I've tried two color set-ups, both using Testor's Fluorescent paint over the OEM white dots:

-Green front, Orange rears;

-Orange front, Yellow rears.

The latter is what it's wearing now-both work very nicely.

There are still quality aftermarket sights available for the P85/P89, I believe from both Trijicon/ToolTech and Meprolight, but I recall that they're a bit more expensive than those for contemporary platforms.

Very early P85s used a lower sight set-up than the later production P85s (and, by definition, all P89s).

I've found the OEM sights actually to be pretty decent.

Best, Jon

 

I've done the paint and have changed the front sight on one of my P90's. You have to have a small punch preferably brass to get the roll pins out and then to push them back in. A tiny drill bit to drill the new sight mounting holes.

 

My original P-89 now wears a set of Meprolight TruDot tritium night sights.

If you change the rear sight on a P-series Ruger, be very careful with re-aligning the plunger for the firing pin block.

 

I used the nickel Pachmayr Accu-Set, nice bright dots. Easy to install, pre drilled front sight and adjustable rear sight. Had no problem using my existing Uncle Mike's holster.

 

Wow great info., thanks guys. Would like to not have to wear reading glasses to see the sights.

 

Painted the front sight on my 38 special. Base white coat (kilz type paint). 2 coats of Testers enamel fluorescent paint. 2 coats of clear nail polish. I like it. Thinking of doing the P89, but only the flat dot area facing the shooter, front and back sites, not the whole front site. Tried it that way with the 38, but like it better with the whole front site painted.

 

that looks great

looks great love that revolver!

 

Hi Eastman,

Can you recommend a method for re-aligning the plunger for the firing pin block?
I am installing the rear Meprolight TruDot tritium night sight and the plunger is dropping into the lock screw hole as I press the sight in. I am considering picking up a spare set screw and grinding the base flush.

 

I don't have a good answer, I had a professional install the Mepros (and he had to take the rear sight off and fix the plunger since it was misaligned when he did it the first time leaving me with a dead pistol).

Maybe a thin feeler gauge could be used to hold everything down when the sight is slid into place? Do you have the sight set-screw installed (just a little shy of sticking out the bottom) when you are mounting the rear sight?