HELP. rear sight blade

[Ptbobdemaria]

I have a new 629 classic. I need to change out the damaged rear sight blade with the new assembly s&w provided me with. I watch Larry potterfeild video. I broke of the screw head as show and as I've read. I kept the spring and post. Problem is I can't get the nut and threaded shaft out. Do I need spanner bit? How do I get that out? I called sw and they said I wasn't supposed to break off head and they want me to send it in for a 2 month turn around. Please tell me what to do!

[glenwolde]

You have to have a spanner bit. I just made one by grinding/filing a small flat head screwdriver but you can buy them. I used the bench grinder to cut the blade to the proper thickness and width and a file to cut the notch in the center.

The blade is still threaded on to the now-broken shaft so you have to turn it to get it to move off the shaft. I don't know why S&W told you that.

Just like in the video, if this is the same one you watched.

YouTube

[jake1945]

I had exactly the same situation with my 629-6. I couldn't repair it even with a new rear sight kit. I called S&W about this and they said I'd have to send them the entire revolver. I did not want to do that for such a minor fix. So, I bought a complete rear sight from Brownells for $56. Problem solved. I think S&W should have sent me the complete rear sight; they had them in stock. Sure, I spent dollars for the repair but didn't have to wait 2 months and possible 'loss' of gun during shipment.

[jimmyj]

Smith and Wesson Firearms Company:
"Their rules, their procedure"

The S&W customer service is not what it once was

***The best customer service I have found to date is Ruger Firearms.

[jframejoey]

Same thing happened to me. Used a friends drill press and a VERY SMALL drill bit to get it out.

[glenwolde]

Originally Posted by jframejoey

Same thing happened to me. Used a friends drill press and a VERY SMALL drill bit to get it out.

That would work too. To clarify he used the drill to drill out the flare in the end of the screw, where Larry hit it with the center punch. You need a drill bit the same diameter as the screw.

[armorer951]

Check the "FAQ" (Sticky) section at the top of the "Smithing" forum. Scroll down for the procedure. Very simple if you follow the directions closely. Link below.

I would add that after breaking the screw shaft (by turning to the right) the nut and the screw shaft come out together. (no drilling is required)

The blade, spring, plunger, and screw head can then be removed from the other side. Remember the plunger in the head of the screw is under tension.

FAQ's

[Alk8944]

The reason you had a problem is because Potterfield's video instructions are WRONG! The windage screw must be turned to the RIGHT until it breaks, not left! If done correctly, after the screw is broken you simply push the sight slid to the left, and unscrew the screw and nut with the fingers. Potterfield's way causes the slide to be jammed to the left and the screw bound up tight from the pressure on it!

The simplest way to get it out now is to drill the end of the screw carefully until the nut comes off.

Potterfield is an idiot! If he cared about his customers he would re-do the video. Problem is that it is on the internet now.

[Ptbobdemaria]

Thank you guys! I drilled it out and installed new sight! Big headache diverted..... I'm gonna send some 300grain pills down range tonight to celebrate!

[gwpercle]

Might want to check your area for a local gunsmith. We have them here in Baton Rouge area and they can usually fix most problems. Then you don't run the risk damaging a good firearm . Video's on line are iffy at best. You would think Midway would get it right ....wrong ! That should be a how NOT to, why they don't correct or delete it amazes me....it's on the net so it's right .
Gary

[armorer951]

I contacted Midway, but they will probably ignore the info I provided.

[BLUEDOT37]

The original postee turned the windage screw counter-clockwise. When you break the head off turning the screw CCW, it’s easier to remove the broken head from the right side but it’s harder to get the screw/nut out the left side.

When you break the head off by turning it CW, it’s a little harder to get the broken head out because the blade is fully right & is over the head & slot. However, the screw/nut can easily be removed by pushing on the screw’s broken end from the right side toward the left (from inside the blade housing) & then the blade can come out the right side.

It’s better to break the screw turning it CW.

(If you're going to drill out the nut don't break the head first. )

.