Is it normal for the front sight to be a little bit loose?

xssv · Aug 28, 2014

6 day old 329 Classic. Love the gun, got grips and have shot it 3 times at the range (maybe 30 total rounds), cleaning after shooting all three times.

Took it out to show a friend a bit ago, and noticed that the front sight would wiggle ever so slightly if you kinda pinched it like you were picking up something with your thumb and index finger. Went right back into place, and stayed there, but if you push on the front of it upward with some mild pressure, it will move up just a little. Let off and it goes back to flush with the sight mount.

Is this natural? Have babied it and it hasn't been bumped into anything at all. Feels real sturdy unless you touch it the way I explained.

Anyhow, anyone have suggestions for after-marked front sights (kinda wanted some anyway).

CDROBERTS · Aug 28, 2014

xssv said:
6 day old 329 Classic. Love the gun, got grips and have shot it 3 times at the range (maybe 30 total rounds), cleaning after shooting all three times.

Took it out to show a friend a bit ago, and noticed that the front sight would wiggle ever so slightly if you kinda pinched it like you were picking up something with your thumb and index finger. Went right back into place, and stayed there, but if you push on the front of it upward with some mild pressure, it will move up just a little. Let off and it goes back to flush with the sight mount.

Is this natural? Have babied it and it hasn't been bumped into anything at all. Feels real sturdy unless you touch it the way I explained.

Anyhow, anyone have suggestions for after-marked front sights (kinda wanted some anyway).

No, it is not natural.

xssv · Aug 28, 2014

****. Should I call s&w? Take it to the dealer? Or live with it and buy some new sights? That little piece in there that holds it into place looks sturdy and doesn't move. Just the sight.

I overlooked a couple tiny little pin-hole marks in the gun that were only noticable under absolute picky inspection. I figure they'll come out during cleaning in the first six months just using a toothbrush or the scratch free scotchguard pad and oil. But, this kinda pisses me off now.

arjay · Aug 28, 2014

If its one of the new ones with the interchangeable front sights,yes they are a bit loose.At least the one on my 629 was.

xssv · Aug 28, 2014

Its a 629-6 and the box is stamped that it left smith and wesson on aug.13, 2014 and I bought it on the 21st. It didn't come with any extra sights though. And the dealer got it literally on the day before I showed up asking for it. small town dealer and no other place within 200 miles had one. What were the odds? They also had a 5.5 inch one with the same date. Woulda bought it too if money was no object.

arjay · Aug 28, 2014

Mine was a 629-6 and as far as I know that's normal with that sight.Its an interchangeable blade that can be switched out without tools.

shouldazagged · Aug 28, 2014

arjay said:
Mine was a 629-6 and as far as I know that's normal with that sight.Its an interchangeable blade that can be switched out without tools.

Is it just me, or is that a little weird? Especially with a heavy-recoiling gun.

Maybe I'm not understanding something here.

TucsonMTB · Aug 28, 2014

I read somewhere that the interchangeable front sight revolvers have a small hole below the sight that is visible when looking from the muzzle end of barrel. Not owning one of these, I could be very confused. But, if the hole is there, I am guessing that would confirm that the sight blade is the replaceable type and that some movement is to be expected.

xssv · Aug 28, 2014

Yep. there's a hole there. I did more reading and it is interchangeable. of course didn't come with any extras. Saw some pics too. I was worried for nothing. surprised the heck out of me though.

rwsmith · Aug 28, 2014

Anybody with some design experience....

Anybody with some design experience out to be able to place a sight on a gun that is immovable until being taken out. I just don't get this.

scooter123 · Aug 28, 2014

If you look at the S&W Web Store you will find there is a pretty good selection of different sights, everything from Gold Bead Patridge to Fiber Optics. In addition IIRC there are 2 different heights available, 0.250 inch and 0.300 inch, which makes it a bit easier if you need to correct for a heavier than typical bullet.

BTW, to change out the sight you push it FIRMLY towards the rear of the revolver and lift the front straight up. If you use a small file to dull the point of the front dovetail it does make the sight a lot easier to remove because as machined by S&W the total clearance available for removal is only about 0.004 inch. Remove just 0.005 inch off that point and these sights pop in an out with ease when you want it to but in my experience they won't ever shoot loose.

Rpg · Aug 28, 2014

Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I can't imagine any good coming from loose sights.

xssv · Aug 29, 2014

Rpg said:
Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but I can't imagine any good coming from loose sights.

That's what I was thinking. Upon reflection, at least I have something to blame it on if I can't hit a damn thing with it someday.

jaymoore · Aug 29, 2014

I have several with the interchangable front blade set-up. I'm a bit of a long range accuracy fan, but have noted no group degradation due to this design.

If only the rear sight had as little slop...

Is it normal for the front sight to be a little bit loose?

xssv

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CDROBERTS

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xssv

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arjay

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shouldazagged

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