I have a brand new in the box S&W 649-5 .357 revolver. It has no front sight pin although it has been drilled for one from the factory. Is this a problem or does it not need one? I bought it a very reputable dealer in my area of N.C. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

it should have a pin. Your gun just got out of the factory without one. Ask your dealer to order one for you, or you can call S&W yourself and ask for one. They are pretty simple to tap into place with any properly sized object. You don't need a gunsmith's hammer.

The front sight can be pretty tightly wedged in its slot, so the pin is just insurance against loss if the sight happens to shoot loose. But still...

I have the same model and have been thinking about putting a tritium Big Dot sight up front instead of the narrow ramp sight it came with. I did that with a 296 three years ago and it improved the sight picture significantly.

You made a great choice of gun, by the way.

ADDED: Just noticed that you are making your first post. Welcome to the forum!

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David Wilson

Thank you, David. This dealer is well known in N.C. The family has been in the gun business since 1959. He has a group of gunsmiths in the store so, he may have a pin there. Thank you for your reply.

Love those J Frames- Gary