Models that the K,L,N sight are found on?

5kwkdw3 · #1 07-18-2018, 01:53 PM

Howdy Folks: I've noticed over the years that the standard adjustable S&W K,L,N sight is a favored item. So much so that other manufacturers will often mill their guns so that the Smith sight can be used. Also I've seen several offerings from Gunsmiths to mill an existing gun to utilize that sight. Besides turning a former "fixed sight" gun into an adjustable one, for Smith it just makes good manufacturing sense. If it works great, let's put it on all that we can. Save on inventory and they know it works.

That got me to wondering just how many Smith models that sight is included on (besides the obvious K,L, and N frame revolvers). Specifically, I've been looking at Smith's line of Victory 22LR pistols. It sure looks like we may be talking about that same sight being used on the auto pistols? Is anyone aware of the sight difference if there is any? Or, does anyone own both a Smith revolver and Victory pistol with adjustable sights that could figure this out for me?

WR Moore · #2 07-18-2018, 03:16 PM

The Smith sight on a 1911 was the bees knees back in 1970 or so. Since then, better options were developed.

Mounting that sight on a S&W fixed sight revolver can get complicated. I did 2 or 3 back when.

5kwkdw3 · #3 07-19-2018, 07:43 AM

I know I may be the odd bird out on this, but I'm now and always have been a big fan of fixed sight handguns. My collection now is mainly snub nosed revolvers all with fixed sights. My latest addition was the Perf. Center's 3.5" X Frame 460 magnum. D&L Sports, Inc. makes a wonderful all steel "fixed sight" replacement for the standard K,L,N Frames adjustable sight. It utilizes all of the screw holes (three now) found under the adj. sight for scope mounting and has the rearward small dovetail slot as well. The replacement slides into the dovetail and then is secured with the three screws which really do make the gun into a "fixed sight" revolver. I've used this on a few Smiths and love their addition to my fixed sight, snub nosed collection.

When looking at the new Victory series, I had to imagine that Smith might also use the same sight on that series. So I thought that if I got a "short barrelled" version of that model I might also be able to swap the sight out for the D&L fixed sight replacement? That was the reason for this post. I don't really want to purchase the gun to be able to find out if I'm correct or incorrect on the sight use? Smithy.

Laketime · #4 07-19-2018, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WR Moore

The Smith sight on a 1911 was the bees knees back in 1970 or so. Since then, better options were developed.

Mounting that sight on a S&W fixed sight revolver can get complicated. I did 2 or 3 back when.

Agreed , and Millet soon took over as the optimum sights.Also the rear sight became standard on a Dan Wesson and optional on Desert Eagles

flagman1776 · #5 07-19-2018, 06:52 PM

K S&W sight on Remington Rand 1911A1 done by Austin Belhert for me years ago. Still looks like a fox.
Barstow barrel. Interior action parts custom MilSpec nickeled.
Holster is Milt Sparks.

sceva · #6 07-20-2018, 01:27 PM

There were some Model 41's that had the Revolver sight

here is a borrowed photo

snw19_357 · #7 07-20-2018, 02:02 PM

An N sight (M28?) on an Austin Behlert Model 59.

jinx · #8 07-20-2018, 02:09 PM

Had one put on my HiPower years ago. I think it was quite common at the time. I love it.

k22fan · #9 07-20-2018, 03:43 PM

Originally 5" Model 41 Field Barrels were a way to recover the production expenses other wise lost when 7 3/8 inch barrels had sub-standard muzzle ends. Those had the long barrel's standard target sights. Later 5" Field Barrels were made from scratch. At least some of those Field Barrel production runs had the then current square front end K/N adjustable rear and red ramp front sights.

A Model 41 with a Field Barrel installed is, more or less, a King's .22 plinker.

bobbyd · #10 07-20-2018, 03:51 PM

Caution!
Over the years there has been a significant range of hole spacing for mounting what was supposedly a "standard" item.
Best to actually have the sight to be used in hand before progressing on any related project.

ISCS Yoda · #11 07-20-2018, 03:59 PM

Quote:

I know I may be the odd bird out on this, but I'm now and always have been a big fan of fixed sight handguns. My collection now is mainly snub nosed revolvers all with fixed sights.

What he said! Okay, no, while I do have more snub nosed fixed sight K frames than anything else I do have guns with adjustable sights but after years of shooting fixed sight handguns in cowboy action I am completely comfortable with fixed sights.