Johnny Buck Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Is there a jig available for filing front sights or is this still old school by putting tape on the barrel and using a hand file? JB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 If you can find an old 35mm film canister, it make a fine cover to prevent marking up the bbl I guess it can be made from PVC or most any other plastic tube CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Attica Jack #23953 Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Before I would file any front sight, I would try other options first. I am thinking the gun is shooting low, try a different load, or heavier bullet first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Spade Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 I filed my front sights once I settled on a load. Make sure you are happy with the load you are shooting before filing anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reverend P. Babcock Chase Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Howdy Johny, I don't know if this will help (it doesn't answer your question about filing.) First, how far off is the sight. my sixguns are a little high and I shoot duelist, so I don't file the sights as a 6 o'clock hold works fine for cowboy targets. B. try both duelist and two hand holds to see how much that changes things. You might learn something before you file. You can't put the metal back on easily. As mentioned above trying different loads may be the best answer. Finally, they are your guns so do what you think you need. Rev. Chase Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 Factory single actions with fixed sights have front sights intentionally taller than necessary from the factory. Which for a light cowboy load is very tall. File 'em to fit your load (which means don't touch them until you get very comfortable with what you are shooting). Never seen anyone use a jig. But, if you can't guide a file carefully, don't even bother trying to file your sights. If you get scared you will slip, wrap a couple wraps of electrical tape around the adjacent metal. Secure firearm in a solid vise - many slips are due to the gun sliding around as you file. Do check often that you are filing the top of the sight perfectly horizontal. It will jump out at everyone who picks up the gun if you don't get that level as gun is held straight. good luck, GJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 1 hour ago, Garrison Joe, SASS #60708 said: Never seen anyone use a jig. But, if you can't guide a file carefully, don't even bother trying to file your sights. +1 on this. Also consider when you try to sell the guns inn the future. If the front sight has been filed most people won't even consider buying the gun. Remember the targets in SASS are close and shot fast. You frequently hear people yell "front sight" when someone misses a target. No one yells "carefully align your front sight with the rear notch." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rip Snorter Posted March 20, 2023 Share Posted March 20, 2023 I filed and reblued the front sights on my Ruger OMVs before I went to Colts. I sold the guns, gunbelt and holsters along with the load specifications. Sold fast for a good price. I do think the work needs to be decent, and if it is for SASS, the load specs are probably important. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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