[Brasky68]

Hello everyone,

First time poster here on Ruger Forum.

I have a question I’m hoping someone may have information on regarding the front sight on the new model Redhawk 5043 (.44 mag, 5.5 inch shrouded barrel).

I am looking to replace the ramp front sight with a fiber optic for hunting and am having trouble figuring out the proper sight to order. I called Ruger CS and asked what sight would fit the on the gun and, frustratingly, they had no idea whatsoever on the dovetail size/cut/dimensions, all they could tell me was the sight height was .305”, and quickly pointed out their accessory department did not currently sell any front sights that fit the gun. Big help, I know.

Does anyone here have any idea/recommendations on fiber optic front sights that are compatible with the Redhawk 5043 dovetail?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Brasky

 

[notathome]

Any sight that works for the GP100 will also work with the Redhawk. I just dug out both my GP100 and Redhawk and measured them. The have the same dimensions. They are the same. I also put my Williams F.O. sight from my GP100 on the Redhawk and it fit perfectly.

 

[Brasky68]

Thank you for your reply notathome,

I just wanted to follow up by asking if the sights on your GP100 and Redhawk use the quick release plunger or the new model Redhawk style.

My Redhawk is a 2019 example with a more traditional style dovetail sight. Unfortunately, Ruger did away with the spring plunger quick release design on the new production redhawks and seemingly have no information on what size dovetail they cut into the gun.

Thanks again,

-Brasky68

 

[Red9]

Any sight that works for the GP100 will also work with the Redhawk. I just dug out both my GP100 and Redhawk and measured them. The have the same dimensions. They are the same. I also put my Williams F.O. sight from my GP100 on the Redhawk and it fit perfectly.

That is true only for the older Redhawks. The 5043 has the sleeve and shroud barrel and has a different sight base. GP100 sights will not work on the new sleeve and shroud Redhawks.

 

[Brasky68]

Thanks for clarifying Red 9,

Any idea of an option that will work.

At this point I’m thinking about taking the gun to Williams and seeing if they can custom fit a fire sight to it.

Thanks,

Brasky68

 

[Red9]

Unfortunately, I do not know of any options for the newer Redhawks other than waiting until an official replacement sight is made.

 

[Brasky68]

Update for anyone else looking for a replacement front sight for a new model 5043 Redhawk:

Novak cut dovetail sights will fit the new Redhawk. I bought a .305” fiber optic sight from Dawson Precision and my Smith was able to fit it without issue.

Thanks,

Brasky

 

[Major Tom]

Makes me wonder why Ruger dropped the plunger type front sight. My 1989 Redhawk was easy to replace the front sight. For awhile I had Williams rear and front sights on it; then chose to mount a Leupold M8 2x handgun scope on it. My Redhawk is blued, 7 1/2 inch barrel, 44 mag with Bantam grips. Best double action magnum revolver I have ever owned.

 

[Rover]

I have a hunch that the new 2 piece barrel would not work with front spring plunger type of arrangement because the top of the rib would not have the metal in it required to provide a channel for the front sight plunger and spring.
See:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/ruger/revolvers-ruger/gp100

There probably is not much metal underneath the top of the rib on the new 2 piece barrels.

 

[notathome]

I was unaware that Ruger changed the front sights when they went to the two piece barrels. You learn something new every day. Both my GP100 and my Redhawk have the plunger style removable front sights.

 

[kbmoff]

I think it's worthwhile to keep this thread alive. I just purchased a new Redhawk chambered in .357 (model 5051), and it came with an old-fashioned style red ramp front sight that drifts into place from the side, utilizing a dovetail cut design. I really want to upgrade the front sight to a fiber optic design, but good luck finding one on the market. Everything seems to be made for the former spring-plunger front sight design, which was great! I think Ruger has made a mistake by switching to the current front sight design.

 

[kbmoff]

As of the date of this post, HiViz has a fiber optic front sight replacement to fit the newest Ruger Redhawk revolver, the version without the spring-loaded plunger design for front sight removal/replacement. It is HiViz item #RHDLW01. The price is $45.31 plus $10.40 for shipping.

 

[TonySA]

Thank you, kbmoff. I bought a 5059, the 357 Redhawk, 4.2 inch barrel, and want a new sight for it. I haven't shot it but once, didn't even realize it was different from earlier Redhawks. I have older 45 colt/45acp without the shroud. Does the two piece help accuracy or price? If Ruger went that route, would have been nice to follow Dan Wesson and let us buy extra barrels in a kit and change them ourselves. Bet that would have sold well.

 

[TonySA]

As of the date of this post, HiViz has a fiber optic front sight replacement to fit the newest Ruger Redhawk revolver, the version without the spring-loaded plunger design for front sight removal/replacement. It is HiViz item #RHDLW01. The price is $45.31 plus $10.40 for shipping.

As of the date of this post, HiViz has a fiber optic front sight replacement to fit the newest Ruger Redhawk revolver, the version without the spring-loaded plunger design for front sight removal/replacement. It is HiViz item #RHDLW01. The price is $45.31 plus $10.40 for shipping.

OK, got to ask. Where did you find this? I've gone to hiviz site and they don't show it, googled it and got RHLW01, for spring loaded sights. Even tried midwayusa, and no luck. Got me excited, don't leave me hanging!

 

[kbmoff]

OK, got to ask. Where did you find this? I've gone to hiviz site and they don't show it, googled it and got RHLW01, for spring loaded sights. Even tried midwayusa, and no luck. Got me excited, don't leave me hanging!

I emailed HiViz with a direct inquiry, and they emailed me back within 24 hours with the information I posted.

But...I had already ordered a Dawson fiber optic front sight based on a positive online post by another Redhawk owner. My Dawson sight arrived in the mail today, and it installed nicely with only some very minor fitting. I can give you first-hand information that the following Dawson sight fit my Redhawk:

Sight for Novak Cut, Front Fiber Optic, by Dawson Precision
050-374-00
Brand: #1 Dawson Precision
.305" Tall x .100" Wide Patridge Serrated

 

[TonySA]

Thank you, I will contact them directly, makes sense, if Ruger changed the barrel design in last 2 or 3 years there aren't many out there needing this new design. Thanks again, going to order mine tomorrow.