I just picked up a Model 19-3 (1971 manufacture date)for what I think is a very good price, but the rear sight blade is broken. The replacement looks like it is straight forward, but I am not sure what sight blade is the correct one to use. Brownells has 3 different heights, but also says they are for 19-4 and later versions. From what I have found, the rear sight changed when moving to the 19-3 and the 19-4 used the same rear sight.

Will this site blade work on my 19-3?

SMITH & WESSON SIGHT BLADE KIT, REAR, .146", WHITE OUTLINE | Brownells

Also, mine is a 4" barrel so is the .146" the correct height or should I be using one of the other heights?

My revolver came with a Houge mono grip and I will eventually want to get the correct Target grips for it. From what I have found, it looks like I need non-diamond, football cut out stocks. Is that correct?

TIA for any and all help

Adding a couple of pics taken at the LGS. I'm in Cal so can't get it home to take better pics for 10 days.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Yes, it should work. Its not rocket surgery, but you should read the instructions before you start. The only problem will be getting the old one off because you need to "break" the existing screw. Its not difficult, but it helps to understand the process.

Pay attention, because the only way I'm aware of to break the sight blade as your's has is to drop the gun on a hard surface. That's not advised by any one.

__________________
Dick Burg

Replacing the rear sight blade is not too difficult, but it can be "difficult"! :-)

The "difficult" part is getting the plunger and plunger spring back in the new blade without it flying away, never to be found. The spring is tiny. I found one on my bench the other day that went awol a few months ago!

Also, you really need the nut bit, which is U shaped to fit the nut, and the staking tool when the nut is in the right place. The U shaped bit is easy to bend or break, so buy at least two!

For a one time deal, it might be easier to find the whole assembly, or send the rear sight to someone who has the experience to do install the new blade.

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

It's actually fairly easy, all you really need is screw driver. You have to turn the old screw until it snaps ans it all comes out then install the the new blade. The nut is a little tricky and the right tool does make it easier but you can work around it.

__________________
Support your Police, & NRA

"Also, mine is a 4" barrel so is the .146" the correct height?" YES
"From what I have found, it looks like I need non-diamond, football cut out stocks. Is that correct?" YES
Good luck on your quest;
Mike

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #2470

As others have indicated, the .146" high rear blade linked at Brownells is correct . . . see chart below.

See first picture below with parts and tools you'll need.

If you take nightowl's suggestion and find the whole assembly, make sure you find one for the dash 3 and higher. It should measure 1.825" center-center between screw holes. See picture below on how to measure . . . only the one shown measures 1.750" and is for dash 2 and lower.

Good luck,

Russ

Attached Images

	Picture 001.jpg (39.6 KB, 39 views)
	rear sight 002.jpg (73.5 KB, 35 views)
	sight blade height.jpg (72.7 KB, 36 views)
	rear sight 008.jpg (163.9 KB, 27 views)

I might suggest that when you go to remove the blade and get to the point where the detente and spring are beginning to show on the right side, put all of it in a clear plastic bag (large food bag) so when the detente and spring fly off to never never land they stay confined within the bag. I'm still looking for the first one I changed many years ago in my shop.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Thanks All. I will get a blade on order (an maybe a nut bit) and give the repair a try. The plastic bag sounds like a good idea as I have launched small parts before.