Advice needed on 17-4 sights

Dewy12 · #1 01-29-2017, 09:55 AM

Hope you can help. I bought a gold bead sight from SDM Fabricating but it is longer than the sight on my 17-4. I called them and they were very helpful. The man I spoke to was surprised that the sight would not fit, but he verified by looking at 17-4 pics that the sight on my gun is not as long as most 17 models. He suggested trying to install a gold bead on my original sight. I ordered it and am going to my gunsmith next week. Do you think I should chance messing up my original sight? Do you think the installation of the gold bead would be difficult? How hard would it be to find a sight that would fit my gun if it did get messed up? Please tell me what you would do. I appreciate any advise.

murphydog · #2 01-29-2017, 10:08 AM

A professional gold bead installation in the front sight shouldn't add or subtract from its value. The blade is replaceable but that would also be best left to a gunsmith and I don't know how available they are.

As a prelude to this, have you considered painting a gold-colored dot on the blade, before you have the work done? Easily done and undone if you don't like it. Good luck in your decision.

H Richard · #3 01-29-2017, 10:21 AM

Murphydog has excellent recommendation. A little paint will tell you of a gold dot makes any difference to you. I had the same experience when I bought a 16-4 which had an aftermarket gold dot SDM sight installed. The sight was quite a bit too tall, so I removed it and installed a factory original Patridge which I much preferred. I just can't see any advantage in the gold dot, to me it is a distraction on the front sight.

Dewy12 · #4 01-29-2017, 10:28 AM

I'm not worried about value. Hopefully, I will never sell this one. I am concerned about finding another sight if the GS damages this one. The gun is in great condition so I don't want to do anything to detract from the looks. The eyes aren't what they used to be is the reason for the bead. Paint might work, but I'm open to other suggestions.

JP@AK · #5 01-29-2017, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dewy12

Paint might work, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Red fingernail polish is a good choice. If you change your mind it is easier to remove than some paints.