Converting fixed sight SAA to adj. sights

TruthTellers · May 12, 2019, 05:32 AM

How much would it cost to convert a single action revolver with the traditional fixed sights to adjustable sights?

Jim Watson · May 12, 2019, 09:51 AM

Well, Dave Clements charges $500 for adjustable sights on a Vaquero. (Doesn't fit Colt or copy.)

The Bowen adjustable sight runs $120-$175 NOT including installation.

Don't you wish you had bought the Blackhawk?

T. O'Heir · May 13, 2019, 01:19 PM

$500 for adjustable sights is probably cheap. The whole thing is about the machining time. That runs over $100 per hour plus set up time these days. I'd guess a lot would depend on what single action it is too.

Jim Watson · May 13, 2019, 09:11 PM

Right.
At today's labor rates, and the cost of a low volume item like a custom adjustable sight, AND considering it will probably call for a new front sight, not an unreasonable price.

Scorch · May 14, 2019, 01:48 AM

"Back in the day" we used to mill the top straps and put S&W sights on Colt SAAs. Milling and drilling and tapping a case-hardened frame was a lot of fun. Nowadays, with the cost of machine time and carbide end mills, it would be quite a spendy proposition.

**4V50 Gary** · May 14, 2019, 06:20 PM

Get a flat rate rather than hourly quote. i milled one gun for some fancy rear sights and it was no fun. Generally it's easy, but that steel was tough and killed a couple of dovetail bits.

May 12, 2019, 05:32 AM	#1
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,954	Converting fixed sight SAA to adj. sights How much would it cost to convert a single action revolver with the traditional fixed sights to adjustable sights? __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

May 14, 2019, 01:48 AM	#5
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,249	"Back in the day" we used to mill the top straps and put S&W sights on Colt SAAs. Milling and drilling and tapping a case-hardened frame was a lot of fun. Nowadays, with the cost of machine time and carbide end mills, it would be quite a spendy proposition. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 14, 2019, 06:20 PM	#6
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,294	Get a flat rate rather than hourly quote. i milled one gun for some fancy rear sights and it was no fun. Generally it's easy, but that steel was tough and killed a couple of dovetail bits. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

May 12, 2019, 09:51 AM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,160	Well, Dave Clements charges $500 for adjustable sights on a Vaquero. (Doesn't fit Colt or copy.) The Bowen adjustable sight runs $120-$175 NOT including installation. Don't you wish you had bought the Blackhawk?

May 13, 2019, 01:19 PM	#3
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	$500 for adjustable sights is probably cheap. The whole thing is about the machining time. That runs over $100 per hour plus set up time these days. I'd guess a lot would depend on what single action it is too.

May 13, 2019, 09:11 PM	#4
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 19,160	Right. At today's labor rates, and the cost of a low volume item like a custom adjustable sight, AND considering it will probably call for a new front sight, not an unreasonable price.