Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present
o

Notices

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10-16-2011, 08:02 PM
shooter686's Avatar
shooter686 shooter686 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 6 Posts
Question Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:

I find the sights on the 642 a bit small and difficult to pick up in certain lighting. Anybody have some tricks to increase the visibility? Model paint? Nail polish? Custom sights? What about night sight or night visibility? Anyone make a decent glow in the dark model paint?

Thanks as always for sharing your experiences!

Shoot686
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10-16-2011, 08:38 PM
rrobertson's Avatar
rrobertson rrobertson is offline
US Veteran
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: AL
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I believe alot of ppl are going to the Crimson Trace grips for that reason, also bear in mind that it really isnt a competition/"long range" firearm altho there are alot of ppl out there that can use the 642/442 out past 50yds while you most likely will never need it for that. Also if you wanted to change out the front sight you will have to send it to a gunsmith as it is not pinned if I remember correctly. There is a company that Trijicon (majority of night sights) would prefer you send your firearm to to get custom night sights put on. I believe it started as TOOL something im sure someone else will know the company I am talking about.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 10-16-2011, 08:48 PM
Iggy's Avatar
Iggy Iggy is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 10,417
Liked 28,226 Times in 5,272 Posts
Default

As mentioned above Crimson Trace grips are a viable sighting aid.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10-16-2011, 09:17 PM
Ed45's Avatar
Ed45 Ed45 is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Vienna, Virginia, USA
Posts: 218
Likes: 38
Liked 135 Times in 31 Posts
Default

I mentioned this in another post very recently. With these small frame, short barrel guns, its a good idea to practice using the whole gun’s symmetrical outline as the “sight”. Sounds crazy but if you assume a defensive posture and put the outline of the gun on target in such a way that the top of the outline is where you want the round to hit, you will surprise yourself with the "accuracy" you can attain. In the reflexive reaction to a threat, by practicing this, you will be able to hit center mass reliably and without the time delay in trying to acquire a sight picture (you won’t anyway). A BG charging you with a knife won’t allow you time to draw and put your sights on him. Get a silhouette target and give it a try.
__________________
Ed45
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 10-16-2011, 09:40 PM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rrobertson View Post
I believe alot of ppl are going to the Crimson Trace grips for that reason, also bear in mind that it really isnt a competition/"long range" firearm altho there are alot of ppl out there that can use the 642/442 out past 50yds while you most likely will never need it for that. Also if you wanted to change out the front sight you will have to send it to a gunsmith as it is not pinned if I remember correctly. There is a company that Trijicon (majority of night sights) would prefer you send your firearm to to get custom night sights put on. I believe it started as TOOL something im sure someone else will know the company I am talking about.
That's ToolTech in Michigan, but I'm not sure they do J-frame sights.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10-16-2011, 09:42 PM
617X10 617X10 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Iggy how old are those CTC grips?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10-16-2011, 09:45 PM
Iggy's Avatar
Iggy Iggy is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 10,419
Likes: 10,417
Liked 28,226 Times in 5,272 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 617X10 View Post
Iggy how old are those CTC grips?
I don't know, I bought them used 10 years ago.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10-16-2011, 09:52 PM
captbahbah captbahbah is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brookly, NY
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I sent my 649 (1 7/8" barrel .38spl) to Karl Sokol in VT. He opened up the rear notch and sand blasted the top strap to reduce glare. He also cut the front sight blade to put in a red insert. I had sent my gun to a company that intalls the XS big dot sights a few years back but that didn't work out. They had the gun for a long time and the work never got done. I would have preferred the big dot tritium sights but opening up the rear notch really helps in acquiring the front sight. If you can get XS big dot 24/7's on your gun, do it. If not, you should consider having that rear notch opened up. Hope this helps.
__________________
Step left & crouch.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10-16-2011, 10:21 PM
dwever dwever is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Matsu Valley, Alaska
Posts: 881
Likes: 146
Liked 1,003 Times in 349 Posts
Default

In low light my ca. 1980 Model 60's site picture is difficult for me to see now at fifty-one. I'm sending it to S&W for some trigger work soon, I wonder if there's anything they do that would help.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10-16-2011, 10:38 PM
JayBird686's Avatar
JayBird686 JayBird686 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 222
Likes: 49
Liked 75 Times in 18 Posts
Default

I put white out on the front sight. Worked wonders.
__________________
686-4 442-1
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10-16-2011, 11:12 PM
rrobertson's Avatar
rrobertson rrobertson is offline
US Veteran
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: AL
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by -db- View Post
That's ToolTech in Michigan, but I'm not sure they do J-frame sights.
Thank you ToolTech theyre website doesnt offer alot of information but I have had some people that I know say that they sent in their 642 or 442 to ToolTech and they removed the front sight and put in something along the lines of the night sight for J frames from XS sights
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 10-16-2011, 11:40 PM
Bigswampy Bigswampy is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Practice like you'd actually employ it - simulating a rapid emergent threat; you will never use the sights close in. Ed45 has the right idea.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 10-16-2011, 11:47 PM
617X10 617X10 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Iggy View Post
I don't know, I bought them used 10 years ago.
I really like the way those look with that 36.

For those looking at getting a CTC grip: If you're only going to shoot .38 Special or .38 +P out of your J-frame, the 105's work alright. If you are shooting .357's, get the 305's or 405's. My 340 has the 105's and it's a mite unruly with the loud stuff.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10-17-2011, 12:09 AM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 7
Liked 469 Times in 278 Posts
Default

I am here to tell you, in the "modern vernacular" Crimson Trace grips are the "BOMB".

They are well worth the money, on any hand gun.

They are Awsome on an AR as well.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10-17-2011, 04:00 AM
wrangler5 wrangler5 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 4
Liked 1,024 Times in 510 Posts
Default

I've painted the front sight of my 442 with the brightest orange nail polish I could find at WalMart. Put directly on the sight it was better than black but not very bright. Removed it with lacquer thinner, then painted the sight with white nail polish, and after that dried put the orange back on top of the white. Much brighter. Liked it so much I did the same to the front sights on my models 10 and 49.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 10-17-2011, 06:21 AM
sourdough44's Avatar
sourdough44 sourdough44 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: WI
Posts: 602
Likes: 16
Liked 112 Times in 66 Posts
Default

I agree, the average 'J' frame isn't a 25 yrd target gun. The term 'belly-gun' comes to mind. Also include some practice with the gun just in front of your belly with a bent elbow held against your side.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 10-17-2011, 10:37 AM
Broadside Broadside is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times in 9 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dwever View Post
In low light my ca. 1980 Model 60's site picture is difficult for me to see now at fifty-one. I'm sending it to S&W for some trigger work soon, I wonder if there's anything they do that would help.
Instead of sending your Model 60 back to S&W, you may want to consider purchasing one of the new, no-lock Model 640's, 632's or M&P 340's.

The Model 640 and 632 Pro series have front and rear night sights already installed. The Model M&P 340 has a front night sight installed and a U-shaped rear notch instead of the tradition square notch.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 10-17-2011, 10:56 AM
Person's Avatar
Person Person is online now
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 231
Likes: 4
Liked 23 Times in 5 Posts
Default

I went the model paint method on my 642. I put a few coats of white and let them dry completley between coats. Then I put a couple of coats of Flourescent red. Mine came out looking almost exactly like a red insert.

I pocket carry everyday and I have had it on for almost a year and it has not chipped or faded at all.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 10-17-2011, 11:43 AM
growr growr is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Montana
Posts: 5,162
Likes: 3,433
Liked 6,245 Times in 2,061 Posts
Default

A J frame has sights? Who knew about that?

( Just being a smarty pants here) The CT grips are a great solution for many people. Might work for you as well.

Randy
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 10-17-2011, 11:54 AM
PALADIN85020's Avatar
PALADIN85020 PALADIN85020 is offline
US Veteran
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,440
Likes: 3,924
Liked 50,373 Times in 6,009 Posts
Default

I painted the front sight ramps on both my 642 and 442 with brilliant red nail polish. However, I suspect that since these are belly guns designed for close-up personal protection, it would be "point and shoot" at near-contact distances; precise sight alignment would only take precious time.

John
__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 10-17-2011, 12:40 PM
tango-papa tango-papa is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 154
Likes: 44
Liked 98 Times in 21 Posts
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by captbahbah View Post
I sent my 649 (1 7/8" barrel .38spl) to Karl Sokol in VT. He opened up the rear notch and sand blasted the top strap to reduce glare. He also cut the front sight blade to put in a red insert.
By law, if you openly state you have a Sokol custom sight job, you are required to post photos of same...

tp
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 10-17-2011, 09:44 PM
lawandorder's Avatar
lawandorder lawandorder is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 3,346
Likes: 15,021
Liked 10,811 Times in 2,004 Posts
Default Yep it helps for that old trough to be wider.

Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 10-17-2011, 09:45 PM
everReady Rob's Avatar
everReady Rob everReady Rob is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Posts: 434
Likes: 63
Liked 46 Times in 18 Posts
Default

I have a 642 w/ 1&7/8" and painted the front sight florescent orange,didn't help then painted it white, still didn't help and put on CT grips and it makes a remarkable difference. That is the answere for me. Kinda an expensive experiment if you don't know if you'll like.

I don't always use it and turn it off and do point shooting but it a great reference for me.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 10-17-2011, 11:34 PM
Continental Op's Avatar
Continental Op Continental Op is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 236
Likes: 261
Liked 141 Times in 75 Posts
Default

Check out this article. I found it quite helpful when I painted my sights.
__________________
low speed, high drag
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 10-18-2011, 07:45 AM
plainshunter's Avatar
plainshunter plainshunter is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Kansas
Posts: 61
Likes: 6
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Continental Op View Post
Check out this article. I found it quite helpful when I painted my sights.
that's a good article. thanks for that.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 10-19-2011, 04:16 AM
shooter686's Avatar
shooter686 shooter686 is offline
Member
Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility: Let's talk about J-Frame sight visibility:  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times in 6 Posts
Default Great Information

Thanks for the input everyone. For starters I'll give one of the paint/nail polish techniques a try. I also like the suggestion of using the "whole gun" as the sight - pretty much like point shooting a rifle, you get so you dont really (at least not conciously) see the sights but just the overall relation of the gun to the target. I think this is most practical for very close work with a handgun as it is quite difficult with a handgun, more so with a snubby. Seems to me most defensive shooting instructors stress front sight acquisition in any shooting scenario anyway though, so I'd like to improve my sight's visibility. Lasers are an excellent option too, but I've never been a big fan of them. If night sights are an option that would be the best IMHO, but there's not alot of metal to work with to install them, either in the existing blade, or some sort of dovetail or pin arrangement.

Great info and suggestions, lots to think about.

Shooter686
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
340, 38spl, 442, 632, 640, 642, 649, 686, crimson, gunsmith, j frame, lock, model 60, silhouette, snubby, trijicon, tritium

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Let's talk about this 908 front sight grcoffman104 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 2 12-06-2017 06:13 AM
Improving fixed Gun Sight Visibility rejuvenator6 S&W-Smithing 16 09-15-2016 12:51 PM
High visibility sight options for 64-3? jtcarm S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 20 07-08-2015 11:45 AM
High-visibility adjustable sights for 3" J-frame meh92 S&W-Smithing 2 12-18-2009 02:03 AM
Model 28- Better Front Sight Visibility Hawg Rider S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 8 04-20-2009 04:08 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:35 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)