Rear sight blade on M29-2

4thAlabama · #1 12-01-2019, 12:28 PM

Need some advice. I have an M29-2, 8 3/8" that recently had the rear sight replaced by the LGS. he problem is that now it shoots all loads (240 grain JHP and LSWC) 4-8 inches high at 25 yards. I have adjusted the sight all the way down and still have the problem. I noticed in the Gun Parts catalog that only -3, -4, and -5 sight blades and assemblies are listed. Did S&W use a different height for the rear sight blade on the 29-2? Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

M29since14 · #2 12-01-2019, 12:42 PM

What height do you have now?

Sometimes I get the impression that S&W put whatever blade they had the most of on the 29s.

I have seen far more 29-2s, particularly the 8-3/8” guns, that shot high than those that shot to point of aim, for me, anyway. I don’t know that they made any change in their specifications between the various ECOs.

Your most logical solution is to put the shortest blade on your gun that you can, probably .126, but you will not like the sight picture. If you can justify it, you could have a custom front sight installed, which will require expert machining and installation if your barrel has an integral front sight.

4thAlabama · #3 12-01-2019, 01:00 PM

As near as I can measure, the rear sight blade is .250 in height. I forgot to mention that the original blade had no problem being zeroed at 25 yards. Unfortunately, I don't know what the height was. Am wondering if the easiest solution would be to file down the rear sight blade a few thousandths at a time until it zeros.

wetdog · #4 12-01-2019, 01:34 PM

There are different height front sight blades. From the Kuhnhausen S&W shop manual an 8 inch N frame should be .160 . I don't see any .250 listed although there is a .213 listed that is for a special fix for a high front sight.

tennexplorer · #5 12-01-2019, 01:41 PM

What caused the blade to have to be replaced? Was it broken and if so how did it happen? Had you shot the gun much with 240 grain ammo prior to installing the new blade? How worn is the blueing on the front sight? Any "silver" color of bare metal will make you shoot high.

The reason I ask is, if the revolver was dropped I'd look at the front sight for damage also. The top of the ramps are relatively weak because of the cut out for the red insert. I have seen several in my time that have been mashed down, especially on 8 and 3/8" ones. That long barrel is easy to bump into things with. This of course lowers the front sight and makes the gun shoot high. Also back in the good old days when the "guns were built really well" they were sometimes over polished which would cause a shorter front sight height.

Long barrel 29's came with a .160" high rear sight blade. I would bet that previously (perhaps at the factory) the gun had a .146" or .126" blade installed because it shot high. When you had the blade replaced, the gun shop simply went into the manual, selected a .160" one and now it shoots high.

Sorry, some of my questions were asked and answered while I was writing. I got interrupted.

H Richard · #6 12-01-2019, 03:13 PM

I believe you can order what you want (a .160) direct from S&W. I have bought in the past, and comes with the screw & nut.

muddocktor · #7 12-01-2019, 03:43 PM

Here's a chart that someone had posted here at one time that shows which blade height goes with which gun. Enjoy.

wetdog · #8 12-01-2019, 10:02 PM

^^^^^^ Thanks for posting the chart

Nightowl · #9 12-02-2019, 11:58 AM

Run the blade to one side far enough to measure from the bottom to the top of the blade with a micrometer. Then you will know exactly what you have. If it is much higher than a .160 then get a .160 blade for it. You might also want to hedge your bets and get a .146 at the same time, just in case the .160 is still too tall.
While I have changed several, it is a pain and you really need the right tools for the job. The parts are tiny and easily lost!! It's probably cheaper to have a gunsmith do it than buying the tools.

bigggbbruce · #10 12-02-2019, 01:15 PM

Buy a couple different height slides. Don't stake the nut until you satisfy your needs with the one that gives the best adjustments.

ken158 · #11 12-02-2019, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thAlabama

Need some advice. I have an M29-2, 8 3/8" that recently had the rear sight replaced by the LGS. he problem is that now it shoots all loads (240 grain JHP and LSWC) 4-8 inches high at 25 yards. I have adjusted the sight all the way down and still have the problem. I noticed in the Gun Parts catalog that only -3, -4, and -5 sight blades and assemblies are listed. Did S&W use a different height for the rear sight blade on the 29-2? Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

My factory armorers manual states the 8 3/8" 44 should have a .160 rear sight blade.

Fishinfool · #12 12-02-2019, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thAlabama

As near as I can measure, the rear sight blade is .250 in height. I forgot to mention that the original blade had no problem being zeroed at 25 yards. Unfortunately, I don't know what the height was. Am wondering if the easiest solution would be to file down the rear sight blade a few thousandths at a time until it zeros.

The short answer is yes, that would work, followed by a little cold blue on the filed portion. I have done similar on several guns in the past.

Of course the preferred method would be to fit the proper sight blade for the gun, but filing the top of the blade down will work.

Larry