How can you tell if your Model 686 has an interchangeable pinned front sight?

I notice below the front sight (red ramp) what appears to be a pin running perpendicular to the front sight above. Is that the pin?

Thinking about the SDB Gold Bead or possibly a light gathering SDM Super Sight; anyone use these for poor eyesight? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

If you have a pin in the sight boss of your 686, it can be changed out by drifting the pin out and installing your new sight of choice. S&W offers a pretty good selection of sights on their web site so that's one place to look for a new front sight.

You also should know that there are 2 different interchangable sight systems offered by S&W. The simple pinned in sights and the DX sight system. On the DX sight system the front sight is in a spring loaded sight base, so changing the front sight is a simple matter of pushing the sight blade towards the rear and tipping the front up and out of the mount. The DX sights can be easily identified by a small bore in the front of the sight rib above the muzzle. I doubt your 686 has a DX sight, however on a PC model it would be quite possible. My 610 has the DX sight and I think it's a great system, no tools needed and the front sight can be changed out quickly right at the shooting bench.

As for me, I've now gone to reflex sights on my revolvers. Do almost all of my shooting at indoor ranges and the lighting at most indoor ranges just doesn't work for aging eyes. With a reflex sight I can once again so a bit of "schooling" of the youngsters. These are NOT cheap, however shoot with one and it won't be too long before your buying more. Check out the following link if that interests you.

Purchased 2 more J Point Reflex sights, range report.

Scooter,

Great link and thank you. I've been trying to gather information and opinions on sights because of these aging eyes. Your link did the trick. Those pictures were very helpful not to mention some 'sweet' looking revolvers.

If anyone is looking for sights and wants to read a good critigue with informative examples (to include photographs), then click on Scooters' link above.