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Old 07-28-2013, 03:30 PM
walter o walter o is offline
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Default changing front sight on a mod.19

How or is it possible to change the red plastic insert on front sight of a mod i9
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Old 07-28-2013, 03:38 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is online now
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Depends on the vintage of your revolver.

Early ones had the ramp base pinned to the barrel and the sight itself pinned to the ramp. The pins are sometimes visible and other times they are polished so smooth you cannot see them unless you turn it just so with just the right light.

Later ones had both the ramp base and the sight forged as part of the barrel.

More recent ones had the ramp base forged as part of the barrel, but the sight itself was pinned to the ramp base.

There is a different solution for each set-up, but be very cautious about changing the configuration of a Model 19 as it can really bring down the value of what otherwise might be more valuable as a collector's item.
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Old 07-28-2013, 07:21 PM
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Shawn,

He asked about the insert, not the entire sight. We all miss from time to time.

walter o,

It sort of depends on what you are trying to do, just replace a damaged insert or change color. If you want to replace a damaged insert you can simply order a replacement sight and replace it. The other option is an insert kit sold by Brownells. This kit allows you to custom mix colors and get whatever you want. It comes with instructions.

Hint. The kit is nothing more than the same materials used for acrylic fingernails. These materials are available from beauty supply stores for generally less than the Brownells kit. Dyes are available to color this material from the same sources.

Some will tell you to cut a new insert from sheet plastic or a toothbrush handle of the right color. The problem with this is the original inserts are cast in place and are mechanically locked into the sight blade by holes drilled in the bottom of the dovetail. If you simply drive in a replacement it isn't locked in and can be easily lost.
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Old 07-28-2013, 08:42 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is online now
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alk8944 View Post
Shawn,

He asked about the insert, not the entire sight. We all miss from time to time.

walter o,

It sort of depends on what you are trying to do, just replace a damaged insert or change color. If you want to replace a damaged insert you can simply order a replacement sight and replace it. The other option is an insert kit sold by Brownells. This kit allows you to custom mix colors and get whatever you want. It comes with instructions.

Hint. The kit is nothing more than the same materials used for acrylic fingernails. These materials are available from beauty supply stores for generally less than the Brownells kit. Dyes are available to color this material from the same sources.

Some will tell you to cut a new insert from sheet plastic or a toothbrush handle of the right color. The problem with this is the original inserts are cast in place and are mechanically locked into the sight blade by holes drilled in the bottom of the dovetail. If you simply drive in a replacement it isn't locked in and can be easily lost.
Oops, my bad.

What he said.

Shawn
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Old 07-28-2013, 09:50 PM
jepp2 jepp2 is offline
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