One of the options you might consider is a Ruger front sight, they have several styles available, and are easily changed via a plunger system that holds them in place. Any gunsmith worth his salt should be able to fit the system to your barrel, as long as it has a rib that's as tall as the Redhawk's. My Redhawk was fitted (by me) with a Gold Bead front sight, and a V-notch rear, and I was able to shoot 1" groups at 25 yards with my 41 Mag. There are also front sights with various colored inserts, to match your shooting style and conditions, and they're very affordable. As for shortening the barrel, any gunsmith can lop it off, but you might want to consider the lettering that will be lost when thinking about the length you want. Available holsters are also a big factor, putting a 5" gun in a six-inch holster is a lot less satisfactory that having a holster that fits. Whatever length you choose, finding a gunsmith is the biggest part of your decision, I'd try to find someone that can square the barrel face properly, and I'd also think about a target crown to protect the muzzle in case it's dropped or banged around. If you have the right tools, you might be able to do some of this yourself, but if not, leave it to the pros! The front sight will be the expensive part, and fitting the Ruger sights involved cutting a dovetail and fitting the plunger system. It's not that complicated, but always remember, you get what you pay for!
Good luck with your quest for the "perfect handgun", from where I sit, it's a lifelong challenge! I have a lot of guns I love, but my definition of what's perfect keeps changing!
Papajohn the Perpetual Perfection Professor
