Help please

The front sight insert is loose. It has not fallen out. Just extremely loose. Is this normal?
All appears to be in good shape, just loose.

How do I fix this? Epoxy it back in? I want this done right.
Thanks for the help.

William

No - do not epoxy it. Get a new kit from Brownell's and pour new epoxy in, let dry and trim. Will last for years..... Eventually the epoxy shrinks a little and falls out - which is why I have opted to paint the front sights with Testor's Enamel over the last 30 years.

Testor's Enamel ($2 a bottle at any Hobby Store) comes in hundreds of colors, lasts for many years, is resistant to most gun solvents and oils, and the best part is that it can be removed in 10 minutes with no damage should you want to. You can change colors, paint over it and to me it's just a better way to go than ruing your front sight by dovetailing it out.

Hints:

*Clean sight with Alcohol prior to applying paint.
*Apply with a wooden toothpick, NOT a brush.
*Apply in 2 - 3 thinner coats rather than a thick one.
*Trim off excess (after drying) with a NEW single edge razor blade.
*Keep front sight level while drying over night between coats.

Chief38 has the correct (IMO) answer. This is a fairly easy diy repair and the kit contains excellent instructions. Should you elect the adhesive route, I'd recommend a pro-quality CAV (super glue) because it is reversible - most epoxy is not. Locktite makes a very good one. Good luck

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ol' country Jim

I'm going to take the contrary position here and agree with you, WILLIAMPIPPEN.

You already have an insert that fits, it has just shrunk a little and it's loose.

Carefully remove the insert, clean everything well with alcohol, and epoxy it back in place.

John

Mine is loose also on my 29-2. I will try to epoxy-nothing to lose.

I found that loose sight inserts can be easily repaired using "super glue" without having to remove the insert or make a new one.

To insure a good bond, I applied 91% alcohol to the area and made sure it ran through the joint to flush out any oils.
After drying with a hair dryer (not a torch or heat gun) just apply a drop of a good brand of super glue and allow capillary action to wick it into the joint.

This always seemed to be a permanent repair.

If you decide to repair the original insert or make a new one, make sure there are two small holes drilled in the bottom of the dovetail.
I don't know about currently, but S&W used to put these on factory sights.
If the holes are not there, use a small drill bit to drill them. They don't have to be deep.

When installing or re-installing the insert pack the holes with epoxy.
These form "locks" to insure the insert never comes loose or comes out without suffering major damage.

I have a pre 29 that had a loose insert.All I did was put a drop of Red locktite on the insert wiped of the excess and set aside to dry.The inserts shrink with age but are still secure in the slot.Not necessary to make it a bigger job than it is.

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SWCA#2288
SWHF#407

I did the same as Dave but with a bunch of blue Loctite applied a little at a time to settle and dry. It was on a well worn 19-3 2.5. Shot a lot of .38 and a box or so of .357 since then and no issues.