Behlert Sights

[Green Frog]

I think the company is still in business, but I’m interested in something from years ago during the time when PPC revolvers were really popular. Does anyone remember when Austin made special adjustable sights for custom revolvers? They are unlike any other sights I’ve ever seen, but seem to have taken the best features from several other designs.

I got one from Fred Schmidt’s estate sale and it sits atop my Project 616 Now and seems like a good idea.

Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

Here are a couple of images I just took of the sight. The rear face is reminiscent of a Bomar, and the upper portion (where the adjustments are, but behind most of the tang) is pretty broad and beefy. I’m not sure I like the aesthetics quite as well as the original S&W unit, but it is definitely stout and presents a great sight picture in actual use.

 

[Hondo44]

Wow, industrial strength!

I agree, would look better on a slab side competition gun or big bore hunting handgun.

For the "Sweet 616" I'd stick with the finesse of the factory sight.

 

[andy52]

Those look a lot like a set I have on my 24-3. I had posted a tread some time ago trying to identify the sights but didn't get many answers.

 

[1chessiefan]

Dear Froggie,
I have a Behlert sight on my Model 57. I bought it directly from Austin Behlert’s smithy in the late 70s or early 80s. I do not believe that these sights are still manufactured. Austin Behlert was a contributor to the pistolsmith website and he passed away in 2005. In some of the threads on that site people asked him if he had any sights left over that he would part with.

Sincerely,

1chessiefan

 

[Green Frog]

Wow, industrial strength!

I agree, would look better on a slab side competition gun or big bore hunting handgun.

For the "Sweet 616" I'd stick with the finesse of the factory sight.

Hondo44, the picture actually makes them look a little more clunky than they actually are in real life, but they definitely are industrial strength... which I think is a "good thing." The wide spot is far back enough to make holster fit still reasonably achievable. First I had thought I didn't like them, but they are sort of growing on me.

andy52, the one you have may be from Behlert as well, but the elevation screw looks a little different. The problem is, I don't know when or for how long Austin made these sights, and he passed away several years ago, so I'll have to depend on secondary sources (collective memory of the forum) instead of going straight to the horse's mouth.

Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

Thanks, 1chessiefan. That would sort of match up with what little I already knew. I bought two sets of them NOS in their little clear plastic and foam boxes from the estate of Fred Schmidt about 1986 or '88. One set went to a friend and I kept the other (that was unfortunately ruined when my basement got wet. ) My friend's set came back to me eventually from his estate and I figured I'd better put them on a gun just to keep them safe! As I mentioned to friend Hondo44, they are sorta starting to grow on me... after all, Project 616 was always meant to be a little "outside the box" by its very design!

Froggie

 

[andy52]

Hondo44, the picture actually makes them look a little more clunky than they actually are in real life, but they definitely are industrial strength... which I think is a "good thing." The wide spot is far back enough to make holster fit still reasonably achievable. First I had thought I didn't like them, but they are sort of growing on me.

andy52, the one you have may be from Behlert as well, but the elevation screw looks a little different. The problem is, I don't know when or for how long Austin made these sights, and he passed away several years ago, so I'll have to depend on secondary sources (collective memory of the forum) instead of going straight to the horse's mouth.

Froggie

Thanks I've been trying for several years now to figure out who made the sights on the 24-3. They are very well made and a step above a factory sight.

 

[Laketime]

Looks identical to a Millet rear sight without the bold white outline .

 

[andy52]

Not trying to hi-jack the OP thread but are you referring to mine or his?

 

[1chessiefan]

Dear Andy,
I may be mistaken but I do not think that your sight is a Behlert. All of the examples that I have seen have the name Behlert in raised lettering on the tang.

Sincerely,

1chessiefan

 

[Green Frog]

Andy, looking again at yours and comparing it to mine, another difference is that the rear face of my Behlert sight is smooth while your sight has the ribs on it. Could it possibly be an early Millett?

Froggie

 

[andy52]

Andy, looking again at yours and comparing it to mine, another difference is that the rear face of my Behlert sight is smooth while your sight has the ribs on it. Could it possibly be an early Millett?

Froggie

Thanks I've looked at all the major sight makers and have yet been able to identify the sights.
The closest I've come and it could be just a earlier design is Bowen rough country sights.
I have taken the sights off but didn't find any markings on them.

 

[andy52]

I just emailed Bowen Sight Co and sent them the two above photos they replied within a couple of minutes. They told me they were if fact one of their older style rough country targets for S&Ws.

 

[Green Frog]

Cool! It looks like this thread is having unintended benefits as well as accomplishing what I had hoped for. Glad it worked out for you!

Froggie

 

[andy52]

Cool! It looks like this thread is having unintended benefits as well as accomplishing what I had hoped for. Glad it worked out for you!

Froggie

The main reason I had asked about the sights in a previous thread was I couldn't get enough elevation in my 24 to get my hand loads on target.
This thread worked out great Bowen told me they had several different rear blades that might help my issue.