New SP101 front sight loose

[MarkAlt]

My old 327 Ruger in stainless was a casualty of a failed marriage several years ago. It was the only 327 in the lot.

For several years now, I kicked a lot of 327 tires but never found a model that stood out, or was reasonably priced. I came very close with the Taurus 3” but wanted a nice blue finish. Recently, the SP101 3” blued with partial underlug caught my eye. That’s the back story.

The new SP101 arrived at the FFL and they called to say the front sight is loose. I could send it back and get another, but will probably just accept it and send back to Ruger.

As I looked through the web, it seems like a lot of people have found a solution to this with a dab of Loctite. Admittedly, the impatient part of me is thinking about trying a drop of blue on it.

Probably wouldn’t hurt to try …or, send it in and have them (Ruger) do whatever is needed?

I’ll take a look tomorrow. Thoughts or opinions are appreciated.

 

[Dump1567]

I usually use red loctite when I install a sight, and use it to fill in light gaps. I’ve heard green is another good choice.

I just added some red to an orange insert on a Smith front sight, and that seemed to tighten it up.

You could also remove the sight and peen the base for a tighter fit. And re-install with loctite.

 

[kev74]

I usually use red loctite when I install a sight, and use it to fill in light gaps. I’ve heard green is another good choice.

I just added some red to an orange insert on a Smith front sight, and that seemed to tighten it up.

You could also remove the sight and peen the base for a tighter fit. And re-install with loctite.

If it were mine, this is what I would do. Use a punch to dimple the bottom of the sight dovetail that's hidden under the barrel metal, then a bit of loctite for reassembly.

I could understand the reluctance to mess with a new gun though.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Dovetail front sights are easy to make for the manufacturer, but a disaster when something is out of spec.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Unless things have changed recently, Ruger's Customer Service is pretty good and fast. I'd try that first since gun is new.

 

[Onomea]

I'd send it back and have Ruger either replace or fix it. Maybe you'll need to wait a week or two, but that's a negligible inconvenience in my view.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

A very easy fix, but not something I would do on a new product still under factory warranty.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I agree with everyone who says to send it back to Ruger. Do not under any circumstances use Loctite or any other type of adhesive. Something is out of spec. Either the dovetail was cut a little too big, or the sight base a little too small. And, using a punch to deform some of the metal so the sight fits tighter is only a temporary solution. That will give way after firing or adjustment. I have had dovetail sights come loose on Kimber and Springfield. Springfield fixed it correctly by making a dovetail with a bigger base and then custom filing to make it fit really tight. Kimber used the punch method and I ended up having to send it back three times and finally sold it. Those people couldn’t repair a gun if they tried. Do it the right way or you will never be happy with your revolver.

 

[glenwolde]

I'd call Ruger, maybe they have a replacement they can send you. They might have come up with one if it's a common problem.

 

[MarkAlt]

Thanks gentlemen. If it were used, I might try a temporary thread-locker and see if it holds.

But, …being factory-new, I will be patient and send it back to Ruger. My only concern is that it doesn’t get the Bubba treatment at Ruger. I don’t think that would happen.

I appreciate everyone’s input.

 

[pantannojack]

I would let the receiving dealer send it back. It is another reason I never buy new, sight unseen. Even in a box store I saw a customer accept a from the back, a in box rifle, not in the display case. Store rules were for staff to escort the gun to the exit. In doing so the careless clerk dropped the rifle from the box straight down the muzzle struck the tile floor. Then the expert took a quick look , and said it is OK. That impact could have slightly bent the thin bbl, or made it out of round.

Clerks too lazy to show the item for sale. I don't trust any of the mass produce stamp out slugs.

 

[mckenney99]

Seeing how your dealer was good enough to acknowledge it was defective from the start and was willing to get you another one, that is the option I would have suggested. Why accept a gun that has an obvious issue right off the bat. Yes you could accept it and send it to Ruger and let them TRY to fix it but it will never really be right. How will Ruger fix the issue? Will they try to peen the dovetail? That is a lousy fix for a brand new revolver. If they have front sights with a larger base to fit the dovetail cut that would be OK, unless you later decide to replace the front sight with another type and your dovetail cut is oversized.

 

[MarkAlt]

I spoke with Ruger CS this morning.

They are sending out a replacement front sight. Seems like the most reasonable place to start.

I no longer have a workshop, so hopefully, the dealer can slide a new one in.

In spite of the hiccup, very happy with the FFL and Ruger so far. Everyone acknowledged the problem and is helping to resolve it. That's all I can ask.