A .357 mag question...need help.

[kmystry]

Gentlemen...(and ladies, if any):
I am contemplating the purchase of a Handi-rifle at a local sporting goods store in 45-70 (iron sights).  It is not actually the gun I want because what I am really looking for is an iron-sighted .357 mag.
I understand that through the H&R barrel accessory program that I can send in the SB2 frame with stock and forend on this 45-70 and get a .357 mag barrel that will come with a scope rail only...no iron sights.  I believe that this is correct so far.
The problem is...I want iron sights on the .357.  I fail to understand why they would offer a pistol caliber barrel with a scope rail only....357 mag. is a natural for iron sights...far more practical than a 45-70 with iron sights IMHO. 
What do you suggest I do to get this barrel retro fit with iron sights?  Can I buy the sights from H & R and then have them installed locally?  Is there a source that you guys use to purchase iron sights?  I'm sure I'm not the first with this circumstance.
The 6 lb. Handi-rifle is perfect for my needs but I wish I didn't have to buy it in a caliber I don't want.
Any suggestions? Help?

[OSOK]

The only hard part would be the front sight. A correct model Williams WGRS rear peep will fit the scope base holes. They are pretty cheap, and someone here would probably sell you a take-off for really cheap. Go to the FAQ on this forum and there is a bunch of info on sights. Here is a link to a really nice one a guy put on his .45/70 handi

http://45-70.blogspot.com/2008/10/45-70-handi-rifle-new-england-custom.html

It silver solders on and looks great on the handi's.

[manatee1947]

YIKES!! I got a 357 barrel not long ago w/ iron sights on it , so I was suprised. I went to the current site........... there is a bunch of stuff dc'd from even last fall. I guess that I had better be grateful to have what I do, let alone anything new. It is like the blue plate special at the diner, if you like what you see, you had better get it now. I think I will have my buddy just see what shows up on inventory @ his wholesalers listing for anything else that might be floating out there, with just 1 left of something.

[wreckhog]

Williams makes iron sights, any gunsmith can tap the barrel and install them. Plenty of .357 barrels with sights out there, just post a WTB and say what you want to pay. Someone with bifocals will sell.

[yukondog]

Watch out you'll old like the rest of us and wearing bi-focals before you know it.

[kmystry]

Ha!  The bi-focal thing is funny!  I'm 59 and have been wearing them for years but I guess I'm lucky...I can still see with iron sights.
Thanks for the advice and keep it coming.

Where exactly is it that I would post a "want to buy" ad??  Do you have a link?

[quickdtoo]

There are three H&R Classified forums, they're just down the index page from this one, the other classified forums are above the Handgun section up the page.

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php#12

[kmystry]

Thanks, Tim.  Maybe I need to get my bifocals checked!!

[Chas.]

Source?  Last 2-3 times I've bought iron sights, I bought from Brownell's.

[yukondog]

Yea been looking through bi-focals for years and still see iron sights just fine.

[petemi]

If you're not in a rush, poke around the classifieds here or post a want to buy for a .357 with irons.  It won't pop up there in the morning, but there is a good chance it will eventually.  My first one came used with iron sights.  I scoped it and gave the sights to MSP Ret (aka Andy)