Can I add a fiber optic front sight to a S&W 66-2?

[gunsrfun1]

I have a S&W 66-2 revolver with an integral red-ramp front sight. By "integral," I mean that the sight is not pinned in. It appears to either be part of the base, or press-fit into the base; I can't tell.
I'd like to replace the red-ramp sight with a fiber optic sight. This was relatively easy on my 686, which has a pinned front sight. I simply removed the factory sight, had a hole drilled into the fiber optic sight, and replaced it.
My question is whether this is possible on my 66. Does the front sight even come out, or is it part of the base? And if it comes out, how do you get it out? (Do you just yank on it like crazy with a pair of vise grips?)
I don't want to do any damage. And I wouldn't do the work anyway; my FFL is a machinist by day, and I would have him do it.
Or ... is it just cheaper and easier in the long run to buy a newer 66 with a pinned front sight? (I like this particular gun, but I am not married to it.)
Thanks
PS - After this original post, I found an old THR post on the subject. Unfortunately, the answers seem to be all over the place? So ... anyone know for sure?
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ove-older-s-w-bull-barrel-front-sight.557189/

 

[gunsrfun1]

Well, I just took a closer look with a magnifier (hasn't thought of that before posting my question), and it's either one-piece, or soldered in.
Not going to mess with it. I'll live with the red ramp, or if need be, I'll just buy a newer model.

 

[alfsauve]

Yes on the earlier 66s the front sight was part of the barrel (upper rib). No replacement is possible without machining. I decided to sell my older models just for that reason.

I wouldn't spend money converting that one. Not particularly historical or collectable, still no internal lock so it's worth something as is.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I had an old M-66 with the one piece barrel/front sight combo. I went the route of having a dovetail milled into the base and installing a blade with a night sight dot

 

[alfsauve]

I had an old M-66 with the one piece barrel/front sight combo. I went the route of having a dovetail milled into the base and installing a blade with a night sight dot

This is what's to love about revolvers. There's no end to the modifications you can make.