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Old 08-13-2018, 01:23 PM
bob42 bob42 is offline
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Default Rear Sight Model 66

I recently got a 66-1 with a bent rear sight blade. To replace the blade I believe I need the blade, screw & nut and probably should get the other small parts & springs I will need.
Is this a simple do at home task?
Is there a list of parts necessary? Instructions?
Source & cost of parts?

Thanks!
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Old 08-13-2018, 07:02 PM
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You should only need to buy the Rear Sight Blade Kit (<$20), specifically to fit (blade height) your gun, which includes the blade, screw & nut. You shouldn't need any other parts unless you lose them during disassemby. (The windage screw's plunger & spring are the ones most commonly lost, if you're not careful.)

If you buy the kit from S&W they include these instructions. If you get it from someone else (Midway) it won't have them.

If you have the confidence & some foreknowledge, along with a few simple tools you should be able to do it.

If in doubt have someone else do it.

.



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Old 08-14-2018, 11:23 AM
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That spring and plunger in the windage screw are VERY small and will leave the country forthwith!!

It is a real pain to get the spring and plunger inserted in the screw and get it under the blade to slide into the sight body.

Also, it might be possible to unscrew the nut without breaking the windage screw, as noted by Toolguy in another thread. I never had any luck at that.

You will need a staking tool and a U shaped blade to use on the nut. Both can be bought at Brownell's and maybe MidwayUSA.

Good luck. It is tricky and frustrating to get it all back together, but you have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Good luck
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Old 08-14-2018, 11:54 PM
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Put the rear sight assembly in a gallon freezer bags when you pull the broken screw out, by the head, as it's easy to forget about it (plunger & spring) & it'll fly off, likely to be lost.

The elevation screw should not be turned/removed thus it's plunger & spring should be not be a problem.

To remove the rear sight assembly you remove the forward screw only. The rear screw (elevation) does not secure the sight to the frame.

You can use a small jeweler's screwdriver to snug up the new windage nut in lieu of the forked windage nut mentioned.

The nut end of the screw is hollow & once you are ready (see instructions) to flare it (so the nut won't/can't come off when the screw head is turned) you can use a center punch for that.

It'll make better sense once you have the new parts in hand & can look them over. You might want to order an extra windage screw & nut too (don't need another blade) just in case you need to redo it.

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Old 09-21-2018, 04:11 PM
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Finally got the kit and did the job. Not too hard once you see the parts. Thanks to all!
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Old 09-21-2018, 05:03 PM
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I love a happy ending!
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Old 10-02-2018, 01:43 PM
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Always eager to learn:

I may be interested in replacing several dinged rear sight blades and noted that the kits are in different sizes like: .146 - .126 - .160 - .130 ................etc.

Do these sizes refer to height of blade, width of sighting notch, or ...........................? Guess I need to know before tearing into some of the wheel guns' rear sights.

THANKS, Bo
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Old 10-02-2018, 05:19 PM
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That is the height of just the blade itself, not counting the threaded part.
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Old 10-02-2018, 06:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Toolguy View Post
That is the height of just the blade itself, not counting the threaded part.
Good stuff! Will now know how to order when I figure out how many sight blades are needed.

THANKS!! Bo in western NC
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Old 10-02-2018, 11:18 PM
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Default Deeper notch windows

Quote:
Originally Posted by BoCash View Post
Do these sizes refer to height of blade, width of sighting notch, or ...?
Just a FYI;

while the width of the notch is the same on all of them the vertical depth of the notch does change depending on which one you need/use.

The .106" & .126" tall blades have a sight notch window that's ~.060" deep/tall.

The .146" & .160" tall blades have a sight notch window that's ~.080" deep/tall.

The .196" tall blades have a sight notch window that's ~.105" deep/tall.

The deeper notch presents a better sight picture. This info is useful to know when replacing a short front blade for a taller one. In conjuction with that change you'll need to use a portionally taller rear sight blade. If your aim is also for a better sight picture you can match them together accordingly.

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Old 10-03-2018, 10:07 AM
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All the factory rear sights have a .125 (1/8") notch and the fronts are .125 blade. A lot of the competition shooters are going to a .100 wide front with fiber optic for the faster shooting sports. I use front and rear fiber with .125 rear and .100 front.
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