SDM Front Sight for Model 21

Dump1567 · #1 09-18-2012, 01:12 PM

I have a new production model 21 (.44 Spl) on its way to my dealer. I was thinking of adding an SDM gold bead front sight. Anyone know the correct height? They come in .250 or .300.
Or is this a trial and error thing?
Thanks.

pilgrim6a · #2 09-22-2012, 01:35 AM

I have been considering gold bead sight for my 21-4.
Front sight height depends on how your gun shoots.
POA/POI.
My gun shoots to POA (point of aim) with standard factory loads. 240 gr bullets at 750 to 800 fps. The 200gr HP loads (rated 900 fps) hit 2.5" lower.
The front sight on my gun is .255".
Now the lower front sight (.250") will raze the POI. Maybe just enough to get the 200 gr loads to POA.
The thing that concerns me is the rear sight notch on the 21-4 is quite shallow. To see all of a .125" dia gold bead in that shallow notch will get the front sight higher still, with a higher POI.
I'm reluctant to spend $50 on a sight that may not work.
Now that I have confused you, I'll just say that you will love the 21-4!

Dump1567 · #3 09-22-2012, 11:15 AM

Thanks for the info.

I actually use to own one about three years ago and sold it. I currently have the 22-4. Bud's had a 21-4 in the used section so I jumpped on it. Saw it at my dealer yesterday and it looks new. Tight lonk-up and a smooth action. I've already got the plug ready to install and some Eagle Rosewood Heritage grips on the way (I'm converting back to Sq. butt as I've got big hands).

I was also considering taking a dremel cutting wheel and cutting a flat face into the fromt sight. Haven't decided which way to go yet.

Here's the one I use to own:

TAROMAN · #4 09-22-2012, 11:56 AM

My 21-4 always shot very high with stock sights.
To lower the POI I had to go to a screamer load, not at all pleasant in this gun.

Spent 50 bucks on a .250 gold dot sight. Helped some. I'd guess .300 would be better. IIRC, only .250 was available back then.

After that expense, I didn't like the glare on the sight and blackened it out.
Hated that revolver, it made two trips back to S&W and still wasn't right.
Happily traded it straight across for a 4" Model 29-3.
End of story. Hope your experience is different.

pilgrim6a · #5 09-22-2012, 08:47 PM

Dump.
I love the 200 gr Gold Dot. That's the load I was talking about that hit 2.5" lower than the 240 gr factory loads.
Ramping the sight is something I've been considering. The gun looks like an over sized model 10 pencil barrel any way so it will look right. If I could figure out how to do the serrations I'd do it tomorrow.