Replacement rear sights for S&W Revolvers with Adjustable Sights?

[krs]

I'm interested in a solution to the ugly gap that exists on my S&W Model 66 (no dash) round butted 2 1/2" barreled revolver between the forward end of the rear sight and the barrel... it's not even serrated as on several other guns, just a blank channel of about a quarter inch length. It's bugging me.

Is it possible that my pistol has the wrong rear sight installed? Do all other model 66's have the space? It looks sloppy and spoils the looks of an otherwise so fine revolver.

I know about Hamilton Bowen's offerings but those are made only for the newer rounded sight base front section on later model revolvers.

I also know of the fixed sights offered by Cylinder & Slide - the same sight used on current "NightGuard" models from Smith & Wesson.

So what I'm looking for is anyone's knowledge of other choices offered by anyone else. No need to recommend anything, just point me to them, if there ARE any more available.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know for sure about the 66 but my 19x2.5" has a rear sight that extends all the way to the front of the frame in line with the barrel ramp. Ramp and sight serrations match up. I think you have the wrong rear sight, the one intended for a 4" gun. I don't know where to get the long sight, Numrich shows out of stock.

 

[GRIZ22]

Mine is like Jim's. Perhaps someone put a J frame sight on yours.

 

[krs]

Thanks,. RCModel posted a Gunbroker auction of a Model 19 2 1/2" in which the photos convinced me that I've got the wrong sight on my pistol. The pictures show the sight extending to the barrel, just as both of you guys describe.

Jim, I think you're right about the 4" as the sight on my 66 is the same length as the one on all of my other K frames, a Model 18, a M14, a M17, a K22 and K38. Looks like my M25 has a slightly longer sight base though eyeballing it I don't think it's long enough to fit the 66. Interestingly all of those pistols DO have a gap between end of sight and begin of barrel. On them the area is serrated and clearly was meant to be this way.

So I'm on a hunt for a sight for a model 19 or 66, snubbies only. Should be pretty hard to find......not

Once I knew that there was a distinct sight for these two pistols look what I find in brownell's!

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=14731&title=SIGHT ASSEMBLY, REAR, .146 In stock even!! I DO NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF GOOD LUCK!!

(hoping the new style fits where the old style did, as the old style is not in stock)

 

[Jim Watson]

I fear that "New Style" means "radiused end". Best to call and talk to them about it. Or even call Smith & Wesson. They have not been keeping up a stock of spare parts for their older models but might have some sights.

 

[krs]

I'm afraid that may be the case but ordered it anyway. I have an account and have to return bits fairly regularly, more so in the last couple of years seems like. Maybe it'll be long enough to improve the gun even if the radiused type, but only if they didn't also change the hole spacing. I'll look for the right one a while before drilling for new additional mountings.

I've already found that several parts for pinned ejector guns are no longer made and they keep listing new type parts as being for the old type pistols. I had to make a new centerpin for this 66 already because the new type has it's shoulder in a different place than the old because they redesigned the ejector itself. I think the only way to use replacement parts to fix the gun would have been to change out the entire cylinder and yoke assembly IF those would fit in the frame.

 

[jfh]

As an aside--I have a NG386 with the C&S rear sight.

I'm also in my sixties, with the proverbial "pre-cataract" symptoms, but I have a good progressive bifocal prescription.

The C&S rear sight drives me nuts. 1. The "deep U" notch creates a real problem for vertical stringing, and 2. I apparently shoot better with a broad black rear sight--e.g., the standard target type.

So, I ordered out what I thought was the appropriate S&W sight from Brownell's. Turns out the rear mounting screw location is not "the standard one" (I think).

Anyone have an opinion here?

Jim H.

 

[krs]

I really can't help you there, jfh, not owning one of those fine pistols, yet.

Is my understanding that the NightGuard series comes with a tritium dot in the front sight correct? If so, would the deep 'U' shaped rear sight notch be intended for use with it - as in placing the dot at the bottom of the 'U'?

Anyway, if worse comes to worse, Hamilton Bowen "Rough Country" sights are pretty excellent and he makes them for S&W revolvers with the round front sight base: http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/AboutUs.htm