I'm new to the forum. I have tried searching but have not found what I seek.

I wonder if anyone can point me to a guide to identifying the correct rear sight leaf (entire sight assembly) for N frame revolvers?

I have a model 57-1, s/n:N944xxx, 6" barrel, that came with a red dot on top. I have gone to a Crimson Trace grip and would like to install the rear sight once again.

From the attached drawing I am referring to part #
5219 - rear sight leaf
5155 - rear sight leaf screw
5900 - rear sight slide
5102 thru 5108

I believe the Slide (#5900) was .146"

I tried one from Midway but it doesn't fit (too short).

I see posts (here & there) talking about the distance between this & that, but I'm not clear on what they are measuring.

I'm CERTAIN others would be appreciative if the experienced locals could shed some light.

Thanks!

Attached Files

s&w_57.pdf (1.31 MB, 96 views)

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but the square tang rear sight is no longer available from S&W. You can check some of big parts houses. like Numrich, but doubtful you will find them there either.

Two options: 1) Secondary market - Old style sights frequently come up on eBay or similar sites. The blade is still available, so I wouldn't worry about that dimensionally. The critical measurement is from the elevation screw to the front screw that secures the sight assembly to the frame, as there are variations.

Option 2) Hamilton Bowen makes his Rough Country rear sight for the square tang guns. He leaves the tang undrilled so that your gunsmith can measure and drill the front hole in the proper location. Additionally, Rough Country sights use a second screw into the top-strap that your smith will have to drill and tap. This is certainly the more expensive way to go, but it is a very rugged sight that gives a superior sight picture over the OE.

Good luck.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

The chart indicates a .146" blade for a 41 mag with a 6" barrel. Good luck finding one. Be sure to check the distance between the center of the mounting screw hole and the center of the rear mounting stud to be sure any you consider will fit. S&W made changes to the location of the mount screw, and later in the 90's changed it entirely. A friend of mine has been looking for one for a 44 mag (same sight) for several months with no luck.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Does anybody know the approximate date that the factory moved the front sight screw? I may have something but none have a .146 blade.

Can someone post the distance between the two different elevation screw and front sight screw needed?

What does a new-in-wrap rear sight assembly go for now days?

I've seen used assemblies go for $100 plus or minus. What's a reasonable premium for new-in-the-wrap? 50%? Double?

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

I may have something as well, if we can determine the distance of the screws.

Thanks for the input gentlemen.

I am wondering how we will ever know the correct distance between screw holes? As I understand it, the only mounting hole for the rear sight leaf is near the front of the channel on the top of the pistol. The adjustment screw is not a mounting point.

I have borrowed a hand drawing from an ebay offering. Note that they describe the sight with 4 dimensions - A, B, C, and D.

"A" is the dimension often referred to (distance between screw holes) but I have no idea how we would know that for a gun that is missing its sight.

"B" can certainly be measured. It appears to be the only thing that can be known when the rear sight leaf is missing.

"C" and "D" seem related (and thus redundant) but "D" seems like an important measurement.

I believe I ran across a posting that indicated K frame rear sight leafs to be D = 2.75" and N frame rear sight leafs to be D = 2.875".

The only B dimension I have found thus far for an N frame is B = 0.453" (approximate, measured by hand, not from a drawing). Note that A = 1.940" for that same reported rear sight leaf.

My B = 0.457" (approximate, measured by hand)
I have a late serial number (N 944xxx) Model 57, 6" barrel

There are a lot of A dimensions reported but very few if any include the D dimension together for comparison or reference.

Maybe I can ask some existing N frame owners to measure up and report. I have a Model 57 with a 6" barrel so that is what I am most interested in. I am sure that other guns are more popular (like the Model 27 and 29) and the data would be valuable to those owners.

Smith & Wesson factory has not been much help. They say that they cannot help me with the measurements and that I just need to call Bowen.

It looks like we need to collect the data from known cases and make a list for future reference. I had hoped that list already existed and someone could point me to it. Since it does not appear to exist, let's create it ...

I think we need the following:
Model #, barrel length, serial # (to approximate age), A, B, and D measurements (refer to the drawing)

Please add suggestions if I have missed something.

And if I could encourage the Model 57 owners with 6" barrels to chime in ...

Attached Images

ABCD.jpg (6.7 KB, 84 views)

You're over thinking it. Just measure center to center. A dial, or digital, caliper would be ideal. True, the rear point doesn't have a physical hole, but you can approximate were the center of the rear sight screw would be. The "A" dimension is the only one that really matters.

__________________
~ S&W aficionado in training ~

The Kernel is right - here is all you need to know...



Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

I'd like to thank you all for posting and trying to help with my issue. I managed to find a rear sight leaf and get it installed. I do appreciate your time and effort.

Mark