When did the windage screws on the adjustable rear sights go from flat-faced to domed?

BUFF,

As usual there was a transition, so the best we're going to be able to pin it down is to a period.

From my personal observation, the earliest domed screw is on an N frame #S96911 from 1953. The latest flat screw is #S146567 from 1956. Everything after that has domed screws.

Therefore it's at least a 3 year transition period. This appears to be across all frame sizes. Maybe some other posters can help us widen that period which I expect it will be and include a few far out.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

The 44 Magnum has a windage adjustment screw with a flat face through 1958 with the crowned screw first appearing in January 1959. I don't know if this applies to other models, but I think it should (at least N-frames).

S&W issued a directive to improve the rear sight in May 1958 and this probably resulted in the change in the type of screw used. Per usual, it took several months for this change to show up. The crowned elevation nut showed up a little later.

Bill

Bill,

My earliest domed screw in 1953 is a Pre Model 26, .45 ACP.

What was the improvement ordered in May 1958?

Thx,

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Jim...are you sure your rear sight is not a replacement? Issued May 29, 1958 for all revolvers with target sights: Rear sight: change from 6 to 12 notches. Windage screw: Add.286 R crown and relocate plunger hole, Elevation nut: Add .286 R crown and relocate plunger hole. Reason: to give better clicks and finer adjustment.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks.

No I can not say for certain on the Pre model 26; no indications of a change. I don't have enough background on that one, but don't have a letter either. So possibly changed or a late shipper.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Both my Nickel 44 Magnum and my K-32 shipped in '58 and they both have the flat faced screws in the sights. Everything else is from '60 on and have the rounded screws, in case that helps anyone.