The XS Standard Dot sight is now on the revolver along with a Pachmayr Diamond Pro grip. Parts arrived this morning and I just got it together, so I haven't shot it yet. Following is a simple narrative and some pics.
1) I DID NOT have to file/fit the XS sight. The sight does have some forward and backward movement, in the barrel slot. Other reviewers said they did have to file the sides of the XS sight. My revolver is a 1989 model, and Ruger may have since changed the specs on the slot?
2) 1/16" roll pin was a perfect fit to drive out the pin. A few gentle taps and it was out. I used pliers, with padded jaws, to remove the old sight. That was the hardest part of the whole job. No Loctite, just a tight fit.
3) I moved the XS sight in the slot until I got the look I wanted. A 1/16" drill bit is needed to drill through the new sight. You might want a spare bit! I used a piece of wood to support the barrel, and
carefully lined up my drill. I wan't in a hurry and the previous holes in the barrel, helped guide the bit true. I used my thumb to keep the new sight fully seated. A bit nervous I was.
4) XS sent a tube of Red Loctite, or something similar to Loctite. I did not use It. I don't see how the XS sight can possibly move. If it does, I'll remove it and use the Loctite when re-installing it.
My present opinion is that I'm very pleased with the XS sight. I'm glad I went with the Standard Size Dot. The white dot is so very easy to pick up. Any thing larger would be a "blob". I have nothing against the Big Dot, just think the Standard looks good on my SP! The Pachmayr Diamond Pro grip feels good. Larger than the factory grip, and a different feel than the Hogue. Moves the trigger further forward. It's shorter than the Hogue, but still provides a place for my pinky.
As It Was
As it Looks Now
Old Sight and it's Pin
Sight Slot