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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 03-14-2011, 11:32 AM
corgiS&W corgiS&W is offline
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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Question M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?

In an earlier thread I mentioned that my M66 no dash had night sights installed long enough ago that the tritium has long passed its half-life. S&W will sell replacement OEM sights for $30, or would replace them for about $80. I assume shipping and insurance would be considerable. I would like some opinions as to whether to leave the tritium sights or replace them with originals. Might is help to paint the front sight to improve visibility? TIA.
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Old 03-14-2011, 12:15 PM
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Me personally...if it was just the nightsight that is fitted into the oem blade, I'd just have a 'smith replace the dead nightsight with a 'regular' plastic red ramp. If it's a completely different front sight assembly, then I'd probably still do what I could to get it back to as OEM as possible. Either way, good luck with whatever you choose to do.
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Old 03-14-2011, 07:08 PM
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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If I recall correctly, it appeared as though they had replaced the rear sight blade with the night sights. If that is correct I'd just spend $15 or whatever it was for a new sight blade. Here is the kit.


And here is the look afterwards with the white outline.


For $52 at Midway Product #: 194815, there are diffent heights you can get the entire rear assembly. I was thinking you were only chatting about the rear sight correct?
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Old 03-14-2011, 08:19 PM
corgiS&W corgiS&W is offline
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Actually, Flint Ridge, both the front sight and rear sight blade have been changed to the night sights. S&W sent me a $30 quote for new front and rear sights but I don't know if I need a smith to make the change. How does one go about changing the blade? Simply unscrew the windage screw, or is it more complex than that? It appears that the front sight might only need to be pressed out and replaced with the plastic red ramp. Is that correct? or is there more to that one too? S&W quoted about $50 labor for the work, but shipping would add a bunch I think. Is the white outline standard on the S&W replacement? That view from the rear is much better than what I see with the dead night sights, for sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flint Ridge View Post
If I recall correctly, it appeared as though they had replaced the rear sight blade with the night sights. If that is correct I'd just spend $15 or whatever it was for a new sight blade. Here is the kit.


And here is the look afterwards with the white outline.


For $52 at Midway Product #: 194815, there are diffent heights you can get the entire rear assembly. I was thinking you were only chatting about the rear sight correct?

Last edited by corgiS&W; 03-14-2011 at 08:22 PM. Reason: added question and comment.
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Old 03-14-2011, 08:37 PM
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More detailed pictures of what you have might help.
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Old 03-16-2011, 12:38 AM
Broker50 Broker50 is offline
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If you send to S&W, it has to go "Overnight", UPS or FedEx, cost is about $120.00. Add the cost of replacing the sights, & you're out $150.00-$200.00. You could leave them as they are for zero cost, or buy a bottle of luminescant paint, put three drops on the glass vials, & have pretty decent sights for minimal cost, Just my opinion, FWIW.
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Old 03-16-2011, 02:29 AM
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You could get the tubes replaced in the night sights that are on it if you like them for not much $ but you would have to send it off to the manufacturer of the sights.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Flint Ridge View Post
More detailed pictures of what you have might help.
New M66

Quote:
Originally Posted by corgiS&W View Post
How does one go about changing the blade? Simply unscrew the windage screw, or is it more complex than that?
It’s pretty easy. You have to break the old screw to remove the sight blade but that’s why they include a new one in the kit. You do need something to flare the screw into the nut though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by corgiS&W View Post
It appears that the front sight might only need to be pressed out and replaced with the plastic red ramp. Is that correct? or is there more to that one too?
S&W inserts are formed (melted plastic) into the front sight blade. It isn’t really a ‘dovetailed’ insert.

Quote:
Originally Posted by corgiS&W View Post
Is the white outline standard on the S&W replacement?
A white outline wouldn’t have been standard for an M66 in your serial number range but it would have been available. Both the plain and white outline rear sight blades are available today.

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Originally Posted by Broker50 View Post
If you send to S&W, it has to go "Overnight", UPS or FedEx, cost is about $120.00.
True. If you were to send it to them it would cost you $$ for freight. Give S&W a call if you want to send it to them. They may send you the shipping label. I have had a few worked on by S&W and they have sent me the shipping labels. One was warranty but the other was a 66-1. If they won’t, you’ll only be out a phone call.

Last edited by snw19_357; 03-16-2011 at 02:32 AM.
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Old 03-16-2011, 09:34 AM
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If it's an early 66-0, both the front & rear sight would most likely have been all stainless ........
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Old 03-16-2011, 02:56 PM
corgiS&W corgiS&W is offline
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flint Ridge View Post
More detailed pictures of what you have might help.
Here are 3 that show more of the sights. Two local smiths quoted me $70 to replace both sights. I have to supply the rear blade kit, but I was told that they mix a powder to mold the front sight.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg m66 sights 009s.jpg (249.0 KB, 77 views)
File Type: jpg m66 sights 014s.jpg (219.8 KB, 92 views)
File Type: jpg m66 sights 013s.jpg (52.8 KB, 69 views)
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Old 03-16-2011, 07:55 PM
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If you don't mind doing very fine detail work you could replace the rear. I did it and might suggest you do it in a clear plastic bag - otherwise when the tiny spring goes flying out you have to find it, which I did in under 2 minutes (followed by thankful prayer - miracle).

Rear sight is not as bad as I thought, it does have the white outline, so if you were looking to save cash I would save there. But the front has got to go Sir!

The front one if they can do it, seems reasonable to me.

When you consider the cost to ship it gets ugly fast, though I've shipped for under $60 one way.
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Old 03-16-2011, 11:28 PM
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What holds the tritium insert into the front blade? Is there a set screw?
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Old 03-17-2011, 12:18 AM
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I would contact S&W, and ask how much for a replacement set sent to you, or ask who made the sights in question, then contact the manufacturer and get a replacement rear leaf and front sight blade. There are only a couple makers out there, and I doubt S&W made this item in-house. I'll bet its under $85.00. The rear sight blade replacement is not difficult, and the front sight appears to be dovetailed in. You should be able to replace it your self, or have it done for a nominal fee by a local gunsmith.

Of course, a dab of luminescent paint on the sights to cover the tritium inserts is a workable poor mans fix, as would be just using black paint to create non glow target sights.

Larry
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Old 03-17-2011, 12:51 AM
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Default Stainless 66 rear sight

A guy has one for sale on GB RIGHT NOW for around $70 bucks, I think. Pistol, parts,other, search Smith & Wesson. Replace the factory sights, buy a set of Crimson Trace grips, and be ruler of the night.




Ned
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Old 03-17-2011, 03:44 PM
feralmerril feralmerril is offline
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I have the same problem. My 66-3 3" was one of those limited production made for lew horton. The front blade is wore out tritatium. trillijon? The rear blade does NOT have the two side by side trilijon dots. I either want to get a new charged one or possibly put on a gold bead. The front sight is dovetailed where I could remove it and just either send it to smith or the company that contracts makeing them. I need to get off my butt and do one or the other. I have a lot of other guns and been letting the matter slide. What other idea,s you guys have?

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Old 03-17-2011, 10:08 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is online now
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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I've replaced many a red ramp insert by fitting a piece of toothbrush handle. Most have been red, but any color can be used. Light green is very visable for some folks.

When replacing the rear sight blade, first measure how far the sight sits in the base.

I've used either a center punch or a small cold chisel to stake the hollow rear sight blade screw to the nut.
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Old 03-18-2011, 10:15 AM
corgiS&W corgiS&W is offline
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muley Gil View Post
I've replaced many a red ramp insert by fitting a piece of toothbrush handle. Most have been red, but any color can be used. Light green is very visable for some folks.

When replacing the rear sight blade, first measure how far the sight sits in the base.

I've used either a center punch or a small cold chisel to stake the hollow rear sight blade screw to the nut.
As Flint Ridge mentioned, the rear sight is not bad. It's thicker than the original, and has a little wiggle front to rear but not sideways. I put some red modeling paint on the vertical surface of the tritium sight to see if it would increase visibility, but I like your solution much better.

Please elaborate on your method of removing the rear blade.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg front sight 008s.jpg (58.0 KB, 32 views)
File Type: jpg front sight 011s.jpg (48.4 KB, 34 views)

Last edited by corgiS&W; 03-18-2011 at 11:34 AM. Reason: additional question and add images
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Old 03-18-2011, 04:53 PM
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M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights? M66: get new OEM sights or leave night sights?  
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Corgi, there is a MidwayUSA video on it that you can watch - I've sent you the link.

Some info on the Gunsmithing side FAQ of this site as well.

FAQ's

Another thread here to ponder...

66-1 White Outline rear sight blades
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