3" .357 with available aftermarket front sights

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GuidoTorpedo

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Hi all,

I'm looking for a 3" or so .357 revolver. Problem is, is that most 3" revolvers have fixed sights. My eyesight isn't very good so I typically have issues acquiring the front sight quickly. I'm hoping that replacing the stock front sight with a night sight or a big dot sight might help.

Problem is, is that I don't know which revolvers fit under these constraints.

I really like the 3" GP100, S&W 66 and S&W 65. I know the SP101 can be outfitted the way I like, but I'd like something more K-L frame sized. Also I'd like to keep the price down which is why I'm mainly looking at police trade-ins (but even prices on these seem a little high lately).

Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
Express Sights makes a sight to fit the 3" fixed sighted guns. Also, Gemini Customs offers fiber optic and gold bead sights for the guns. At one time Ruger made a limited run of 3" GP's with adjustable sights. Relative to the K frames might want to contact Express Sights to see if they have anything. A lot of what they offer e.g. the GP sight for 3" are not listed in the catalog pages.
 
Hi. A 3" S&W 66 is a 'K' frame. Has 'J' frame grips though. Easily fixed with Pachmayr's.
 
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There are several options if you like Rugers.

The monthly giveaway handgun a while back in American Handgunner Magazine was an SP101 with adjustable sights installed by Mag-na-port. The front was a bright green C-more, which is a Mag-na-port product, and the rear appeared to be a J-frame sight. I bet Mag-na-port can build one like it for anyone with money.

Gemini Customs markets the Small Wonder sights for the SP101, and will install the sights or sell them for local installation. Gemini should be able to advise if the Small Wonder will work on a fixed-sight GP100.

Trijicon and XS Sights both make SP101 front sits with tritium inserts. Two of my SP101 snubbies have Trijicons; these are quite good for both day and night. I am not sure if there are Trijicon or XS Sights made specifically for fixed-sight GP100s.

Ruger has made some 3" GP100 sixguns with adjustable sights. They are not common, nor cheap, but they exist, and I own one. Mine is my avatar at the Defensive Carry forum. (I have no idea how to post pictures on THR.)
 
I disagree with the statement that any front sight for a SP101, can fit a 3" pinned front sight GP100. The GP100 has a different front sight pocket than the SP101. Also, the barrel on the GP100 sits a bit lower on the frame. The top strap of the GP100 is also thicker. You may be able to get the sight to fit, but accuracy will be greatly affected because of the other differences I mentioned.
 
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Smith model 60

I have a S&W model 60 with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. I've had it polished by the Smith custom shop and then had it magna-ported. Fantastic gun and it fits in a J-frame holster. I'd recommend it.
 
I called XS Sights today and ordered a Big Dot for my 3" GP100. Will post pics once it comes in and I get it on the gun.

They asked me to measure from the top of the front strap, to the top of the sight. My micrometer measured 0.20". We will see how it fits.

FYI, it was $60 before shipping and handling.
 
Gemini Customs (www.geminicustoms.com) offers something called the Small Wonder Sight as a replacement front blade for the SP101 or GP100 (two different sizes) in plain black, gold bead or red or green fiber optics. They also offer lots of porting and/or tuning services for Rugers and S&Ws. I have heard good things about their work and service but have no personal experience.
 
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"I disagree with the statement that any front sight for a SP101, can fit a 3" pinned front sight GP100. The GP100 has a different front sight pocket than the SP101. Also, the barrel on the GP100 sits a bit lower on the frame. "

I seem to recall reading somewhere the front sight is .185" high whereas the SP101 is .155" so don't think the SP sight would work even if right shape for the pocket. As noted elsewhere, the C-more could also be used. From what I have read elsewhere it will need to be cut down to the right height. No personal experience on this.
 
Dan-O said:
I disagree with the statement that any front sight for a SP101, can fit a 3" pinned front sight GP100. The GP100 has a different front sight pocket than the SP101. Also, the barrel on the GP100 sits a bit lower on the frame. The top strap of the GP100 is also thicker. You may be able to get the sight to fit, but accuracy will be greatly affected because of the other differences I mentioned.
Click to expand...
Dan-O I stand corrected.
 
I'm hoping that replacing the stock front sight with a night sight or a big dot sight might help.
Click to expand...

The answer to your problem may be solved with two words, Nail polish. It's easy to do, cheap, and if you don't like one color it is easy to remove and put on another color.
 
Front and rear night sights for Smith revolvers that have adj. sights:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=489909

That would include the 686 models. I think they make or made a 3" along the line somewhere. You could also just replace the front blade with a night sight on the Smith revolvers with the pinned blade.

The Night Guard series run just about all calibres from .38spcl. to .44mag, including .45ACP and 10mm. Their barrels run 2.5 to 2.75 in. length, come with XS night sights, and have scandium frames with stainless cylinders. If you don't mind a 2.5" barrel, these are nice and light. In .357, they make 3 different ones I think, 5 shot, 6 and/or 7 shot, and 8 shot.

Just know some of them may have ferocious recoil. I have a 340PD but it has a titanium cylinder. Most recoil I have ever felt from any firearm. Those have stainless ones though, and the 386 and the 8 shot may not be too bad.
 
I've found my short bbl' Security Six has a very easy sight picture. The factory front has an insert in it that helps catch the eye.
 
I called XS Sights today and ordered a Big Dot for my 3" GP100. Will post pics once it comes in and I get it on the gun.

They asked me to measure from the top of the front strap, to the top of the sight. My micrometer measured 0.20". We will see how it fits.

FYI, it was $60 before shipping and handling.
Click to expand...

Any update on this?
 
GuidoTopedo,

They sent me the wrong height. New one is on order. I would honestly call them and ask for Justin. He seems to be the guy to talk to.

Unfortunately this project has taken a back seat for now. Sent the original sight they sent me....a 0.285" back today. Thinking that the 0.185" in a Standard Dot is the best bet.
 
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