SP101 Sights? With Pics.

[powwowell]

I'm looking to replace the front sight on my 3" SP101, with a version of XL night sights. Any opinions on choosing the Big Dot Tritium, or the Standard Dot? I'm thinking the Big Dot will look like a Blob on the end of the barrel.

Reviews that I've read of XL sights are positive.

 

[Tim]

Tagged. I have same gun and same question

 

[RR]

I have no experience with the XS for the SP101, but I have installed and used Meprolight front sights on 3 or 4.

Still have one of those and it is performing well 6 years later.

40 bucks or so on Amazon.

 

[powwowell]

I ordered the XL Standard Dot Tritium, RV-0001N-4, off ebay last night. $57.57. Amazon has it for $56.79, plus sales tax.

The reviews I read indicated that the XL sights were a better quality. I read enough reviews to make the plunge. The easy to see white outline, for daylight shooting, convinced me.

I've not had a problem with Meprolights though.

 

[Tim]

Are these pretty much drop in or do they require fitting?

 

[BatteryOaksBilly]

XS=+++++++++++

 

[RR]

Are these pretty much drop in or do they require fitting?

The front sight doesn't come drilled for the retaining pin. So you have to do that, but it is no problem.

 

[powwowell]

Several of the reviews say filing is required for the XS to fit the SP101. I've changed the front sight of my S&W 60-15. The night sight on it was too small to be of any use. Replaced it with a red insert sight.

I was concerned that I was going to mess the revolver up, but drilling turned out to be quite easy. Part way on one side, then complete by drilling the other side. Whew! I hope for the same result for the Ruger.

 

[JT]

FWIW, I did put an XS on my 2.25" barrel and yes, it was a bit of a "blob", but not dysfunctional, and it did give me a good quick sight picture with that stupid rear channel.

 

[powwowell]

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

 

[Tim]

AWESOME write up, thanks!

I have the same 3" gun and want the same results. When can you come over?

Did you use a hand held drill or a drill press?

 

[powwowell]

Hand held. If you were somewhat closer I'd be right there.

 

[mred20]

I was looking to do the same thing but thought I would touch up the ramp on the factory sight with some red florescent paint first and see how that did.

 

[NCMedic]

Most likely will do the same to my SP101 very soon.
@powwowell ; have you noticed any issue with the hammer pin walking out with those grips? Been shopping for new shoes for the SP101 and was going to go with that grip but have read some reviews that it is not firm enough to keep the hammer pin in place.

 

[powwowell]

@NCMedic Nothing EVER works out perfect for me! Following are my experiences with the XS sight and the Grips.

The Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips feels good. I have medium hands. The Hogue's get smaller for the last two fingers, the Pachmayr does not. I have Hogue's on my 4 inch SP101. I'm leaning toward Pachmayr for the 4 incher. Then again, maybe not? I've read of the issue of the trigger pin walking with the Diamond Pro grips. So far it hasn't been an issue for me. The grips cover more of the trigger pin than the Hogues or Rugers. But, the DP grip is very thin and "soft" in this area. I've thought of cutting and fitting a "shim" to go over the pin and under the grip, if necessary.

The XS Standard Dot is easy to pick up. It's a tad, or two, large (tall) for precision aiming! At 15 yards it shoots 6 inches low and a bit right (two inches, at least). I know it's a self defense revolver, but I want to be able to hit a snake. I've reinstalled the original front sight and used some red sight paint on it. After getting a better feel of the weapon, maybe I'll try the XS again?

Hope to shoot the SP101s, in the next few days. Ill post my results. By the way, if you don't have a pool, then don't get one . . . that sumbeach will be tying up all of YOUR time, and you'll hate it.

Happy trails,
Larry

 

[Ikarus1]

Here's another vote for the Diamond Pros. Mine looks just like Larry's except for the front sight...factory with day-glo Orange sight paint

And...I will never ever have a pool that I have to maintain myself. I'd rather swim in Rocky River than to ever test for PH and active Chlorine again.