Front sight repair HELP!

[Aces Full]

I've got a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag. While shooting it today the front sight fell off the barrel. Fortunatly I found it about 15 yards behind me! It seems to have been soldered on originaly. To me it doesn't seem to have had enough solder installed to withstand the heat and vibrations that it needs to take. Is this a common problem with the Ruger Super Blackhawk? I wonder if Ruger would fix it, but I'm not big on sending my pistol in the mail. Has anyone else had this happen to them? I'm contemplating cleaning it and resoldering it myself. I'm not a gunsmith, but have quite a bit of experience with soldering and welding.

I appreciate your input!:thanx:

[Clinotus]

I would try to contact Ruger first, they might cover the shipping for you and replace the sight. Never hurts to ask.

[Fang]

How old is your Super Blackhawk, and was it the entire front sight assembly or just the blade? I ask because the blade on mine was retained by a roll pin, not soldered in.

[Aces Full]

From the serial number it looks to be about 10 years old. The base that the blade fits into came free from the barrel.

I have contacted Ruger and their reply was to send it in to them for assessment. Didn't offer to pay shipping. I've never sent a gun through the mail. I'm sure I'm not supposed to stick it into a box and drop it off at the Post Office. What is the procedure I need to follow?

[Fang]

For handguns, you need to send it via Fed Ex or UPS. It needs to be dropped off at one of their shipping centers and sent overnight. This is why Ruger didn't offer to pay shipping for you.

[Clinotus]

For handguns, you need to send it via Fed Ex or UPS. It needs to be dropped off at one of their shipping centers and sent overnight. This is why Ruger didn't offer to pay shipping for you.

Just to add a bit more information on Fang's reply. You have to go to an actual shipping center to do it, dont bother going to or arguing with you local Post Boxes R Us location because they wont take it at all, same with the United States Postal Service.

If going to the shipping hub is too much, you could also ask your local FFL if they can send it out for you.

Good luck and let us know how it works out.

[sensei]

Get a few replacement blades for the rear sight, or make your own, and try different notch widths. Right now, I file them wider, but that certainly may not be the best solution for everyone.