Front sight blades

Green Frog · #1 08-06-2015, 08:35 AM

I know this topic has been discussed at length, but what I would really like to do with this thread is assemble a sort of "catalog" of the sight blades found on target (and half target) revolvers of the period we cover here. Please, no "partridge" front sights unless for bird hunting... I know they are "Patridge." I have a couple of early guns with OK front sights, especially my HFT with a little gold bead, and I was able to snag a NOS Marble's blade that looks similar. I'd like to have us describe and illustrate the differences between the various sights that were offered from the factory as well as post-factory, especially during the '20s-'30s period when revolvers were so popular for target use and everybody wanted to get the best out of them. I'll post pictures of my three when I get home tonight and have a camera available.

Froggie

rct269 · #2 08-06-2015, 10:45 AM

Your objective has been achieved---going on forty years ago. That was when Bob Neal wrote an article titled The Evolution of Smith & Wesson Target Sights. It treats with virtually all front and rear (target) sights from beginning (NM#3) to 1942. All the sights are illustrated (line drawings). The use of each is treated (what type/model of gun, and when).

S&W kept virtually no records treating with sights and use, so this project was completed by observation (of 100's of guns) over a multi year period of time. It is a masterpiece----and it is one of a kind---nothing else even comes close!

That's the good news. The better news is a copy will appear in your mailbox shortly after I receive your address. Perhaps you can arrange to have it entered here as "expert commentary" or a download (or both). Then everyone can have access to it forever---or a long time---whichever comes first.

As a complete aside, the period of use of several rear sights will need adjusting because I stumbled upon one Bob missed----an obscure (and not very well executed) sight in use (.38 Special and .32/20 M&P's) during the teens and early 20's.

Ralph Tremaine

rct269 · #3 08-07-2015, 06:34 AM

I just noticed your term "post-factory"---this time with my brain instead of just my eyes. This may be old news, but there is another reference item worth having. Old Gunsights, A Collector's Guide, 1850-1965. Author: Nick Stroebel. Publisher: krause Pubications (800 258 0929)

The bad news is it covers rifle sights too.

Ralph Tremaine

Hondo44 · #4 08-07-2015, 03:17 PM

Hi Ralph,

Quote:

Originally Posted by rct269

Your objective has been achieved---going on forty years ago. That was when Bob Neal wrote an article titled The Evolution of Smith & Wesson Target Sights. It treats with virtually all front and rear (target) sights from beginning (NM#3) to 1942. All the sights are illustrated (line drawings). The use of each is treated (what type/model of gun, and when).

Does Bob Neal's work show this one?

Quote:

Originally Posted by rct269

As a complete aside, the period of use of several rear sights will need adjusting because I stumbled upon one Bob missed----an obscure (and not very well executed) sight in use (.38 Special and .32/20 M&P's) during the teens and early 20's.
Ralph Tremaine

I presume you mean the "Large screw spring-up" sight.