Posting here since I've seen sight posts here, and in 'smithing and competitive shooting, among other forums.

Just my 2 cents on installing the "easy" install DX type front sights on certain Smith revolvers: they ain't always so easy. I picked up a nice used 627 Pro Series and decided to put a HIVIZ front sight on. It was quite tough to get the stock sight off (cost me a thrice-busted knuckle), and twice as tough to get the new one on. Three hands would have helped. Finally after half an hour of struggle, I found the right combination of hand-hold, punch, and angle of attack.

At least with the long HIVIZ front sight or similar, let me recommend that you put two layers of electrical or other vinyl tape over the flat behind the front sight, since it's very easy in trying to angle in the sight to scratch or even gouge that flat with the sharp edge of the back of the sight (learned this on a previous install on an R8). Check the condition of the tape frequently since it's easy to cut through it with the sharp edge of the sight without even realizing it and replace as needed. Starting with two layers helps. Also, a 1/16 punch through the hole at the muzzle to depress the sight retention plunger while getting the back end into the slot helps too. And again, three hands (or locking it into a vice might help). Bottom line, IMHO, a lot of effort for an "easy" install sight system.

If you've got one of the easy-install guns off the production line, all this may be irrelevant. But the vinyl tape is probably still a good idea if you care about your gun's finish. And, using your thumb to push the sight back when removing the front sight, rather than using the index finger of the opposite hand, helps, too.

P.s. Ruger's front sight system on the GP100 is far superior to Smith's system.

I had no such problems with the Dawson F.O. front sight going on my 627.

Yeah, I meant to convey that YMMV. I had no problem with the same front sight going on my R8 (except for the aforementioned scratch to the flat behind the sight, which had I been more mindful I could have avoided). But on this 627 it was a bear, at least for me.

I unfortunately left out the most important part of the installation story. After 20 minutes of struggle, I finally took the HIVIZ and gave the front of the reverse dovetail 3 or 4 passes with a fine file. Then it finally popped in. So I felt a little stupid, but there you go. Filing was not required in my previous experience with this same brand and model of sight on a different gun.

I put the same Hiviz on my 629-5 with no issues - very straightforward.

When I put the hi-viz on my trr8, a LOT of sanding was required. I basically had to reduce the sight base by half before it would go in. The sight I was replacing had been similarly cut down, which should have tipped me off.

It helps removing the pin in front first on those stubborn ones(when removing). And to install, yes, using a small punch to press plunger in while sliding sight back into place.
You always remember when you have a hard one to do and how you did it.
I've had others too that required no hand tools whatsoever. Lol.

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Every older (1990’s) Classic / DX gun i pick up with that soght system has a stuck blade. I sit the pistol upright and put a few drops oil down the hole, let it sit a few hours, then start pushing backward on the front the blade. I add oil as it starts the break free. Once oil works it way in, it’s relativley easy push the blade back with a non-marring tool and pop it out.

If your struggle is purely spring tension, maybe its worth popping out the retaining pin, removing the spring, and lopping half a coil off it.

Part of the fun of that sight set up is trying different sights. It shouldnt be a pain in the butt.

I noticed the 627 Pro I bought a couple of years ago was a bit tight to remove the ramp sight on when I replaced it with a gold bead patridge sight shortly after I bought it, but it did loosen up after removing the sights a few times and oiling the slot and blade. I had no problems when I changed out the sight blade on my 629-3 Classic though a year or so before that. Now I just bought a 29-6 Classic and I ordered a gold bead patridge for it right before I left to come to work, but I haven't tried removing the ramp sight on it yet. I will do as SLT223 said though and pul a little oil in the hole and let it do it's thing for a while before trying to swap them out.

I've had pretty decent luck getting them to move by using a pine board covered with a piece of cloth and putting the front of the sight blade I am trying to remove against the edge of the board and gently pressing down until I get some blade movement before trying to actually remove the sight blade.

Couldn't have been easier than the Hi-Viz on my 625. From sealed package to gun in under 1 minute. Bob

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That's a good idea. I used the handle of a cheap plastic toothbrush like one of these to save my thumb or other fingers and to get more leverage to push back against the detent plunger spring:

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