38 revolver sights

[dfaretra]

I have a 38/357 SW revolver Trying to adjust sights. Notice that sight rail is loose Should it be that way or can I tighten How?

[Alk8944]

There is a small screw near the front end of the sight leaf, tighten it!

[chief38]

Originally Posted by dfaretra

I have a 38/357 SW revolver Trying to adjust sights. Notice that sight rail is loose Should it be that way or can I tighten How?

I am not quite sure I understand your description of HOW your sights are loose.

The rear adjustable sight assembly on S&W revolvers secures to the frame of the gun with a front screw that SHOULD be fully tightened. The sight is allowed to move up and down for elevation adjustment by the rear screw and a spring to keep tension on it WILL ALLOW the back portion of the sight to be pushed up and down if you tried.

The adjustable rear sight blade moves left or right for windage and there should be minimal play between the blade and the blade holder so it can move when the adjustment screw is turns either way. You do not want excessive play or wobble or else the rear sight blade will never stay in a consistent position and your groups will of course open up.

If you have excessive play either the blade is worn or the track is worn and must be replaced or tightened. Slightly tightening the blade holder sometimes works but you may wind up cracking it in the process so be careful. The best way to do this is in a vise and make the track opening a few thousandths less wide.

The S&W rear sights are still readily available and not that expensive if all else fails. Just make sure you buy the correct rear sight blade in the correct height. They do come in 3 different heights and with or without the white outline.

I hope this helps and I hope I understood you correctly.

[scooter123]

If you mean the blade for the rear sight has a bit of wiggle front to rear in the sight base that is completely normal. If the sight base itself is loose then tighten up the front screw until it's very tight. If the rear sight blade has movement from side to side, that is a problem and it would be advisable to have S&W or a gunsmith re-install the rear sight blade with a new windage screw.

[Dr Denby]

If it is the blade, it is a relatively easy fix.

I had to do it a few years ago when my nephew accidentally banged it.

The blade, windage screw and nut (the spring and plunger was fine) came to $10 and 4 shipping.

All I needed was flat head bit, 1/16 punch and that bit with the two small prongs, grrr the name escapes me now.

About the only thing you can mess up is losing the tiny spring and plunger if you are not careful.

Takes 15 minutes and thats taking your time.

Or the whole assembly was like $50 and that's even simpler.

Doc

* spanner bit !