Tips for front sight install

[johnpaulh]

Hi all,
I have a Ruger 22/45 with the heavy barrel.  I had the barrel threaded, but the smith did not re-install the front sight, just sent it in the box. 
I'm looking for some tips to help me figure out how to align it properly while holding it in place so I can mark it to drill and tap. 
Any hints will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[gunnut69]

Either a jig is used to center the barrel under the drill and hold it in place while drilling and tapping the hole takes place. This can also be done using a milling machine. Basically if the pistol is verticle and the hole is centered on the barrel, all will be well. Location from the front has to allow foe sight dimensions. I would say that in my opinion replacing the site should have been done as part of the threading procedure.

[johnpaulh]

Thanks gunnut...I thought the smith would (should) have replaced the sight as well, but he didn't and when I called him he said he figured I wouldn't need it since I was going to put a suppressor on the gun....I said, "well #1, I don't have a suppressor yet, and #2 what the hell do you think I will do when I don't have a suppressor on the gun"?  He said, "oh....hadn't  thought of that".  He charged me $50 to thread, which is a steal, and did a really great job (threaded between centers to maintain concentricity) so I really can't complain...but you do get what you pay for!

Will line it up in some V blocks and go to it this weekend....

Thanks again!
John