I have an early Model 69. Like a lot of those it shoots a little high with the rear sight all the way down. I called S&W CS and sent me the higher front sight and new pin at no charge. Before I jump in here with both feet I need to know the correct drill size for drilling the sight blade. I have seen a couple of conflicting recommendations on the right drill. Can anyone tell me the right drill to use? I have everything but the drill bit ready to go.

It's a #54 drill. It is .055" diameter.

^^^^^#54 AWG like he said.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Thanks for the help

And you need a .050 roll pin punch to get the original pin out. I've tried several times over the years to get the pin out of my 686 to no avail. It's so banged up now that probably sending to S&W is the only way I'll ever get it out.

Most pin punches only go down to 1/16", which is .062. If you can't find a .050, you can get a 1/16 and spin it down with the shank in a cordless drill and a bench grinder.

You can buy what you need, but likely won't find it at the local hardware store.

Hello All,
Hope this helps...
Gang, This is what I ordered from Brownells to change/update the sights on my wife's (SWMBO) favorite range toy! YMMV! I was lucky, in that I didn't break the very fragile and brittle drill bit off in the front sight. Here goes:
891-456-055WB Short Wire Gauge Drill #54
940-053-720WB Front Sight Pin (Hollow Roll Pin)
080-620-006WB .050 Long Cup Tip Punch #6
940-191-460WB Rear Sight Blade Kit .126 W/O
864-000-009WB .250" Gold Bead Front Sight

Good Luck, Have Fun! John

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Have Fun, Shoot Safe!
John

I got my # 54's off E IEIO bay. A 10 pack was just $5 as I recall. these things are fine so it's good to have spares.

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Dave