Model 19-9 Classic Rear Sight Leaf Replacement

cone2245 · #1 07-05-2020, 05:08 PM

Hey y'all! I've had one of the classic Model 19-9's for about a year, its on my belt when I'm out feeding cattle, hunting, or camping. I absolutely love the gun, especially after replacing the skinny factory grips with some fatter Thai grips from Ebay. Comparing it to my Model 19-3, I have noticed that the rear sight blade is much shorter than on the -3 (I've included a pic). The -3 is overall easier and more comfortable to get a quick bead. I'd like to replace the -9's blade for one with the white outline and ideally taller. Would I also need to replace the front sight if I use a taller rear blade? Plan so far is to replace with a taller blade, bore sight, and then shoot to sight in. If anyone has insight on sight swapping and blade heights, I'd greatly appreciate it!

wv109323 · #2 07-05-2020, 06:11 PM

First, Is the front sight replaceable on the Classic? I have a 686 that the front sight is an integral part of the barrel and non-replaceable. S&W has about 5 different heights of rear sight blades so it depends on which height you decide upon and the round which you are firing.(POI) Heights are measurable and come in about .020" increments( Mine were .126 and .146") There are too many factors to say if you need a new front sight. Barrel length, rib or barrel thickness, round fired and sight adjustment will determine if you need a new front sight.
There are several videos on sight replacement that you can watch. Most break the windage screw so a replacement is needed. There is also a spring and plunger that are tiny. I lost the spring the first time I changed rear blades so a spare may be a good idea.

cone2245 · #3 07-05-2020, 06:39 PM

Yes, the front sight appears replaceable. There is a little pin straight below the red plastic insert. I was thinking of picking up the .146 height blade. Barrel length is 4.25 inch and I typically shoot 158 grain 38 special or 357 accurately outta it. I've started reloading and am still experimenting with different bullet weights (like 125 gr), powder, etc. With that information, what are y'all's thoughts on the sight heights? Or have resources where I can read further?

H Richard · #4 07-05-2020, 07:28 PM

You can mark your older one exactly where it is, then gently screw it out far enough until you can get a caliper on it and measure it. S&W sells kits, which include the blade a windage screw and nut. You have to unscrew the old one far enough to break the screw (it's build to break), then insert the new blade, screw, and nut. Look up on You Tube video and watch a couple times and you won't have any problems.