Narrow front ramp for S&W N-frame

[MarineTech]

I've got a S&W 25-14 .45ACP revolver that I've been using for the local action pistol shoots.

The short sight radius of the 3" inch barrel on the revolver has been mostly offset by the time, I've gained on reloads thanks to the moon clips, compared to the other revolver guys fumbling with speed loaders. I've managed to stay in the top 3 on the last 3 matches, but I'm having a tough time with distant targets due to the wide front ramp sight that's on the revolver.

I've checked Midway and Brownells, but all the replacement front ramps are measured in height, not width. I've got the rear sight worked out on which part I need, but I can't figure out which, if any, of the pinned front ramps may be narrower than the .123" (3.2mm) that's already on the revolver.

Does anybody know where I could find one? Preferably with a red insert, but I can make due fine without one.

I really don't want to try thinning down the existing front sight with a file or india stone, if I can just pin in a replacement.

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Call S&W parts department and they should be able to hook you right up with the correct blade & rear slide for your gun.

I would personally avoid a red ramp insert if best long range accuracy is a requirement.

Colored sights reflect sunlight differently depending on which way the sun hits them, and that can move your POI some distance from POA.

Old time NRA Bullseye shooters used a carbide lamp flame to coat their sights with black soot for that very reason.
Non-reflective black will hold zero in varying light conditions better then anything else devised by man so far.
But especially better the red ramps!

rc

 

[MarineTech]

Let me clarify "distant." Distant, in the case of these particular local matches, are a 5-6" plate at 25 yards.

The current sight blade completely obscures the plate with a dead-on hold. It wouldn't be so bad with another 3" of barrel on the gun, but it's giving me a case of the hips with the short barrel. I've had no problems on the same course with my 1911, which has the same width front sight as on the M25.

I've tried setting the sights up with a target style sight picture, where the plate comes to rest on top of the sight, but even that's not getting the job done the way I want it. Even minor deviation in not getting the target exactly centered on top of the sight pretty much ensures a miss.

I'll give S&W a call on Monday to see what they can do for me.

Oh, and smudging your front sight to reduce glare, and keep your zero isn't quite "Old Time." I still do it while shooting service rifle matches with my M1A. Learned that one in Boot Camp in 89. I just find that the red ramp gives me a good contrast and let's me pick up the front sight faster when bringing the revolver back up after transitioning from the last shooting box.