XS Sight Systems -- sight sourcing

[Bill_in_TX]

Hello,

I'm a new guy here, but have been lurking for a while since I bought a new Mini-14.

You are obviously the "go to" guy for mini work and would like to see if you have a dealer account with XS Sights or one of their distributors ... because:

XS has a new sight and/or sight set for the latest mini (Mini-14/5 or 580 series) which appears to be a good arangement on paper. The new front sight is a direct replacement for the existing Ruger sight but includes a threaded front end to accept standard threaded accessories (1/2 x 28 IIRC). It is designed as a press fit and, because of the tritium element, can't simlpy be hammered on nor heated very much as I understand.

This new sight hasn't shown up at Brownells (or any of my other usual suspects) yet, but is available from XS as part number RU-0020-8 (for the set with a rear GRA).

I'll be looking at having you do something like the B package in the fairly near future and would like to include this sight (unless you have serious reservations about it). I'll address the details of the work via PM or e-mail, but wanted to find out if you have ready access to this new sight (I also thoguht it might be of general interest to those with "new" minis).

Thanks,

Bill

[gundoc]

I should have access, I deal with them quite often. As I haven't seen the part yet, I can't speak to its worth, but XS has earned my respect with everything else they produce. Thanks!

[Bill_in_TX]

I should have access, I deal with them quite often. As I haven't seen the part yet, I can't speak to its worth, but XS has earned my respect with everything else they produce. Thanks!
I agree with your overall perspective on XS, I've got several on my pistols.

My comment on your possible reservations was more from the installation approach. I noticed that on your website you point out an issue of lack of concentricity between bore and barrel OD and therefore turn threads with a reference to the bore. This sight, however, will press fit to the barrel OD and thus relies on a (reasonably) concentric OD to line up the threads for attachments (flashider in my case).

[gundoc]

Well, that's very true. I'm sure XS did a bang up job, but barrel/bore concentricity is something they could acount for only by making the thread tenon an expansion chamber, if you will, to negate bullet strike. I would have reservations about using an off the shelf muzzlebrake or flash hider unless I was sure that the exit hole has sufficiently enlarged to compensate for misalignment. Depending on the manufacturer and the design, the actual exit hole can be out front or right against the muzzle. I'm going to have to get one in here and make some measurements. Thanks!

[Bill_in_TX]

Hello again,

I bounced your comments off the fellow at XS with whom I've been exchanging e-mails on this new sight fo rthe mini-14/5. His comments were:

The exit hole in our new sight unit is .250" in diameter, which should clear any Barrel OD/Bore concentricity issues. Since most all the flash hiders that I am familiar with have an even bigger through hole, I don't see how there could be any problem with the installation of a flash hider.

If fitting a muzzle brake, then that's a different story. Their efficiency is tied to having a fairly close diameter through hole. To some extent the less gap between to bullet's side and the wall of the brake, the more gas will be diverted into the vents. The more gas diverted sideways the less recoil produced. Then again checking for such clearance should always be done by the person fitting any muzzle brake.

If your gunsmith has found that this is insufficient to cover the run out he has found, I would be glad to know about it so we can suitably alter our product and include updated instructions. I think we have done our homework and that our .250 diameter will cover anything Ruger can throw at us.

Let me know what you find out.


I (and from the quote XS) would be interested in your take on this in terms of the kind of concentricity history you've found (i.e. more than would be covered by a 0.250" exit hole). I'm sort of in a gray area regarding the XS comments. My primary interest is in a flash hider, but I had been considering one of the new Yankee Hill Phantom models that they claim also acts as brake.

I followed up on this fairly quickly because, funds permitting, I want to get something done before some of our Democratic friends in Congress have the opportunity to move forward on the new AWB.

[gundoc]

Well a .250" hole is more than sufficient for 90-95% of the flash hiders available. Off the top of my head, models that I would double check everything on would be the Smith Vortex........ok maybe that's the only one I can think of right now. Phantoms, A2 Birdcages, no problem.

XS does great work, and I am sure they have their homework done. The Vortex is different and will be dependent on exact alignment just like a muzzlebrake.

[Bill_in_TX]

Gundoc,

Thanks for the quick (and positive for my interest) response. After clarifying another point about the rear sight aperture with XS (and getting some stock-fitting parts from Ruger), I'll be in touch via e-mail to discuss some work on my Mini-14, including that front sight.

Regards