Gentlemen,
I recently two dfferent M48 revolvers, each with an 8 3/8" bbl. both of them had a red insert fitted into the respective Partridge front sight. Is this factory?
Mine has this, a 1974 gun, plus a white-outline rear, TG, TH, and smooth TT. It too, has the long barrel, on it. The red material looks just like the red ramp inserts on various Baughman front sights. (It is app. 1/16" thick.)
So, if I can load a pic of it, my only question is: Is this a S&W factory job?
Thank you!
Brittman

I have a Partridge front sight on my six inch 19-3 and it did not have a red insert until I painted it myself so I can only speak for what I have.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

This would be an unusual factory modification but only a letter of authenticity from the SWHF would tell you for certain.

By the way (before anyone else does it), the flat faced front sight blade is a Patridge. A partridge is a whole different kind of animal . Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The factory would attach a red square or white insert into a Patridge front sights. Could be before it was shipped or added later. Pictures would help an opinion as to factory installed. Only a letter will tell if shipped with them.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

S&W does make them but they're on back order.
S&W part #897480000

murphydog,
Sorry for the misspelling! (Operator error from an old Ruffed grouse hunter, I guess?)

Nightowl,
I'll have to get a letter I suppose? It does look factory to me, even with a TINY vertical pin through the top of the patridge sight. It appears to be tight and is the exact size as the width of the sight, about 1/8". It just seems strange to see two such revolvers w/ the same red piece on them, in such a short period of time? (I took a pic w/ my iPad, but can't seem to send it.)

Thank you, guys! I appreciate your responses.

Brittman

Capt. F.,

Thanks for your reply. I did not see it until just now. I will check it out.

It makes me feel better now, knowing there is just such a part available...!

Brittman

Most likely a red post front sight blade which was a factory option.

Bill

Thank you, Bill / Doc44,

This Forum is a wealth of information! You gentlemen have THE answers and it's a pleasure to learn from you.

I had never seen any of these until just recently when I was looking for a used S&W M48. I'm learning now...and love the gun! With my aging eyes, I can REALLY see the front sight now.

All the best,
Brittman

That tiny pin through the top of the sight sounds like the way the factory did mine and others I have seen pictures of.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Here are a Model 17 and a Model 35 with Factory Red Post Front Sights. If your sights look like these yours are factory. Grips are Farrants.

Model39,
That's it! They are EXACTLY what my M48 has on the front sight. (Nice grips you have on them both.)
Thanks for posting your photos of your revolvers. I appreciate it! The color on the Patridge front sight certainly stands out, doesn't it? I was amazed the first time I looked at it, lining it up with the white outline rear sight - Cool...! Thank you.
Brittman