Hey guys, picked up this early 1950's K-22 a few months back and would like to outfit it with some better target sights.





I thought it would make a fine shooter for my 20 yr old daughter who I am trying to impress revolvers upon...

She has shot the red ramp front/white outline rear on my 686 so I was hoping to set this K-22 up with something similar.

Anyone else cross the same bridge and upgrade sights?

As you can see its a fine K-22 but its worn enough to not concern me about making it more functional for her.

Thanks, Ed

Why not paint the current ramp instead of replacing or cutting it? You can likely find a WO blade for the rear.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Not a difficult job to get a WO rear sight blade and DIY installation is fairly simple. A new windage screw is required, usually part of the kit. If using red nail polish on your ramp turns you off, you can cut a notch in the ramp and fill it with a red plastic material. Check Brownell's.

The front sight can be changed out to a Fiber-Optic Rod set in a black case. Gives a very bright dot in a very narrow outline of black...That set in a white outline sight from Millett is striking...the front sight height is critical, so be sure to measure the sight before removing the ramp with the 2 pins.
Here is a photo of my Model 16-4 done to my gun....
Dropbox - 16-4 comp.jpg

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Terry
SWCA, SWHS, IWLA, NRA

Hey Ed, trying teaching her with a little red on the ramp. Dont start cutting on a nice old gun yet.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

For most targets in good light all black sights are best. They are also ideal for teaching new shooters because they help teach the student where to focus. With the sights clearly in focus a typical black bull blurs so that it is easy to distinguish the black sights from the bull. If that is not working either she's standing too close or not focusing where she should.

Not altering a nice old S&W is a side benefit.

I am always against altering a 5 screw gun. I love those proud sight pins!

When painting the front sight, lay down a base of white paint, then your red or color of choice. The benefit is you can change the color any time you like, it removes with acetone very easy. Be very careful if you think about replacing the blade on that model. It is an early one, and the internal dimensions aren't exactly the same. I had to change one, and the new blade was thicker, requiring a considerable amount of fine filing on the sight to get it to fit. Use some paint which can easily be cleaned off if you don't like it.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

thank you guys for the good advice and photos.

I guess we will go the paint route on the front and see how that goes

Also gonna start looking for some period correct diamond stocks, shame they departed the pistol at some point previous to my ownership.

Frankly, you have a very nice revolver there. I wouldn't change anything, as it is, it will only increase in value over the years. It won't hurt to take the advice of coloring the front sight, that can always be removed. I sometime use coloring chalk on my front sights to make them a bit more visible to my almost 80 year old eyes. As a matter of fact, I keep a piece or two of chalk in my gun box. Also, I might mention that that particular revolver, now called the Model 18, is getting harder and harder to find. I fail to see much wear on that revolver considering its age. You may be selling your daughter short, that's a fine shooting piece and she may adjust to it just fine.