Model 15-2 sight question

sipowicz · #1 09-13-2020, 05:47 PM

Can anyone tell me why the rear sight blade is so shallow? I like the gun but I find it annoying how hard it is to pick up the sights compared to my 19-4.

VM · #2 09-13-2020, 06:09 PM

Sip, try a dab of white or orange paint/ fingernail polish on the front sight.
It’s helped many older eyes @@

OLDSTER · #3 09-13-2020, 06:30 PM

Check out Numrich. They carry lots of Smith and Wesson rear sight assemblies and components.

Continental Op · #4 09-13-2020, 08:33 PM

You can buy a spare rear sight blade and deepen it with a file. While you're at it, you can widen it to your preference. For widening, I like to use a properly sized chainsaw file. Being round, it will 'self center' and take an even amount off both sides so you don't have to worry about being off-center. Of course, it leaves a U shaped notch instead of square, but I don't mind.

captaint · #5 09-13-2020, 08:52 PM

"They" are making rear sight blades with U notches. Lots of folks really like them. The ones I've seen look quite ok..

sipowicz · #6 09-13-2020, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VM

Sip, try a dab of white or orange paint/ fingernail polish on the front sight.
It’s helped many older eyes @@

Thanks..but it’s more the lack of depth. I only pick up a tiny piece of the frony sight in the groove. Luckily, it’s not for carry but even target shooting it is less enjoyable. I think I’ll research a new blade. Not sure filing it would come out ok with my handiness😉

wetdog · #7 09-13-2020, 09:37 PM

Might be the wrong height size blade in the gun. 4 in. bbl. takes .146 and a 2 in bbl. takes a .106.

GerSan69 · #8 09-13-2020, 10:08 PM

Haven't heard what your barrel length is. As was already said, the size of the blade depends on that. Don't go doing anything like altering the blade depth or width. You may "see" the front sight better, but you'll have ruined the relationship between the front and rear, probably irreparably. If you're going to change blades, the best option is a factory white outline in the same size. Those are usually available somewhere on the internet. Also, if you don't already know, you cannot use the same screw and probably the nut, too. The screw is designed to break when it's removed and the broken piece usually can't be removed from the nut. Replacement kits can also be had, though. And finally, there is a super-tiny pin and spring in the side of the screw that is NOT captive. If you don't want to have to buy one of those, too, please use a baggie or something to contain it when it flies out as the screw is removed. From personal experience, that'll save a LOT of aggravation.
I'm all for making stuff more user friendly, and changing the sight blade to something more visible is probably #1 on the list. Heck, I have a white outline waiting to go on my 4516-2. But do it right the first time or let a pro do it. Have fun!!!

sipowicz · #9 09-13-2020, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wetdog

Might be the wrong height size blade in the gun. 4 in. bbl. takes .146 and a 2 in bbl. takes a .106.

It’s totally stock. My brother has a similar year with same depth. I found this. I guess I could go with a deeper notch. 160?

sipowicz · #10 09-13-2020, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerSan69

Haven't heard what your barrel length is. As was already said, the size of the blade depends on that. Don't go doing anything like altering the blade depth or width. You may "see" the front sight better, but you'll have ruined the relationship between the front and rear, probably irreparably. If you're going to change blades, the best option is a factory white outline in the same size. Those are usually available somewhere on the internet. Also, if you don't already know, you cannot use the same screw and probably the nut, too. The screw is designed to break when it's removed and the broken piece usually can't be removed from the nut. Replacement kits can also be had, though. And finally, there is a super-tiny pin and spring in the side of the screw that is NOT captive. If you don't want to have to buy one of those, too, please use a baggie or something to contain it when it flies out as the screw is removed. From personal experience, that'll save a LOT of aggravation.
I'm all for making stuff more user friendly, and changing the sight blade to something more visible is probably #1 on the list. Heck, I have a white outline waiting to go on my 4516-2. But do it right the first time or let a pro do it. Have fun!!!

Wow...posted at exact same time. Mine’s a 4”. And all good advice pardner! A little nervous changing myself even after watching videos on it. 🤔

Pine_Worker · #11 09-14-2020, 04:28 PM

Easy enough to do, probably the hardest part is staking the screw to the nut. If you are uncomfortable with it, take to to a gunsmith. There should be some left in CA.

bigggbbruce · #12 09-14-2020, 05:00 PM

Taller rear sight slide will raise point of impact. You will shoot high at closer range until distance and bullet drop helps. Is what it is.

elpac3 · #13 09-14-2020, 05:10 PM

Do like we used to do back in the LEO days, paint the front sight yellow and the rear sight leaf green for contrast.

For sighting you are only concerned with the top of the front sight being level with the top of the rear sight, you do not really need a deep notch for that. Also, you really do want a tiny sliver of light on either side of the front sight when viewed through the rear sight leaf. A wide sight notch leaves too much margin for sighting error and guestimating the amount of light on either side of the front sight.

If you are using this as carry pistol, your typical encounter range is going to be short and you most likely not use the sights anyway in a point and shoot situation.

ken158 · #14 09-14-2020, 07:02 PM

I post this on occasion when I see a sight height question. Straight from my 1980’s armorer’s manual.

Retired W4 · #15 09-15-2020, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken158

I post this on occasion when I see a sight height question. Straight from my 1980’s armorer’s manual.

Thanks Ken. I've got a .126 blade assembly and couldn't remember what I was going to put it on.