My first post...I usually just lurk and soak in knowledge

I bought a Model 69 {2 3/4 inch}and have decided that since I
plan on carrying it in the woods. This includes as a carry gun to my deer stand in low light conditions. I've decided that night sights would be a nice addition. {cant see the red ramp when in low light/ useless.} { I didn't buy the extended warrantee on my body when I 'm sure it must have been offered back in the early 50's}

I need to buy a punch to drive out the front sight pin. Any suggestions from others on brand and size {I've seen it posted in the past that it is a special size, although it's listed as 1/16 pin}

Thanks for any help

BTW.....full loads with the 2 3/4 inch are one handed . sweet engineering with the lower axis of the barrel. Changes the way it recoils. I like it better than my 3 inch 629.

One good answer is to get a front sight from XS sights, using either the standard or big dot. Both are available with tritium. You might have to open up the rear sight gap a bit with the standard size, and almost certainly with the big dot. I have had a couple of pistols with the standard dot and a .156" rear, and they are almost as fast as the express style (the front and rear from XS), but more precise. Make sure you always have a good flashlight, too; target ID is important.

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NHI, 10-8.

I have some Meprolight sights already on the way fro Brownells. So that part is done. I looked through most of the reviews on punches on both Brownells and on Midway. Seemed like the only people that wrote reviews on punches did it for AR 15's. Leaves me the question of what actually works for a Smith.

Thanks in advance for any insight...

Unless S&W has recently changed front sight pin size it is .055" and needs a .050" roll-pin punch. You will need a #54 AWG drill bit to drill the pin hole in the new sight blade.

Buy more than one #54 bit. They are a bit fragile so go slow and with cutting oil. You can guess how I know this.

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Foster Positivity.

Thank You. That is exactly what I needed to know. I was planning on investing in several since I think if all goes well, I will be doing some of my other guns as well.

Besides my new M69 , I also plan on putting night sights on my 3 inch 629 and probably some fiber optics on my 6 inch 629 non fluted Classic Hunter {a -3} and maybe some fiber optics on my 6 shot 617 {4 inch} I bought all these new and over the years just lived with the various versions of front sight Smith used.

Thank You again...

Plus one on purchasing several bits. Might also want to grab a spare dentent plunger/spring for the rear sight at the same time.

Here's an short video showing how to install the rear sight blade. I found it a big help.


Good luck with your project.

Paul

Thank You for the video Paul. Nice detail....I've periodically thought about doing this to one or two of my guns over the years.

This new Model 69 is what has finally decided for me.

I've used Meprolight night sights for years on several S&W revolvers I carried for work. They provide a very good sight picture and hold up well. Brownell's part #387-313-200WB, Meprolight's Part # ML22770. No need to remove the front sight, just the red ramp material. The rear replaces the blade.

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

Interesting. Looks like I ordered the wrong set. I have the one coming that replaces the entire front sight. I don't see an option to order just the front insert by itself.

Does anyone offer just the front insert or is it just better to send back the complete set? This is definitely easier than the drilling of that teeny hole with no fudge factor.

found just the front sight on Optics planet. I have a couple guns that never came with the red insert front, so the drill and pin fronts will find a home.

Thanks... this is immensely helpful