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Old 07-23-2020, 07:12 AM
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gfors gfors is offline
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Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3  
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Default Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3

I just picked up a 3" 65-3, and am absolutely smitten with this gun. The round butt fits my hand nicely, and the 3" heavy barrel balances perfectly. I shoot it better than practically anything else in my safe, but only when I can see the front sight. I will try blacking out the rear, and painting the front orange or yellow (red doesn't work so well for this colorblind guy...). If painting the front doesn't brighten it up enough, is there an easy way to replace the front, with a fiber optic? The front blade looks to be pinned in place, although I wouldn't be the one trying to punch that pin out.

Last edited by gfors; 07-23-2020 at 07:14 AM.
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Old 07-23-2020, 10:13 AM
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Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3 Changing the Front Sight on a 65-3  
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I had a 3" 65-3, and its front sight was pinned. You could consult a gunsmith and see if it can be replaced.

Alternatively, you may be able to have a new front sight dovetailed in, but I don't know offhand if there's enough metal for that.

Another option may be to have the front sight reprofiled to more of a modified ramp or Patridge style shape. The biggest problem I've found with full-ramp front sights is that, depending on the lighting, they can wash out from glare. By reshaping the front sight blade, it should reduce, or possibly even eliminate, that problem. I've often thought of having that done with the integral front sight on my 642-1. But for right now, I've painted the front sight fluorescent orange and the rear sight black, and it works reasonably well for me. If I do have the front sight reprofiled, I'd still paint it for improved visibility.

A tip on painting the front sight. I'd recommend applying a base coat of white and letting it dry before applying your color choice. The white base coat will help make the bright colored paint "pop." FWIW, I use Testor's enamel paint, and then once it's dry and to my liking, I apply clear hardening nail polish over the top to protect it. Years of carry and practice from the holster and it still looks new. But if I decide to change it, a little finger nail polish remover/acetone will remove it.
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