Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > S&W-Smithing
o

Notices

S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 03-01-2017, 08:21 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)

I've been looking at ways to do a fiber-optic sight on a revolver with a fixed front ramp for a while and I think I might have found a way that hasn't been attempted yet. Unfortunately, this, like every other solution, requires permanent modifications to the firearm.

If anyone's seen a Ruger LCR front sight, it's essentially a "cap" that fits over a small nub on the front of the barrel and gets pinned in place:



Here's what the LCR looks like with its sight removed (not mine):



Now obviously I still need to do a lot of measuring, but it seems that you could cut and file the front ramp to replicate that "nub" and slide the new sight over it. After lots and lots of careful fitting, of course! Probably not a good idea for fixed rear sight guns since I don't know how high or low the new sight will be but it should work for adjustable sight guns.

Anyhow, just throwing it out there. Let me know if anyone's tried it or something similar. If only Weigand still made their front sight kit...

Last edited by matteekay; 03-01-2017 at 08:22 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 03-01-2017, 11:17 PM
Jebus35745's Avatar
Jebus35745 Jebus35745 is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Independence, OH, USA
Posts: 6,911
Likes: 28,791
Liked 7,158 Times in 2,579 Posts
Default

I believe Bowen was gonna make the Weigand front site base. They should have some by now. Good luck and show us the final results. Larry
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 03-01-2017, 11:29 PM
Mistered's Avatar
Mistered Mistered is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Wickiup Junction, OR
Posts: 874
Likes: 11
Liked 1,134 Times in 461 Posts
Default

Not necessarily an insane idea (as I have experimented with sight ideas myself) but certainly something that should be kept to lower value guns - just in case it doesn't work out like you think!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 03-02-2017, 01:42 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jebus35745 View Post
I believe Bowen was gonna make the Weigand front site base. They should have some by now. Good luck and show us the final results. Larry
Right you are. It looks like they finally have some, too.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 03-02-2017, 08:58 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,093 Times in 9,967 Posts
Default

Actually I kind of like the idea. I have a mill and getting the front sight made into that configuration would be easy with a mill.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 03-02-2017, 09:19 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

I had a couple bucks in PayPal so I ordered a LCR HiViz front sight. I figure it's at least worth looking at measurements.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 03-02-2017, 09:34 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
Actually I kind of like the idea. I have a mill and getting the front sight made into that configuration would be easy with a mill.
A good man with a file can do the modification too, though a lot slower.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 03-02-2017, 10:10 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,093 Times in 9,967 Posts
Default

Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely no problems with files. Use them a lot myself. Lots of real precision can be accomplished by someone good with a file.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 03-02-2017, 10:12 AM
glenwolde's Avatar
glenwolde glenwolde is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 1,566
Liked 6,200 Times in 2,272 Posts
Default

Nothing wrong with that idea. Not as fast a change as the Weigand but I'm not sure that's really necessary. I have a Weigand front and one of his target rear blades on my Model 66. I didn't realize he had shut down, but last time I was looking at his website it did appear he was out of a few items and I kind of expected that was going to happen. I bought a spare for my next project but good to know Bowen picked it up.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 03-02-2017, 11:11 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by glenwolde View Post
Nothing wrong with that idea. Not as fast a change as the Weigand but I'm not sure that's really necessary. I have a Weigand front and one of his target rear blades on my Model 66. I didn't realize he had shut down, but last time I was looking at his website it did appear he was out of a few items and I kind of expected that was going to happen. I bought a spare for my next project but good to know Bowen picked it up.
It looks like the Weigand kit is more meant for guns that aren't starting with adjustable sights, right? Otherwise you'd have to mill that entire "platform" off of the barrel to replace it with the Weigand base.

I definitely think the LCR is do-able by a guy who's good with a file. I'm not good, but I do have files, lol. Luckily K-frame barrels abound if something goes horrendously wrong. I'll post up some findings and measurements once the sight arrives.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 03-02-2017, 12:05 PM
glenwolde's Avatar
glenwolde glenwolde is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 1,566
Liked 6,200 Times in 2,272 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by matteekay View Post
It looks like the Weigand kit is more meant for guns that aren't starting with adjustable sights, right? Otherwise you'd have to mill that entire "platform" off of the barrel to replace it with the Weigand base.

I definitely think the LCR is do-able by a guy who's good with a file. I'm not good, but I do have files, lol. Luckily K-frame barrels abound if something goes horrendously wrong. I'll post up some findings and measurements once the sight arrives.
They are intended for adjustable sight guns as far as I know. My smith milled off my entire front sight and cut a groove for the Weigand base.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 66.3.JPG (130.3 KB, 167 views)
File Type: jpg 66.1.JPG (143.7 KB, 159 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 03-02-2017, 12:09 PM
TAROMAN's Avatar
TAROMAN TAROMAN is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: The wet side of Oregon
Posts: 6,290
Likes: 8,789
Liked 7,778 Times in 2,375 Posts
Default

We have a local gunsmith machinist who mills the cast (forged?) in blade from the base on the barrel then cuts the slot and pinhole for a pinned on blade, of which there are infinite choices.
Can't tell it from factory.
__________________
-jwk-
US Army '72-'95
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 03-02-2017, 02:27 PM
glenwolde's Avatar
glenwolde glenwolde is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 3,669
Likes: 1,566
Liked 6,200 Times in 2,272 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
We have a local gunsmith machinist who mills the cast (forged?) in blade from the base on the barrel then cuts the slot and pinhole for a pinned on blade, of which there are infinite choices.
Can't tell it from factory.
I've had it done that way too and it works well, but it gets a tad more involved changing the blade out. They come un-drilled so every blade has to be drilled to match each individual gun. Not really something that was meant to be swapped in and out over and over. Can be done, but a bit more problematic as pins get loose and you have to replace them or play "find my front sight in the weeds".

I like the Weigand base on Magnum revolvers, because I don't know how many times I've run out of adjustment with some load. When you move from a 200 gr .38 spl to a 110 gr .357 there's a huge change in the point of impact, you often run out of adjustment at the extremes.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 03-02-2017, 02:50 PM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,093 Times in 9,967 Posts
Default

Take some small pieces of thin brass, stainless or copper and fit them around the existing sight and secure them with tape. That way if you slip of something like that the areas you don't want marked up are protected.

If there is enough metal in the base you could tap it for small allen screws and run one in from each side so the locked against each other and make a sight change out easier.

What I would like to find is a source for S&W grooved ramps for when I cut down barrels. If I cut it short enough I can salve the old sight, but, if you cut it where a forged ramp is you loose that ramp.

Last edited by steelslaver; 03-02-2017 at 02:56 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 03-02-2017, 07:40 PM
Goblin Goblin is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,455
Liked 1,148 Times in 608 Posts
Default

Please measure and post the measurements of the nub if you can so we don't have to buy a Ruger revolver.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #16  
Old 03-02-2017, 07:55 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

That, I can promise. I'll see if I have the stomach to start cutting...
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-06-2017, 08:25 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Okay, I have the LCR sight now. Here are the measurements; please note that these are approximations as I'm measuring the sight and not a LCR. Also, my calipers are from Harbor Freight, so there's that.

Sight: HiViz LCR2010-R Fiber Optic front LCR sight

"Pocket" Dimensions:
.319 Long
.103 Wide
.134 Deep (tall)

Distance from the front of the sight to the start of the pocket: .120

Sight base width: .245
Sight base length: .845


---

There's definitely enough meat on the front to make this fit. My front ramp measures at about .13 wide. It's going to sit maybe an eighth of an inch lower than the top of the current ramp; I *think* there's enough adjustment for it to be viable. I've already ordered the Weigand base as a backup so I might just have to give it a whirl.

Last edited by matteekay; 03-06-2017 at 08:26 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 03-06-2017, 08:26 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Y'know, looking at it, you guys with the goofy-*** partridge fronts may actually have an easier time fitting this.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-07-2017, 09:39 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Here's a few comparison photos. We're going to attempt this on my friend's mill as that should be cleaner than me filing, lol.







Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 03-12-2017, 03:20 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Welp... goodbye ramp.



Hello Ruger LCR sight!



Some hand-filing, drilling, and fitting later...





Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-12-2017, 07:06 AM
stykshooter stykshooter is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Roanoke, Va.
Posts: 228
Likes: 12
Liked 429 Times in 148 Posts
Default

Good job! That really came out looking nice.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 03-12-2017, 10:53 AM
Protocall_Design Protocall_Design is offline
Vendor
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Kansas City area
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 53,438
Liked 13,435 Times in 4,240 Posts
Default

Nice work! Thanks for sharing.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-12-2017, 11:22 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

All credit goes to my friend that did the milling. I mostly watched and tried not to touch anything, lol.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #24  
Old 03-12-2017, 12:35 PM
crsides crsides is offline
US Veteran
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: upstate SC / Mtns SW Va
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 3,064
Liked 9,875 Times in 1,986 Posts
Default

Nice work. I like it.

Charlie
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-12-2017, 01:26 PM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,625
Likes: 12,742
Liked 39,093 Times in 9,967 Posts
Default

Good job. Mill made it a lot easier than a file didn't it? Mills are very high on the list of handy dandies.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 03-12-2017, 01:36 PM
JimBianchi's Avatar
JimBianchi JimBianchi is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 193
Likes: 75
Liked 274 Times in 104 Posts
Default

Do you want to do my M14-4???
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 03-13-2017, 03:44 PM
jringo8769's Avatar
jringo8769 jringo8769 is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 813
Likes: 7,785
Liked 518 Times in 281 Posts
Default

well great work...i like it...thank u for sharing it...God Bless,John
u have a good friend too...
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:01 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jringo8769 View Post
well great work...i like it...thank u for sharing it...God Bless,John
u have a good friend too...
The best! Thank you.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #29  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:13 PM
jringo8769's Avatar
jringo8769 jringo8769 is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 813
Likes: 7,785
Liked 518 Times in 281 Posts
Default

well i love to see anyone thinking out of the box and making something work...this is what inspires us all with our adventures....God Bless,John
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:23 PM
epj's Avatar
epj epj is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 4,481
Likes: 227
Liked 2,397 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

The neat thing would be for someone to figure out how to modify for the quick change sights like the ones on the 627 Pro one others. Or maybe like the Ruger front.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #31  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:31 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Well, there's the Weigand/Bowen DX base that takes those, though you have to lop off a lot of metal. The other option is to mill the ramp off, cut a channel in the "platform" on the front of the gun, and pin the sight in that. It's been done, but it would be a lot more work if you wanted to incorporate the spring and plunger.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #32  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:37 PM
jringo8769's Avatar
jringo8769 jringo8769 is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Jamestown NY
Posts: 813
Likes: 7,785
Liked 518 Times in 281 Posts
Default

hey i did not realize this as well...with that mod u did...i bet u could add the other front ramp available if u decide to get rid of the fiber optics too...
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:47 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Yup, anything that fits on a LCR will now hypothetically fit. I know there are XS Big Dots and a few other options out there.
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 03-13-2017, 04:48 PM
epj's Avatar
epj epj is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 4,481
Likes: 227
Liked 2,397 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

Perhaps the simplest, if you have access to a mill, is to mill off the front blade and cut a dovetail in the ramp. That's probably what I'll do if I ever have the need to change front sights on a revolver.
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 03-13-2017, 07:48 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

How does your POA and POI match up now?
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 03-13-2017, 08:33 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

I've only checked it with a boresighter, but very, very low. I've raised the rear almost as far as it can go and that got it level. I have a .160 blade on the way and that should help. POI will have to wait until that gets here and I finish doing the action tuning.
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 03-13-2017, 09:20 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,023 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

Nice idea and work. Your work is 180 off from mine. I'm about
to mill fronts off two 25-5s and cut key slot to install Patridge
blades. Going to do maiden voyage on a 19 for practice, before
taking the plunge on the 25s.
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 03-13-2017, 09:31 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Definitely a bunch of ways to skin a cat. In the end, they all (hopefully) have the same results!

...naked cats, I think?
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 03-13-2017, 09:40 PM
kthom kthom is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: West Texas
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 5,289
Liked 3,903 Times in 1,519 Posts
Default

DRM50,,

I wouldn't attempt to tell you what to do, but my first thought when reading your post was this: If ya got two 25's and only one 19, why not practice on the 25 that you smile at the least and save that fine old 19? You gotta realize that I am very attached to 19's. I like 25's as well, but ... well, that's just what I thought so I posted this here. I sorta suspect you ain't fixin' to mess up on which ever one you start on, but no doubt you'll learn some things and get some experience with the first one. I wish you the best of luck with the jobs ( cause I figure you are gonna do all three of 'em if the first one works out OK!). Let us know how it goes!!
__________________
So long ... Ken
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 04-12-2017, 06:24 PM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Quick update on this:

The POI and POA are way off after the mod (no surprise). I initially installed a .160" blade and that was hitting 4" high at ten yards with the sight bottomed out. I'm currently picking up one of each size (.106", .126", .146") and I'll report back on what works best.
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 04-19-2017, 11:46 AM
matteekay's Avatar
matteekay matteekay is offline
Member
Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane) Idea for making a fixed front sight replaceable (warning: potentially insane)  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Colorado
Posts: 222
Likes: 82
Liked 164 Times in 66 Posts
Default

Follow-up to my follow-up: with a .146" blade, bottomed rear sight, and center hold, POI is about half an inch high at ten yards. This is perfect for me to use for IDPA since I tend to pull a little low in action shooting. I can always use a 6 o'clock hold for precision shots.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
M&P 15 MOE fixed front sight August West Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 6 01-28-2014 01:14 PM
good idea to dovetail my 686 front sight? rc51kid S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 8 04-01-2013 06:53 PM
Front fixed sight adjustment? Mike Conowingo Smith & Wesson M&P15 Rifles 13 11-17-2012 12:20 PM
making a front sight for JM625 DeerSpy S&W-Smithing 4 06-20-2011 06:32 PM
Front sight insert for fixed-sight K frame meh92 S&W-Smithing 4 10-15-2009 11:25 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:14 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)