Author Topic: Barrel Band front sights? (Read 1983 times)

mart · « **on:** March 09, 2005, 11:19:34 AM »

I am planning my next shooter and have settled on the Ruger Bisley (adjustable sights) in 45 Colt. I intend to shorten it to 5.5" and install a barrel band front sight among other modifications. I know some have reshaped Ruger #1 front sights for this purpose but does anyone produce a barrel band front sight for this application? Several pistolsmiths show them on their finished guns but are any available to the hobbyist? At this point I am gathering information for the intended project. Thanks in advance for any advise. Good shooting. Mart

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2005, 02:23:24 AM »

I think brownells sells one for rifles i dont know if it could be used on a handgun barrel or not. Most of the custom pistol smiths machine it as part of the barrel when they cut there blanks.

mart · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:45:14 AM »

Lloyd,

Thanks for the reply. I just used one of the NECG front sights from Brownells on a rifle. They are great sights but to large I believe for a handgun sight. I may have to play around with building one of my own for the handgun. Thanks again. Mart

SmithAC · « **Reply #3 on:** March 15, 2005, 11:55:31 AM »

what is the barrel band for?

targetshootr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 15, 2005, 03:11:44 PM »

One of the custom smiths might sell you one if you know the OD of the barrel at the sight location. I wonder what they're for too. I know a lot of the 5 shot super-bore guns have 'em.

mart · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:25:02 PM »

The barrel banded sight is one piece front sight and like the rifle barrel band front sight is nearly indestructible and provides a classic look. I will check with some of the custom smiths. Thanks for the replies. Mart

TScottO · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:39:22 PM »

From my understanding the barrel band on big bore revolvers is a trade mark (term used loosely) of John Linebaugh. The functionality of the band is to hold the ejector rod housing in place under heavy recoil. You will notice the barrel band is found on 5.5 revolvers and fits snugly to the ejector rod housing.

Be Safe,
Scott

Fiveshooter · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2005, 06:51:37 PM »

Scott nailed it. The barrel band on most custom big bore revolvers is a machined section of the barrel. It gives the gun a distinct "Express" look to it but its other function is to keep the ejector rod housing in place during recoil. You can also anchor the ejector rod housing with a combination screw and stud. Either way holds up well to recoil but I think having the band looks a little better.

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