Front sight loose on 57

[TellEm]

Picked up a 4 inch 57, no dash. Found out that the front sight is loose, almost like it's on a seesaw. Is this a common issue? Any good way to get it tightened back up solid to the barrel?

Other than some honest wear on this gun that's the only issue. Smooth target stocks, target trigger and hammer. It's bothering me to no end that the front sight is loose.

 

[M29since14]

The best way is to replace the sight. If it is a red ramp that is integral with the base, and the base pinned to the rib, that is no easy job. Calls for an expert.

S&W was smart when they made the base integral with the barrel, but of course a lot of “old timers” complained, much like they do now about MIM parts, etc. Your gun probably has the earlier type of front sight, the base being held in place by two pins through the rib. Not an easy repair if it was not pinned properly to start with. It’s also possible the pins may be broken.

The newer models that have a blade pinned to the integral base are the best of both worlds, in my view, since the blade can be easily replaced if it is damaged.

 

[Hawg Rider]

I have had some limited success with applying some red Loctite under the sight blade and clamping it down in place. Remove any excess or squeeze out Loctite immediately. I have not had much luck finding expert S&W revolver gunsmiths to do the repair, so I went the DIY path. I've used the same process for vintage revolvers with loose pinned front sights, but in those cases I removed the pin and slightly bent the pin before reinstalling with Loctite. Good luck!

 

[TellEm]

Thanks yall. I removed the pin, cleaned and degreased, and went back together with high temp loctite. Bent the pin a hair prior to reinstalling. So far it's solid.

 

[Yendor357]

Yeah, I was going to say Loc-Tite.

A drop of that stuff will tighten up the rear sight on the new Colts that people moan about. Saves $100.

 

[A10]

Thanks yall. I removed the pin, cleaned and decreased, and went back together with high temp loctite. Bent the pin a hair prior to reinstalling. So far it's solid.

Used to use the red loctite installing compensators on 1911s on the threads. The stuff will last.

 

[gwpercle]

Thanks yall. I removed the pin, cleaned and decreased, and went back together with high temp loctite. Bent the pin a hair prior to reinstalling. So far it's solid.

Good Fix ... I was going to suggest J-B Weld Epoxy ...
but Red Loctite is probably better .

I tend to fix everything with J-B Weld , Duct Tape or WD40...
as the event dictates ... I need to get some of that Loctite ...
never used it ... I steal some of my wife's fingernail polish when I need thread locker !
Gary

 

[Hair Trigger]

The best way is to replace the sight. If it is a red ramp that is integral with the base, and the base pinned to the rib, that is no easy job. Calls for an expert.

S&W was smart when they made the base integral with the barrel, but of course a lot of “old timers” complained, much like they do now about MIM parts, etc. Your gun probably has the earlier type of front sight, the base being held in place by two pins through the rib. Not an easy repair if it was not pinned properly to start with. It’s also possible the pins may be broken.

The newer models that have a blade pinned to the integral base are the best of both worlds, in my view, since the blade can be easily replaced if it is damaged.

I think the pinned sight base must have been earlier that the M57, like in the "pre" model era. My M57 has a sight base integral to the barrel rib, but the sight blade is pinned to the base by a single flush pin. Mine is from 1968 so it's an earlier gun. I looked ay all my N frames with adjustable sights and they all have integral front bases, but the front blade is variable in whether I can detect a pin; my M27-2, M28-2 and M57 have barely visible flush pins, but I can't see a pin on my M25-5 or my M29-2. They are both nickel so maybe that's why.