3rd gen rear sight questions

[DocNugent]

Which models of 3rd gen 9mm pistols had the simple blade rear sight (top one in pic below)? Was it only certain years?

I'm looking for a slide for my 5906 with that sight - doesn't matter if it's SS or blued, but it does need a decocker on at least one side.

My search so far has been limited to 5906 and 910 models - should I include others that would fit/work?

Thanks.

 

[hooksnatcher]

My 3906 has that sight (your top photo), but I've seen photos of other 3906's with the other sights as well.

 

[loeman]

Sorry I can't be of any help with your question. My 5906 has the adjustable sights shown in your bottom photo. However, I really do prefer the sight that you are looking for. I'm a big fan of fixed sights and I have that one on my 4506 no dash ca. 1988. S&W did a fantastic job fitting this sight at the factory.

 

[Sven]

On a related question -- on sight #2, who makes the tritium inserts? My 1076 night sights are very dim (bought it that way) and I would like to send the slide in to have them re-lamped.

 

[jsbethel]

I believe they started using Novak sights around 1990. The blade sight was used for a relatively short time on the early 3rd gens.

 

[jsbethel]

On a related question -- on sight #2, who makes the tritium inserts? My 1076 night sights are very dim (bought it that way) and I would like to send the slide in to have them re-lamped.

Trijicon most likely - send them the slide and they will re-lamp the sights for around $54.

 

[jsbethel]

My search so far has been limited to 5906 and 910 models - should I include others that would fit/work?

The 910 slide is different - you should search for 915 (there are three 915 slides on Ebay right now - be aware that the rear blade sight on the 915 does not have dots on it). You could search 5903, 5904 and 5905.

 

[kentuckypilgrim]

I have a 915 with sights like you are talking about.

 

[Jaymo]

My square triggerguard 5906 and 6906 both have the first sight.
OF course, we can narrow them down to 1988-91, by the TG, IIRC.
My 5946 has Novaks and I believe my 4566 on layaway has Novaks, also.

Haven't checked either the 5946 or the 4566 to see if they are actually dead night sights.

If the are, would I need to send the entire slide to Trijicon for relamping, or do I need to remove the sights and just send the sights?

 

[jsbethel]

Haven't checked either the 5946 or the 4566 to see if they are actually dead night sights.

If the are, would I need to send the entire slide to Trijicon for relamping, or do I need to remove the sights and just send the sights?

I just sent the slide to Trijicon in a small USPS flat rate box for around $6. Return shipping is included in their fee. Trijicon will do it all for you - you don't need to remove the sights.

 

[dswancutt]

The very early 5906 with square trigger guards had the first style sight.

 

[Big Shrek]

I just sent the slide to Trijicon in a small USPS flat rate box for around $6. Return shipping is included in their fee. Trijicon will do it all for you - you don't need to remove the sights.

I have big huge issues with sending my slide since its a relatively scarce
CS45 stainless...I'd rather loose a set of sights in the mail than the whole slide


But I love that Trijicon will do it, it is a company I trust

 

[epj]

Gen 3 sights can be very difficult to remove if you don't have a sight pusher. Also, once relamped, you don't really want to install with a punch and hammer. Consider sending them the slide.

 

[epj]

Gen 3 sights can be very difficult to remove if you don't have a sight pusher. Also, once relamped, you don't really want to install with a punch and hammer. Consider sending them the slide. Insure it for enough to replace it.

 

[scwv67]

I just sent the slide to Trijicon in a small USPS flat rate box for around $6. Return shipping is included in their fee. Trijicon will do it all for you - you don't need to remove the sights.

Is there anyway to tell if the sights on my 3913 are tritium sights so I can send them in for relamping? If they are, they are long since dead, and I assume they wouldn't put tritium inserts into standard sights.

 

[Sven]

Is there anyway to tell if the sights on my 3913 are tritium sights so I can send them in for relamping? If they are, they are long since dead, and I assume they wouldn't put tritium inserts into standard sights.

Judging from my near dead 1076 and comparing with my plain sighted 4046, the dots on the sights are not just plain white dots, they are more like a very small dot within a white circle. In a very dark room, I can still see my sights glow slightly, but are by no means usable as night sights.

Does anyone else have a better description?

 

[dswancutt]

Is there anyway to tell if the sights on my 3913 are tritium sights so I can send them in for relamping? If they are, they are long since dead, and I assume they wouldn't put tritium inserts into standard sights.

I lifted these pictures of gunbroker of 3913 rear sights. I'm not 100%, but it follows what all my 3rd gen's have for both standard and night sights.

Standard rear sight.



If you look at it, the dots are closer together and recessed a bit.

Night sight



Dots are further apart and rear face of sight is smooth.

Like I said, this is how all my 3rd gens are.

 

[scwv67]

I lifted these pictures of gunbroker of 3913 rear sights. I'm not 100%, but it follows what all my 3rd gen's have for both standard and night sights.

Standard rear sight.



If you look at it, the dots are closer together and recessed a bit.

Night sight



Dots are further apart and rear face of sight is smooth.

Like I said, this is how all my 3rd gens are.

So the wider spaced ones are the night sights? Mine are the close spaced ones.

 

[dswancutt]

So the wider spaced ones are the night sights? Mine are the close spaced ones.

I am 99% sure you do not have night sights.

 

[mikeasb]

Both of my 915's have the top sight in your picture.