I am not new to either handguns or shooting, but I am new to revolvers since I have been trained primarily on semi-autos.

My brother is a retiring Arkansas State Trooper and he gave me a superb gift, his older S&W Model 66-1, which he carried on duty for nearly 20 years. He is much older than I and more of a father-figure, so the revolver holds fond memories for me.

It is a superb shooter and my wife absolutely loves to shoot the 66-1. It serves as her home defense handgun when I'm frequently away on business.

I would like to set up our 66 with fiber optic sights. Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but does anyone even make fiber optic sights for an older 66-1? My revolver was likely manufactured around 1979-1980. I've research older 66's, and it's my understanding that newer production revolvers have "pinned" front sights. My revolver does not and is of the older design.

Thanks in advance and I appreciate the experts at this forum and any advice you can provide regarding better sights for my 66-1.

You can convert the old guns to the pinned front sight at considerable expense, but I shoot the old ones the way they came and put FO on the pinned ones.
SDM SW

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Science plus Art

First of all I don't consider myself an expert but I'll provide a couple of suggestions based on my experience...

I wouldn't alter the sights on your 66-1 in any way. They are quickly becoming strong collectables and such an alteration would be detrimental to its value IMO.

Once they are altered with anything other than "bolt on" modifications the change is irreversible and the firearms value could pay a heavy price...

Many have added a white outline rear blade to go with the existing red ramp. That would be my choice... I might also suggest you shoot a handgun with iridescent fiber optic sights if you haven't already. I've found the intensity of the brighter sighting picture distracting and others I know have come to the same conclusion...

Just sayin'

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Terry

If he carried it for twenty years, he's probably giving it as an heirloom. If it was mine, I wouldn't alter it in any way.

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N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member

I'm sorry, guys. I should've been more specific. I do not wish to structurally alter my older 66-1 in any way. I simply was searching from a fiber optic front sight to drop into the machined area on the front sight where the red insert used to be. Currently, my 66-1 wears long-since darkened Meprolight night sights and I'm just trying to update the gun for home protection for my wife.

Google searches have been fruitless and I know there are some genuine experts on this forum who could help with their knowledge. Thank you.

I'm far away from being any kind of expert, but I do have a few S&W revolvers with the machined front sights, as well as 55 yr. old eyes that have problems picking up said front sights on occassion. For me, the most effective solution is to use Crimson Trace Laser grips. I know some don't care for them for a variety of reasons. But for me, they get the job done. I do have a Model 625 that had a pinned front sight that I replaced it with a fiber optic, and I am amazed at the difference the fiber optic front sight makes.

Best of luck,

Dave

I don't think there's any fiber optic sights that you can install without some major gunsmithing like this: Gun sight Interchangeable blade by Weigand

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N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member

Check the Crimson Trace web site. If you go that route you can keep the original grips, replacing them with the CT. Obviously you would keep the old grips in a safe place. And the sentimental value of your gun is a big factor. I still shoot the Model 28 my dad gave me for HS graduation in the 60's and think of him often. The memories of your brother will only deepen with time.

Some really good advice from all the other posters on this thread....

I would add to my own post a couple of comments.

1. If you have certain visual problems by all means use whatever sight options or modifications are available to enhance your shooting...

2. The Crimson Trace option would seem to fit your home defense needs perfectly. They're wonderful for close range and they enable a person to get on the target quickly once the firearm is sighted in. They shine in dim light or dark conditions but are almost useless in bright sunlight beyond about ten yards.

3. The beauty of the Crimson Trace produce is you can retain your original factory open sights and use them too, plus have the grips installed "laser" sighting instantly available for darker light conditions...

A draw back for many people is the retail cost of their product. Some models are in the $300 dollar range.

Another plus for this option is women who shoot infrequently love them. These sights gives them confidence to see where (or hope where) their bullet will be hitting. That make it an easy sell to wives especially...

Hope this helps...

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Terry

Thanks to everyone for steering me toward Crimson Trace. I took the wife to a gunshop this afternoon and allowed her to sample some revolvers featuring CT grips. She fell in love with the concept. Frankly, so did I. I am simply going to buy another set of Meprolight night sights for the revolver, couple it with some CT grips, and know that she is well protected.

Oh, looking at the CT grips wasn't without its drama. She held a polymer Ruger LCR .38 revolver and wanted me to buy it on the spot for her! Light weight, you know. I said, "Honey, I would love to buy you a small revolver with a laser. Why don't we look at this S&W Model 642 over here instead?"

I know, bad husband. Let her decide what she wants for herself, but...I had to get involved!

Excellent decision. I'd never have a fiber optic sight on a self defense weapon.

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V/R
Roger / SG