Target sights for S&W K-19....?

[D. Manley]

Anybody ever install target sights on a S&W K-19 .357 Combat Magnum? I've got one, 1970's vintage nickle-plated, pretty much like new, a ton of brass and a .38/357 caliber conversion. Have'nt shot it in years but thinking about bringing it out. The OEM sights are less than stellar with the adjustable rear (its OK, I guess) and the (pitiful) silver front. I'd like to put something on it to give a little sharper sight picture but from what I've seen, options are limited. Even a good set of 3-dot tritium night sights would be an improvement and a true target set even better.

Any input appreciated.

 

[Jim Watson]

The front sight may well be integral with the ramp and replacing it a milling machine job. I would just have my local guy cut a cross dovetail and install a blade as used on a 1911, even though it wouldn't LOOK "Smith."
If it is pinned, you could replace it with a black blade meant for the blue guns.

Model paint in a suitable color would be less expensive.

Weigand makes a rear blade that gives a better sight picture. It is not real sturdy looking, I have one on an IDPA gun but would not use it for duty.
Installing it requires a new windage screw, those are staked in place and are broken to remove. It MIGHT require a taller front sight, see milling machine above.
http://www.jackweigand.com/smith_wesson_rear_blade.html

Millett makes S&W replacement sights, getting one for an older model like that might require some discussion.

 

[BADUNAME37]

I would go Millett as I always install Millett on my Smiths.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Paint the ramped portion of the front sight a contrasting color. Even flat black will give more contrast to the rear - whether black or white-outlined - than the silvery nickel.

Meprolight makes a night sight set for these revolvers. They replace the rear sight blade and the red plastic insert of the red-ramped front sight. Since you have no front sight insert, a notch would have to be machined in the front blade.

There are also several manufacturers of target sights. The rear is easy enough, but the front will depend on whether it is pinned on or integral to the barrel. If the latter, the old front sight will have to be machined off and a groove machined in.

 

[rcmodel]

I carry a Black Sharpie pin when I shoot my M-66.
A stainless red-ramp front sight is the sorriest front sight S&W ever put on a handgun.

Red Ramps are bad enough.
Stainless sights are bad enough.
But add the two together & I'm :banghead:
trying to shoot the dang thing on a sunny day!

rcmodel

 

[Ala Dan]

My ANIB S&W model 19-3 is set-up the same way; with a nickel front
sight and all black rear sight~! I wouldn't dare think of changing 'em
in any shape, form, or fashion even tho' I doubt that these 61 year
old eyes could see 'em~!

 

[The Bushmaster]

K-19??? O K...A mod 19...Hummm...My rear sight on my M19-5 2 1/2" is flat black and my front sight is nickel pated (the whole gun is nickel plated). Never had a problem with them. Work well for me anyway...

 

[BADUNAME37]

A stainless red-ramp front sight is the sorriest front sight S&W ever put on a handgun.

Well, that's why they make vanilla and chocolate. We're all entitled to our own opinions and I happen to like my stainless Smith front sight with the red insert.

I did change the rear sight to a Millett because I like the + adjustment and corresponding + adjusting tool from Millett.