New 625 - 4 noob questions

[Canuck-IL]

Soliciting help and opinions - new 5" 625, matte finish
- I understand the Lead-Away cloth will high polish the frame - not good, what's a recommended frame cleaning approach..so far, I've been using Hoppe's and a toothbrush

- the Patridge front sight appears to be pinned ... is it a simple swap to install one of the S&W fiber optics? How do I determine which of the three heights to purchase...just measure height above the barrel or remove the old sight and measure its gross height?
choices are here
http://store.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293460&sw_activeTab=10

- adjustable rear sights...thinking about the white outline rear (old eyes!) to go with the f.o. front...how tough to swap, do you need the S&W rear sight tools (they seem pricey!)?

- any recommendations for aggresively checkered wood grips? The designer smooth grips it came with are beautiful but not much for retaining a consistent grip while the Hogue rubbers are going to require a little Dremel work to reduce the finger grooving...fully checkered wood, possibly even on the front strap, would be ideal.

Thanks in advance!
/Bryan

 

[P0832177]

The sight swap is not as easy as it looks, the Fiber Optic sights have to be drilled and fitted so to speak to each gun. It is not a straight out swap. The front sight pin is a unique size, requiring a special punch. Brownells has the punch. I used the .250 high sight for a while. I did not like the sight for indoor use. Outdoors in good light it was great! I used the green one, and I had red one on S&W 66 stocking dealer one with red one. That one had the deep v notch rear blade.

I guess I really like the brass bead front sight that is stock on the 625 JM.

 

[Canuck-IL]

Thanks for the comments...I'll check out the punch.
/B

 

[P0832177]

The drill size is unique, too. You would want to chuck it up in a drill press. Better yet let a gunsmith do it for you, probably faster and easier!

 

[SwampWolf]

...and maybe cheaper!