Loose front sight pin on my S&W 686 revolver

[gunsrfun1]

Hello:
I'm in the process of swapping out the original front sight in my 686 with a Dawson Precision fiber sight. I've removed the original front sight, and sent out the Dawson sight to be drilled. (I don't want to drill it while it's in the gun.)
I notice that the front sight pin goes completely through one side of the sight base. (Maybe that is why it was fairly easy to remove.) It does "bind" a bit on the other side, so I do get a bit of a snug fit. While I am not overly concerned that it will fall out, I would like to have some insurance.
I'm thinking of the following options, and would like your opinions:
1) Put some Loctite 262 or 620 on the pin. Both of these are sold by Dawson. I'll be putting some on the tenon anyway, even though the tenon does fit a bit snugly. So I could put some on the pin as well.
2) Some other type of Loctite. Open to your suggestions.
3) Put a small amount of Dap sealant on the pin before I insert it. This stuff is pretty sticky and is fairly durable.
4) Put a TINY bit of J&B weld on the pin before I insert it. This option isn't my favorite, since I don't want to "weld" the pin in place. I am concerned that even a tiny amount of JB might permanently weld the pin in, which would prevent me from ever removing it if I have to.
Any thoughts on the above ideas, or any other ideas? Like I say, I just want to ensure that the pin doesn't start wiggling out.
Thanks

 

[Drail]

I would try the Loc tite method first and if it moves take the pin out and put a slight bend in it. Do not use J.B. Weld. I would try red Loctite. It can be melted with a hair dryer if you need to remove the pin again. Keep a close eye on the pin when shooting. I have in the past used brass rod to make a pin and then peen over the ends carefully. It's never loosened.

 

[MrBorland]

I'm betting you used a 1/16" punch to get the pin out. The thing is, AFAIK, the pin's a hair smaller than that, so I'm also betting you enlarged the holes in the base.

 

[gunsrfun1]

No, I used a #55 drill as the punch to get the pin out. (I tapped it out, I didn't drill it out.) This is the same drill size that is recommended to drill the hole in the front sight.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

if you think the pin is somehow compromised you can write or call S&W for a replacement.

 

[buck460XVR]

Loctite is an anaerobic adhesive which means it cures in the absence of air, in other words, it needs a very tight fit or it doesn't work. It works on screws and bolts because you squeeze the air outta the threads when you tighten them. So if the pin is loose, Loctite won't work. If the pin is tight, you don't need it. I would try a new pin or bending the old one before I used any adhesive. One of the common issues with changing out the front sights on S&Ws with pinned sights is enlarging the hole in the base when removing the pin. Hopefully that's not your issue. Dawson says tools and instructions are included with their sights. Those probably tell you more than we can.

 

[Hanshi]

Loctite or Gorilla Glue would be my choices. They both are good for the type of use you are planning. Yes, avoid JB Weld.

 

[tipoc]

It sounds like you don't have the Dawson front sight back yet from being drilled. Once it's back you'll want to check to make sure things are in alignment. You can check this with a piece of undersized drill stock or rod. If things are fine, then good. If not, you've already mentioned that one side of the through hole for the pin is larger than the other. Meaning that one side is tighter then the other. So you want a piece of rod that is tight in the tight side and goes in from the other side--directional. Hopefully all aligns well. If not take a larger piece of rod that will fit in the loose side and taper it some by hand with an emory cloth or sandpaper. Do this a bit at a time. Drive the rod in, some loc-tite won't hurt.

tipoc

 

[grouselips1]

Gunsrfun, I have used Loc-tite 603 for applications such as this. It is in the industrial side of their catalog and is listed as a "retaining" compound. It is meant for smooth surfaces to take up space from loose machined tolerances. Just my thoughts.

 

[gunsrfun1]

Thanks all for your comments. It turned out that I did not use any Loctite, except some blue on the pin. I was a little concerned about using the red Loctite 262 on the sight itself, in case I would ever want to remove it. The sight fit pretty snugly into the groove anyway. Once the sight was installed, the pin didn't have any play. In fact, I had to hit it pretty smartly to get it installed. So I think everything is pretty tight. I'll keep an eye on it when I fire it in the spring, to see if the pin starts drifting out.

 

[Salmoneye]

In that instance, I just bend the pin very slightly and reinstall...

Usually snugs up the situation, and is still easily removable...

 

[243winxb]

I have used this on firearms, with good results. To unlock, i use a soldering iron.

Loctite Threadlocker Red 271 is designed for the permanent locking and sealing of threaded fasteners. The product cures when confined in the absence of air between close fitting metal surfaces. It protects threads from rust and corrosion and prevents loosening from shock and vibration. It is only removable once cured by heating up parts to 500°F (260°C).