Seeking Recommendations for Modifications to Ruger Blackhawk Sights

[maniak]

I'd like to see some recommendations for modifications, or replacements, that can be made to the sights on a Ruger Blackhawk.

I'd like to rule out, at the outset, scopes and opticals or anything that requires a rail. I mount those sorts of things on carbines. I want to keep my pistols holster-able.

Some background: Just added a Blackhawk convertible (.357/9mm) to my armory. Great gun. It doubles my suitable ammunition profile (was 9mm & .45 ACP, now also includes .38 Special and .357 magnum). And I think it's going to be a great trail gun for horseback. Shoots straight. Looks cool. All that and a bag o' chips.

There's just one thing. I'm a spoiled old man. All my other pistols are semi-autos with either big white dots or tritium sights.

I'd like the sight picture on this new smoke wagon to be as easily ... or at least more easily ... acquirable.

I've heard White Out[tm] recommended, and will try that at the range. But I'm not thinking that's a long-term solution suitable for trail carry.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[salvo]

Here you go.
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/parts_Rug_Rough_Country_Adj_Rear.htm

 

[MikeJackmin]

You're gonna laugh at this, but I'm dead serious...

I modified my pet .45 convertible blackhawk by simply removing the adjustible rear sight entirely. The wings on either side of the sight channel now comprise a wide, giant fixed rear sight.

It was centered correctly for windage, but of course the elevation way off - I had to file a lot off the front sight, but now it's perfect. I find it fast and easy to acquire, bright and bold, and, despite the large size, plenty accurate for my purposes.

You can try it yourself easily enough, and decide if you like it before you file the front. Just be careful not to lose the little parts that live under the sight when you lift it off.

 

[Virginian]

I painted the face of my front sight with flourescent orange, and added a white outline around my rear sight notch on my Blackhawk and it works for me in the woods.

 

[MovedWest]

I painted the face of my front sight with flourescent orange, and added a white outline around my rear sight notch on my Blackhawk and it works for me in the woods.

I seriously just bought the paint to do this to my super blackhawk about 6 hours ago. I've been wanting to do it since I read Rick Hacker's piece about the mods that Bill Oglesby performed on his SBH a couple years ago.

The original sights are very accurate, but it can be hard to see them against certain targets.

-MW

 

[maniak]

Salvo,
Thanks. Looks very good. May go that route.

 

[maniak]

MikeJackmin,
I admire your ingenuity and adaptability ... and may start by removing the rear sights and maybe adding some paint as suggested by Virginian. But I'm not sure I'm ready to start filing on this yet. You got les oeufs.

 

[maniak]

Virginian, Moved West,
Dumb question: What kind of paint? Tips on how best to apply? Pix?

 

[maniak]

Thanks!

All,
Thanks for the great and timely responses!