Replacing fixed S&W front sights?

[Preacherman]

Hello, all. I have a number of S&W revolvers, in calibers ranging from .38 Special to .44 Magnum. On some of them, I've been using ammunition that's loaded hotter than the run-of-the-mill loads, either higher velocity or a heavier bullet. I am running out of sight adjustment to zero the sights for these loads.

I know that on newer S&W revolvers, one can simply take out the front sight and replace it with one of a different height. However, on the older S&W's, the sight is part of the barrel shroud, and can't be replaced.

Does anyone know of a gunsmithing technique to remove the old front sight and excavate a socket to fit a new, removable, pinned front sight? Has anyone done this? Can you post a picture of the results? Can you recommend a gunsmith who has done this, and who stands by his work?

Thanks in advance for the help, and a Happy New Year to you all!

 

[Jim Watson]

Jack Weigand makes a replacement sight ramp that then takes interchangeable blades of different styles, colors, and heights.
SDM installs them as shown at
http://www.sdmfabricating.com/4_conversion.html

I have not dealt with either outfit, just going by the pictures.

I am going to have a taller front sight put on a S&W by the simple expedient of having FLG cut off the blade and cross-dovetail the ramp for a Heinie 1911 sight. I will then shoot and he will mill for a rough elevation zero. Not as photogenic, but less expensive.