Tell me about Smith front sights...

[andrew17]

Hey what the deal with current production pinned front sights? Specifically N-frames. Are they a bear to change out? Looks to me like that itty bitty roll pin is somewhat sprung into place.

I'm looking for a sight for a 625 that I can actually see. Any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[Sheldon]

I had a S&W 686 I wanted to change the front sight on and had read a lot of good things about the SDM gold bead front sight. My revolver came with the pinned plain black ramp sight and at the very least I wanted a partridge style as that is what I favor the most. I got used gold bead one off one of the boards I cruise and installing it was easy. It fit so tight I never even bothered to drill and install the pin and a couple thousand shots later it still has not moved......I probably should pin it though.

 

[mainmech48]

It's not tough, but it does require due care and a purpose-made roll pin punch of the proper size. One of the nifty little roll pin holders from Brownell's will help keep your blood pressure down while reinstalling that tiny booger, although the price might be a bit off-putting if you're not planning on doing this regularly.

The beauty of a roll pin is that it is kinda sprung in place. This keeps it snug in place, makes it a bunch easier to get in and out, and allows a bit of forgiveness for tolerance spreads.

Using a conventional flat-ended punch can damage the pin, and if you "spread" the end of that little item it can make it real tough to get out and almost impossible to get back in cleanly. The pin holder makes it Worlds easier to get that 1/16" pin started straight and true without incurring damage to your fingers, barrel, or disposition. Verb sap; please don't ask how I know

I replaced the Patridge blade on my 625-4 with a gold bead. I've found that my bifocal-clad eyes can do a lot better with it, and it's much faster to pick up on, too. I may try one of the FO units just for grins. I'm also curious to see if one of the "Express"-style vee-notch rears might help my time on the plates.