James just asked an interesting question in the comments section of the website concerning the installation of XS sights on an SP101. It is actually a little more involved than the Glock sites, so let me quote the steps from XS’s installation brochure:
- Place gun in padded vise.
- Drive out the front sight pin(s).
- Remove the old sight and insert the new Express Sight into the slot. Some fitting may be required.
- Hold the sight in the slot (red threadlocker may be used to hold the sight in place) and drill the hole(s) for the retaining pin. Drill half way through from each side. Drilling through from both sides will give a straighter hole for installing the retaining pin.
- Apply red threadlocker to the pin, then drift the retaining pin into place to secure the sight.
I have asked XS what size drill to use on these sights, and they would not recommend one, claiming that Ruger changes the diameter of the pin from time to time. I have not found any variation in my experience, but that may be true. I have used a 1/16 drill bit before, but a word of caution: be very careful because the drill will have a tendency to walk on you, enlarging the hole. This isn’t the end of the world, but it makes the hole not look so great. Get some red threadlocker from your hardware store because it doesn’t come with it, like on the Glock sights.
Other than these precautions, we love them. The XS Sight Systems seem to work great. I wish they had better customer service, and I wish their website was better. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints with the sights themselves. They are solid and easy to use.
I have a GP100 and would love to put an XS sight on it. I understand it can be done, but would also require fitting. Do you know anything regarding what is involved?
Charlie, Good question, hard answer. I spoke with XS today and they have a part number for it.
RP0003S-3. I am not sure about fitting. The GP’s I have seen have a dovetail sight meaning you could fit it with a hand file. Remove metal from the sight not your gun! Couldn’t get much more help than that for you. Sorry.
There’s a front sight made by Ruger with an orange plastic insert like the one on the Redhawk. When I had my GP-100 (should’ve never sold it), I bought the part, depressed the spring plunger above the barrel with a 3/32 punch, and swapped it with the factory sight. Of course, this only works if you have the 4″ or 6″ GP; the 3″ sight is pinned.
That is good to know. The Ruger guns have such an interesting following. You would think that they would have more aftermarket parts available for them. Those who own them are loyal to them.