686 Competitor Front Sight?

[Revolver Rookie]

Just got a NIB 686 Competitor, was wondering if anyone knows of a fiber optic/night sight that would replace the LPA front sight?
My eyes are old, and that plain black post it currently has, is hard to pick up. It has the dovetail sight cut into the front of the barrel.

Anyone know a good replacement?

[qballwill]

I have a 686 competitor and I was simply looking for a taller front sight but couldn't find anything. I didn't look for a fiber optic or anything like that though. good luck. mine was shooting high, even with the rear sight bottomed out.

[Nightowl]

Dawson makes a lot of different sights. Check with them email at
"[email protected]

[Revolver Rookie]

Hmmm? I would think that the dovetail, would be fairly common on other models?
Looks like I'll be sending that email, thanks Nightowl

[paragain]

I put a Hy-Viz on my 686, my old eyes couldn't see the front either. About $34.95 from Midway USA.
Good luck

[Wee Hooker]

Aging eyes?? Can I get an AMEN!?

It's my experience that HiViz makes a FO sight to fit about anything smith makes. I've replaced about 1/2 the front sights on my modern S&W revolvers with them. It's just a matter of knowing what height you need . If you have no way of measuring then you'll need to context them for fit. Your model may/may not differ from the standard 686 version.

That said, I recently revisited painting my black front sights ( Testors orange over flat white. Applied with a toothpic). I have to say, I think that this method is very competitive as it seems sharper (and sometimes brighter) in many light conditions. It also costs pennies and doesn't require surgery on the gun to implement.

Below is a pic of a 617 that I had planned to install a high viz on but changed my mind. This pic was taken in my basement with no flash.

[handgunner356]

The PC guns that have the dovetail cut are unique, best bet would be someone like Novaks or Dawson Precision.

[qballwill]

I contacted Dawson a month or so ago and told they didn't make anything that would fit

[Revolver Rookie]

Thanks Handgunner, 2 emails sent to Novacks, and Dawson...

[wantmoresmiths]

Try Protocall design. I don't know if he manufactures any of the dovetail front sights, but he does do a lot of other S&W front sights so it would be worth a call or e-mail. Below is some contact information copied from the Brian Enos site.

You can contact us by sending a PM to Toolguy or to Protocall Design, or to thock.

Phone: 913-422-8966 (U.S. only) or 913-730-0554 (International). Please, do NOT call at the first number if you are outside the U.S.

e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

To place an order, you can do one of six things:

Send an e-mail to [email protected].
Send an e-mail to [email protected] (back-up e-mail address).
Call us.
Send a PM to Toolguy.
Send a PM to Protocall Design (slower response than sending to Toolguy).
Send a PM to thock.

Caling or sending an e-mail is the fastest way to get a response.


Front sights

Sights are Patridge, and .100 wide, unless you specifically request .125 wide. You can determine whether you need a pin-on sight or a classic sight by looking under the sight at the muzzle. If you can see a hole under the sight, just above the bore, you have a classic sight. For photos and more information, see this post.

Additional fibers are available for an additional cost, in case you want a choice of colors, or if your fiber breaks. Fibers sold with the sight will not be charged additional shipping, but fibers ordered separately will be charged shipping.

Heights:

.200 pin-on, only
.250 pin-on or classic
.300 pin-on or classic

Fiber optic $45 + shipping
Plain front sights $40 + shipping
Additional fibers, per 2" length $1 each + $3 shipping for entire fiber order

[Revolver Rookie]

So far nobody...
Still waiting on Protocall design.

[JBhunter45]

Call Bob Serva at Fusion Firearms. Custom 1911 Pistols & Parts | Fusion Firearms
They are now a distributer for LPA sights.

[Revolver Rookie]

Thanks JB,
Just sent my front sight to Protocall Design.
He will modify my stock one, plus make a custom.

[sw282]

LPA makes the rear site used on both the 629 and 686 Competitors... Why S&W chose NOT to use their front sites is known only to them. But LPA does make an optical type front one.


Smith&Wesson

[RCR1955]

This was the closest thread that I could find regarding my interests and being a new member I could not start my own thread. In short Iam looking to purchase a new S&W noted above and wanted to get the opinions of those who already have one. Once again I apologize for butting in, but I could truly use some guidance.Thanks

[Revolver Rookie]

Originally Posted by RCR1955

This was the closest thread that I could find regarding my interests and being a new member I could not start my own thread. In short Iam looking to purchase a new S&W noted above and wanted to get the opinions of those who already have one. Once again I apologize for butting in, but I could truly use some guidance.Thanks

I absolutely love mine now! The ability to shoot any and all 357's in this gun is amazing. The stainless is easy to keep clean. You can change weights, at the twist of an allen wrench. This is one of my favorite revolvers along with the TRR8. The triggers in both these guns are excellent.

Did I mention I love this gun....

[lcheagle]

@Revolver Rookie. May I ask you how much you paid and whom you talked with @ Protocall Design?

I'm VERY interested in doing the same thing you did and NOBODY seems to have an aftermarket front sight for this revolver.
Thank you VERY much!!!

[Protocall_Design]

Hi Icheagle-

This is Toolguy (Warren) at Protocall Design. Email me at [email protected] and let me know how I may be of service.

[Revolver Rookie]

Originally Posted by lcheagle

@Revolver Rookie. May I ask you how much you paid and whom you talked with @ Protocall Design?

I'm VERY interested in doing the same thing you did and NOBODY seems to have an aftermarket front sight for this revolver.
Thank you VERY much!!!

It looks as if Warren has already posted...
Best to talk to him directly....
Only thing I need to add, dealing with Warren and Protocall design was a pleasure...

[BorgeGR8574]

Did anyone ever find a front sight to replace the stock one? I fire WA1500, Police Pistol and Service Pistol B and the stock factory front sight just doesn't compare to the guys with Fiber or Aristocrat sights.

Thanks!

[JUSTGUS]

I need one also for my competitor 629. Someone has to makem

[Protocall_Design]

I still makem. [email protected]