Finding Adj. Sights for S&W 4506?

[HMMurdock]

I am probably dreaming here, but I have run across a S&W 4506 .45 that is very nice, but it has the standard fixed sights and I have always been partial to the 4506's factory adjustables.

Is it possible to find factory-like adjustable sights to replace the fixed rear set on this gorgeous Smith?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I imagine S&W still has plenty, as they were used on more than one model for many years. Both my 4506 and 1006 have adj sights, as does my 5906. IIRC, they're all the same.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If this is any help ...

Numrich shows the individual pieces of the adjustable rear sight.
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=1980z4506

One somewhat similar in appearance (but the adjustment system is much different, actually rotating on an eccentric) is made by MMC.

I too had this adjustable sight, on a 5904. My fixed sight autos do all "shoot to the sights." but it is still nice to allow the capability for "fine tuning." Smith's adjustable is neither excessively protruding nor sharp-cornered - a well-designed sight IMO.

 

[HMMurdock]

Thanks.

Looking at photos on the net, the 4506's with the factory adjustable sights seem to be milled deeper in the top to allow for the "fins" or whatever you'd like to call them on the sides. Since the 4506 is no longer in production, would it still be possible to find and attach them? Does anyone know if the top of the slide is indeed altered to accomodate the adj. sights?

 

[Chuhhuniban]

PM sent regarding adjustable vs. fixed sights

 

[HMMurdock]

Anyone know if the fixed and adj. sights are completely interchangable? Or does any modification need to be done to the slide? Or is it even possible to begin with?

 

[HMMurdock]

I e-mailed Smith & Wesson earlier today and I already got a response: the dovetail in the top of the slide of the factory adj. sights is too big. In short: The adjustable factory and fixed factory sights are NOT interchangable and adjustable factory sights cannot be installed on a fixed sight 4506...

Thanks for all of the help.

 

[Joe Leland]

Karl Sokol 4506 Custom Pistol

I e-mailed Smith & Wesson earlier today and I already got a response: the dovetail in the top of the slide of the factory adj. sights is too big. In short: The adjustable factory and fixed factory sights are NOT interchangable and adjustable factory sights cannot be installed on a fixed sight 4506...

If you still want an adjustable sight for your 4506 that fits the fixed sight dovetail, I reccomend a call to Karl Sokol of Chestnut Mountain Sports. Karl fit an old MMC sight to my 4506, it fits the old Novak rear dovetail which was a standard S&W factory fixed sight for the later 3rd Generation pistols. The MMC sight, from production years ago, was adjustable by allen wrench for elevation and drift punch for windage. Karl also informed me that the 4506 adjustable sights, like many of the 2nd and 3rd Generation S&W autos, was deeply dovetailed for the "bat wing" sight protectors. The adjustable sights supplied on these autos are actually K-frame S&W revolver sights. On the older 4506 and 645 S&W auto pistols that do not have the Novak rear dovetail cut, Karl has a different style sight but may be able to custom fit an aftermarket ajustable if asked.

Here is a link to my Sokol tuned S&W 4506:

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=lastpost&t=23044

I hope you enjoy your 4506 as much as I do. It is a real fine pistol. Karl does excellent work!