SIGHT GUNSMITHING QUESTION

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Random question, how hard is it to replace a Patridge style front sight with a red ramp? I am sure it requires the skills of a gunsmith, how about the parts availability? This would be on an "N" Frame.

[326MOD10]

I think if you have nothing to contribute or nice to say you should keep quiet.

With that said:

If it is pinned in I would think replacing blade would be doable.

Big issue would be getting right height to line up with rear sight and be accurate.

Gunsmith should be able to do it but there are some videos out there on it.

Check Midway or Numrich for sights.

[stansdds]

S&W Patridge and Baughman ramp sights on adjustable rear sight revolvers are pinned to the barrel rib, the trick when replacing these sights it getting the pin trimmed and flush with the contours of the rib. S&W did it by placing the sight, the pins, then final polish and finishing of the barrel, this makes the pin nearly invisible.

[H Richard]

Remember a few "Thousand's of an inch" can make a difference on your target. Identifying the correct size is the first criteria. I once bought a nice revolver that had had a good looking Call Gold sight installed. Couldn't hit anything as it was way too tall for the caliber/barrel it was installed on.

[StrawHat]

Originally Posted by stansdds

S&W Patridge and Baughman ramp sights on adjustable rear sight revolvers are pinned to the barrel rib, the trick when replacing these sights it getting the pin trimmed and flush with the contours of the rib. S&W did it by placing the sight, the pins, then final polish and finishing of the barrel, this makes the pin nearly invisible.

Some were forged as one piece with the barrel. I have a S&W Model 25-5 with such a red ramp front sight.

Some images of what I mentioned are attached.

Yet, even if the sight is forged as one with the ramp, it can still be replaced. The sight is milled, cut or otherwise removed. A slot can be cut in the base if you want something resembling factory or a dovetail cut. After that, follow the usual procedure for installing a front sight.

What revolver are you contemplating changing?

Kevin

[Catwrangler]

Sorry for the thread drift but my question takes a diff. Approach to the solution.
I have a blue 6" 586 ND with a Patridge front sight that I'd like to add a gold bead to. The sight appears to be cast on the barrel. Long ago I had a 3" Charter with a semi- Patridge sight and a smith in S.C. dimpled it and I filled it in w/ Testors orange. Worked well, but diameter of a gold bead is much smaller. Wondering it a dimple of the correct dia. Could then have a bead epoxied in?

[shawn mccarver]

Originally Posted by SPEEDGUNNER

Random question, how hard is it to replace a Partridge style front sight with a red ramp? I am sure it requires the skills of a gunsmith, how about the parts availability? This would be on an "N" Frame.

Not trying to be mean, just trying to contribute to knowledge, the sight is named after an S&W employee with the last name of Patridge. E. E. Patridge, if I recall. It is not named after the bird, which is a different spelling.

That said, it can be a problem if you want it done correctly. Probably 20 years ago, I sent a revolver with a Patridge front to the factory for a re-do to replace worn parts, re-finish, etc., and I requested they mill off the front sight and machine the rib and install a black, serrated Baughman Ramp on Ramp base (remember, the base is longer than the base on the Patridge).

The gunsmith who worked on my revolver 20 years ago said they no longer had the fixtures, etc., to replace a front sight in the manner I requested, so after talking through my options, with my consent he skillfully machined the Patridge into a ramp and serrated it. Turned out very nice, and it was done at the factory, which is nice, but you can tell a mile away it is not a "real" Baughman Ramp on Ramp base.

The action was perfect, some new parts were installed, and S&W charged me one hour labor, nothing for the replacement parts, and nothing for the work on the front sight. They did charge for the beautiful new blue finish. And, the gunsmith threw in a note that said he had found a real serrated Baughman Ramp on Ramp base in his parts bin, and he threw it in the box (wrapped nicely in brown wax paper) in case I wanted to find a non-factory gunsmith to mill off what was there and fit the Baughman Ramp and Ramp base. Nice guy.

Personally, I think the first thing you should do is find the spare parts, and then evaluate your options. I would leave it be, but that is just me. After many years of making little changes, I now leave everything as it was, and I am much happier.

Good luck with your decision. Just don't let an idiot ruin a fine gun with an unskilled job by a "butcher."

[Catwrangler]

Shawn,
Not being sparky. But I am well aware of the Patridge VS. a partridge. Merely an unfortunate victim of the evil of spell check. Def. Need to preview my posts. Which I HAVE done on this post.
B.-

[Catwrangler]

Shawn,
Not being snarky. But I am well aware of the Patridge VS. a partridge. Merely an unfortunate victim of the evil of spell check. Def. Need to preview my posts. B.-

[SPEEDGUNNER]

My apologies to E.E. for the misspelling. I will try to add some pictures over the weekend. Thanks for the comments so far.

[minconrevo]

In this thread the integral front sight has been mentioned. These can be replaced with some other sight if the existing sight is carefully milled down (after measuring its height and noting its exact location on the barrel). Replacement sight must be correct height and it same location as original. That requires milling a properly shaped/sized key way in the barrel, installing new sight then drilling an exactly straight/sized hole through barrel rib & sight. Not a job for just anyone.

[mscampbell2734]

These guys seems to have the expertise to do the work, and make their own blanks, either gold bead or fiber optic.

Gold Bead and Tactical Target

[Pizza Bob]

If you decide to undertake this yourself, and the blade is pinned into the base, I have been told that the trick is to use the holes from the old pin as a guide and to drill from each side - do not try to drill straight through from one side. This, of course, after you have the dimensionally correct new front blade.

If your gun is one of those with an integral base and blade, Bowen has a sight base that your gunsmith can install on the gun, that then accepts the DX style sight blades.

Smith & Wesson DX Front Sight Base [P411] - $45.95 : +Parts Store+, Bowen Classic Arms

I had this done on a 586...



Adios,

Pizza Bob

[steelslaver]

Originally Posted by StrawHat

Some where forged as one piece with the barrel. I have a S&W Model 25-5 with such a red ramp front sight.

Some images of what I mentioned are attached.

Yet, even if the sight is forged as one with the ramp, it can still be replaced. The sight is milled, cut or otherwise removed. A slot can be cut in the base if you want something resembling factory or a dovetail cut. After that, follow the usual procedure for installing a front sight.

What revolver are you contemplating changing?

Kevin

Yours sure looks like it is a once piece deal. I have removed the front ramp from 8 3/8" 25-5 barrel. It had a tab underneath the ramp fits in a slot in the rib and has cross pins securing everything. Everything is finished and then blued and it is nearly impossible to see the pins. Same with model 29 barrels. If you replaced the entire ramp I am sure you would need to install it and then re drill the pin holes in that tab because they are most likely all match drilled while in place.

I will NEVER try to cut a barrel, move the ramp back and drill complete new holes. Tried that once and second hole wandered a bit and came out right on the corner of the rib. Bummer

Much safer to make the slot, flux it tin it and the ramp tab with silver solder then solder in place. You end up needing to pour a new sight insert, but that isn't hard.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Pictures, as promised. I appreciate all the comments. Some very good advice here, as well as guidance should I decide to move forward with changing the sight. Seeing how well it is finished where it is pinned I think I may just leave things as they are and enjoy shooting it. Or maybe have a gold dot installed?

[lppd4]

All it takes is money. Maybe a bit more complicated on a blued gun though. I had my red ramp milled off and replaced with a Patridge style sight on my 686.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

I am thinking now the Gold dot "Call" style may be a easier, better and less expensive addition. Can the installation of the dot be done without having to remove the Patridge blade from the barrel?

I would love to find a 5" barrel complete with a red ramp, that would really be a game changer!!

Why is everything so expensive in this hobby!!

I appreciate all the comments.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Thanks for all the comments, advice and good ideas. Problem solved. I had my gunsmith install a gold bead, he did not have to mess with uninstalling the front sight, and it lines up perfectly with white outline rear sight. I am thrilled with the look and natural point of aim and can’t wait to get out to the range. Model 27-2, Target trigger, target hammer, what’s not to like?