I'll post pics if and when I get this done. Right now it's a few projects back (I'm sure you all know what that's like).

 

[Sharps40]

Excellent work, Sharps40. I'd like to mimic the standard Bearcat top strap nose on my new 357/9 flattop, but there's no way I'm taking a file to it.

30 minutes to a couple hours via handwork.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Now PJ, if you REALLY want to recontour a Ruger top strap, you can have someone like Alan Harton weld then remachine it to take Freedom Arms sights and scope mounts!

 

[PotatoJudge]

Robb, I've seen that around (here and the single action board). Built on a max frame but can't remember the caliber right now. I can't imagine what that cost to have built. Max base gun, bisley parts, octagon barrel, conversion package, welding and milling of the topstrap. I don't know if $4K would get that built.
The FA sight slot is the best of all worlds though. Easy secure optics mounting without altering the gun or the option of excellent factory irons. Maybe not the prettiest, but hard to argue with that kind of utility.

Edited to add:
http://singleactions.proboards.com/thread/1983/414-supermag-fruger?page=1

For those curious about the above gun.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Yes sir PJ, this is a 414 Supermag 5 shot. It is so ugly that there isn't another one like it around. Pretty good on the estimating part too :lol: