Replacing Front Sight on Smith N Frame?
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45crittergitter
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If it's the pinned sight blade, it's as easy as it looks. You will probably have to drill the new blade for the pin. Put it in the slot, then drill through the hole in the base to get the blade hole correct. A drop of loctite won't hurt. Make sure you know what height you need - match the old one if POI is correct.
45crittergitter
Thanks for the info. The pin came right out but the sight was another story. It felt like it was part of the frame. S&W sure fits them tight. I hope I get my new one that tight. I ordered a fiber optic sight (on backorder) so it should be about another week. Thank you.
Thanks for the info. The pin came right out but the sight was another story. It felt like it was part of the frame. S&W sure fits them tight. I hope I get my new one that tight. I ordered a fiber optic sight (on backorder) so it should be about another week. Thank you.
45crittergitter
Member
You are most welcome, and welcome to THR. I am not a gunsmith, and do not even play one on TV. I have, however, changed a few sights on Colts and Smiths, even using the "wrong" blade when a proper one is unavailable, drilling the hole(s) and filing the profile as necessary. The results have been pleasing with the C-more all plastic "hot" colored blades.
Sheldon
Member
I really like the gold bead sight I put on my 686.
I've heard good things about gold dot sights but when I looked at a fiber optic like 45crittergitter says those "hot" colored blades really pick up easy.
The one I ordered comes with a red and green tube. The one I saw was green. It will be interesting to see which one picks up faster. My ageing eyes need that extra pop. I just got an email that the sight has been shipped.
So now the waiting is killing me.
The one I ordered comes with a red and green tube. The one I saw was green. It will be interesting to see which one picks up faster. My ageing eyes need that extra pop. I just got an email that the sight has been shipped.
So now the waiting is killing me.
Some S&W front sights, such as those on my M629 Classic revolvers, can be removed/replaced simply by pushing rearward and upward on the front sight. There is a spring which holds it in place. Then simply insert the rear of new front sight into slot and push back/down to seat new sight. For such models, the front sight pin does NOT have to be removed. (Don't ask me how I know this.)
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
45crittergitter
Member
LOL, LHB1.
Clarification: I didn't add fiber optics, I added fluorescent colored plastic blades (the whole blade is day-glo pink/orange/take-yer-pick plastic).
Clarification: I didn't add fiber optics, I added fluorescent colored plastic blades (the whole blade is day-glo pink/orange/take-yer-pick plastic).
The easiest way I have found to remove the pinned in place front sights is to chuck the sight blade between padded jaws in the shop vice and give the barrel a light to medium whack or two with a 16 ounce rubber shop mallet.
Mount the blade on a clear corner of the vise, grip facing up, blade facing down and impact the barrel right behind the blade post.
Remember to keep your free hand on the gun, when it comes free of the sight blade nothing is controlling it and gravity will win.
If you don't want to save the original blade you can chuck it right between the jaws of the vice, this will grip better but you will trash the sight.
Mount the blade on a clear corner of the vise, grip facing up, blade facing down and impact the barrel right behind the blade post.
Remember to keep your free hand on the gun, when it comes free of the sight blade nothing is controlling it and gravity will win.
If you don't want to save the original blade you can chuck it right between the jaws of the vice, this will grip better but you will trash the sight.
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