[Oro]

Hi,

I was looking int the Brownell's catalog at some sights for a K-frame. They have aftermarket Millet sights (adjustable type). They offer two - one that says "Old style" and the other "new style." No other indication about how to sort out what you have. What does this mean in relation to the backstrap or sight mounting style? Was there a date or certain "-X" that this refers to?

Thanks,
Bryan
Seattle, WA

[rcmodel]

New style has the top-strap drilled & tapped under the sight for a scope mount.

Open the cylinder and look inside the top-strap and see if there are a couple of extra screw holes not being used for anything.

If so, it's a new style.
If not, it's an old style.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[Rexster]

The front portion of the sight assembly, toward the muzzle, is a good indicator. The newer revolvers have a rounded front portion of the sight assembly, while the older ones are squared. Underneath, just as rcmodel indicated, the newer guns are D&T'ed for scope mounts.

[Oro]

Thanks for the feedback, that will help me ID it. About when did they start doing this, out of curiosity?

Bryan

[Old Fuff]

When S&W relocated the screw they assigned each model a new dash number. For example on the model 15 Combat Masterpiece the dash number was 15-3 in 1967. Therefore revolvers with a higher dash number were "new" while those with a lower one were "old."

All models weren't changed at the same time, so it depends on your particular model. The "old" screw position was right at the end of the barrel, where it could be effected by gas-cutting. To avoid problems the screw was moved.

[Rexster]

In the M19 and M66, it had occurred by the mid-90's.

[rbmcmjr]

You can see the difference in this photo:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/rbmcmjr/44projectsrear.jpg

Look at the front of the sight bases. The one on the left is old-style and the right is the new. Even though the C&S sights are a replacement, they follow the shape of the OEM.

Rick

[Majic]

Old style front sight blades are pinned in place.

[Oro]

Thanks for all the help. I had not realized there was such a big difference - my "newest" S&W is a 15-4, and the other two even older.

I appreciate the explanations and especially the photograph - thanks to all for taking the time.

Bryan