I am wondering about the apparently random use of red ramp front and white outline rear sights on S&W revolvers. I'd like to know your preferences and the reasons you prefer one version over the other.

I am wondering about the apparently random use of red ramp front and white outline rear sights on S&W revolvers. I'd like to know your preferences and the reasons you prefer one version over the other.

You left one out Fiber optic this is my choice.

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May God Bless The USA

It depends on what type shooting one does.
If bullseye shooting, then undercut black front, square black rear is best for six o'clock hold.
For combat, SD type shooting, I prefer an easy to see front such as 24/7 tritium front on Night Guards or a gold bead and a shallow V rear which quickly centers the front.

I used to waiver back and forth on this one, basically prefering all black sights for precision shooting in good light, but recognizing the utility of white/red sights for woods shooting. These days, with vision not nearly as sharp as it used to be, I will take the white/red combination for everything.

Depending on the lighting, and the target background, I sometimes prefer all black sights. Generally though, my guns are used for hunting, with paper punching a second place purpose, so I really prefer the RR/WO set up. In low light conditions, they make all the difference in pinpoint placement to the heart/lung area.

In bright sunlight (or even not so bright light) the RR/WO are the worst sights I have ever used.

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Common sense isn't so common.

My own preference has been to go with all-black sights. I've removed the red ramp on most of my Smiths. This surface is smooth and often times catches unwanted light.

Also, the thin black line left above the red is hard for me to see, making it difficult to hold precise elevation.

If I don't have enough light to see my sights, I don't shoot, not being certain about shot placement.

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Bob Wright

Good light-all black
Less light-F/O front, black rear.
No light-Tritium front (prefer F&R)
JOMO?

+1 on your assessment.....Mik,

Well, the poll is currently running 70/30 infavor of red ramp/white outline.
Reason I asked is that until now I have had a strong preference for all black, and removed the RR front sight from 2 of my revolvers. But this is based solely on outdoor range shooting, with the sun in my eyes.
I recently bought a 4" revolver with RR/WO for a carry gun, and was impressed with how much better the sight picture was indoors compared to all black, which basically disappear indoors or in low light.
I haven't considered the fiber optic option yet. Are they available from Smith and Wesson?

Sir, FWIW, I prefer plain black sights. In poor light, the red ramp shows up as black anyway, and in bright light, the slick plastic ramp reflects and glares, making it hard to focus on and giving variously deceptive sight pictures. In any light, the white outline tends to draw my focus away from the front sight where it belongs.

JMHO, and YMMV.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

I like black on black for every light condition except when it's so dark you need tritium dots.
I like to "open up" my rear sight blade so I get more daylight around the front sight. On really accurat guns I'll cut the front blade down to 1/10" for the same effect. I use the front sight as a rangefinder and benchmark for "hitabilty". If it's wider than the front sight blade, I should be able to hit it.

Ive always shot better with the red ramp and white outline, If the sight is plain I always have the red ramp installed.

I agree with the gentleman from Idaho as well!
Widen the rear notch and use the front blade as a ranging device.
My compliments to the Chef!

RR/WO for me. Some of you other guys preferences will change when your eyes age a little more!

stiab;
You can say that again! I have Red Dot sights on most of my revolvers these days. I prefer 30 mm.

Dale53

I find that the red ramp does not seem precise to my eyes. I find the white outline an unnecessary distraction.