S&W J-Frame Sight Dilemma

[Pat Riot]

I finally got to speak to someone at Brownells about the rear sight I mentioned above. The “Gun Tech” said he thought the sight blade should work on a model 63 but he wasn’t absolutely sure. Nice fella. Glad he’s honest.
I decided to go ahead and buy it. I also went ahead and bought the gold dot sight that I found at MidwayUSA.

Both sights should be here in a few days. I will install them and see how it goes.

Rear sight:
https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p.../s-w-v-notched-rear-sight-kits-prod22514.aspx

Front sight:
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005958054?pid=540350

 

[Thunderchicken]

Speaking of color and astigmatism reminds of something. Prior to getting cataract surgery last year I was extremely nearsighted (a correction of 9-some diopters) and if I looked off-center there was a significant prism effect with different colors appearing to shift differently. This was quite noticable looking at the red numbers and blue needle on my speedometer. If I turned my head from side to side, the speed would appear to change by 10MPH.

So, what does this have to do with shooting? If you have a front and rear sight that are different colors, the same thing would happen if you didn't look through the center of your lenses, which would make your point of aim shift. If they're the same color I think it could still screw things up but not as much. I never noticed a problem, but I thought I'd mention it in case it suggests anything to someone that has a high correction. At least, it might come in handy as an excuse for a bad day at the range!

 

[Pat Riot]

Speaking of color and astigmatism reminds of something. Prior to getting cataract surgery last year I was extremely nearsighted (a correction of 9-some diopters) and if I looked off-center there was a significant prism effect with different colors appearing to shift differently. This was quite noticable looking at the red numbers and blue needle on my speedometer. If I turned my head from side to side, the speed would appear to change by 10MPH.

So, what does this have to do with shooting? If you have a front and rear sight that are different colors, the same thing would happen if you didn't look through the center of your lenses, which would make your point of aim shift. If they're the same color I think it could still screw things up but not as much. I never noticed a problem, but I thought I'd mention it in case it suggests anything to someone that has a high correction. At least, it might come in handy as an excuse for a bad day at the range!

That is an interesting observation. I tried looking at the green sights of the Tru-Glo TFX sights on 2 of my Glocks and turning my head. I didn’t get distortion, but when I look at the red fiber optic sights on my model 63 and on my 10/22 I do get a little distortion. More like a blob effect.

This will not be an issue tomorrow. My revolver is at the ‘smith for a front and rear sight change. I bought the sights I mentioned above. I will pick it up from the Gunsmith and take it to the range. I will post photos of the new sights along with what I hope will be a report of satisfaction with my new sights.

 

[Pat Riot]

I bought these sights for my model 63.

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-p.../s-w-v-notched-rear-sight-kits-prod22514.aspx

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005958054?pid=540350

I had them installed yesterday. I picked the gun up today and took it to the range. I am happy with the results. The rear sight is a bit short for the taller front sight but I was able to dial it in for point of aim fairly well. The range was hot and wearing a mask didn’t help. I gotta take it this weekend and dial it in a bit better.

Here are some photos:







I am happy with this set up.

 

[Pat Riot]

Interested in your front sight if you replace it.

PM me an address and it’s yours. Gratis.

 

[1KPerDay]

PM me an address and it’s yours. Gratis.

Flipping SWEET! sending pm. Thanks!

 

[Pat Riot]

Well, those sights did not workout after all. The gold bead was pretty much useless unless the light was just right. Also, the front sight was too tall so the rear sight had to be raised a great deal. It just bugged me.
So, I opted for installing the original configuration rear sight and I bought a green Hi-Viz fiber optic front sight. I installed it today and am very pleased with it.



EDIT: I forgot to mention that the reason I got rid of the red fiber optic in the first place was the sight “blobbed out” on me. I have astigmatism. Anyway, I tried a green fiber optic on my 10/22 and I could see it quite clearly. A friend recommended trying green vs red. It really works for me so I decided to swap the model 63 sight for a green fiber optic sight as well.

 

[halfmoonclip]

I have an older 63 with a milled front sight that can't be removed. I replaced the insert with a Lee's Red Ramps orange, which does show up better.
Also has a 317 that came with a fiber optic front, and the V adjustable rear. Really don't like those, and replaced it with a factory square notch.
I have made white dot rear sight leaves for larger Smiths; it's fiddly work with a punch and drill press. Probably could be done with J frame sights too, but the small size would be a challenge.
Moon