Rear sight blade play

notsofast

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Should there be any rear sight blade play? If I had to guess I would say there is close to .010" left and .010" right free play on my 627 rear sight blade. My model 19's blade is rock steady with no slop. Do I have a problem with the loose blade or is this acceptable?
 
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If you mean side-to-side, that is not normal. The nut for the windage screw is not adjusted properly. Check the slotted nut to see if it is loose on the screw, it shouldn't be, but probably is. You will need a split screwdriver to tighten the nut. Tighten it down snug, then back it off 1/4 turn and stake the end of the screw to lock the nut. A center punch works, that's what the factory uses now. Be sure to lay the gun on its' right side with either a lead or babbit block supporting the screw head. The weight of the gun needs to be supported on the block so no stress is put on the sight leaf when staking the screw.
 
I have seen many of these with fore and aft play as you describe. It used to upset me but I found that the gun usually shot OK. Smith says it's part of the design, but I don't think it helps sell guns.
 
Alk8944 probably nailed it, but there is one more little thing to check. Turn the windage adjustment screw and listen for a faint audible click as the plunger snaps into position. If you don't feel or hear it, then it's been lost by a well-meaning handyman. The plunger and it's spring are the smallest parts on a Smith & Wesson revolver, and their abscence can result in side to side play of the sight blade. Don't mess with them unless you have a new screw and nut on hand. Hopefully, I'm wrong. Good luck.
 
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