.38 Snub Sight Options

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Hello All,

I'm completely new to snubbies and I'm wondering if the 637 or other sa/da 38's snubs are ever made with a non-fixed sight?

I've seen the XS dot replacement, but this cannot be done on a 637 can it? Or is that exactly what it was meant for?

I'd like if S&W offered a .38sp with non ramp sights...like the 340pd.

Any thoughts are appreciate.

Thanks.
 
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Over the years there have been a number of versions of the Chief's Special with adjustable sights. There was a non-cataloged version called the Model 50 (I think) at one time and there have been versions of the model 60 with adjustable sights that are not hard to find; I've got one in .38 Special with a 3 inch barrel. I don't know off the top of my head whether there are any Airweight snubbies with adjustable sights and I don't have access to my Standard Catalog of S&W right now.
 
There are some current J models with a pinned sight - the 640, 649 and the 340PD. And a couple have night sights (340, 351, etc.) and at least one has a fiber optic front sight (360). The best sights of all may be those on the 640 Pro, considering there is a more prominent rear sight as well as the dovetailed front sight - which I think is unique among J frames.

I installed an XS Big Dot on my 640 and it works great.

But most current J frames come with the fixed front sight, and that's what's on the two most popular models - the 442 and 642 - and as you mentioned that's what's on the 637. I've heard of gunsmiths milling off fixed front sights and installing a more visible front sight in a slot. I don't know how practical that is, or how expensive it would be.
 
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There is a XS sight for the fixed sight J-frames, but it requires machining the existing front sight into a tenon and the XS sight is then epoxied onto it. Requires gunsmith installation, unless you have the skills and equipment to do it yourself.

You can also modify the shape of the front sight, either yourself or have a gunsmith do it. I've seen existing fixed ramp front sights reshaped into a modified ramp or Patridge style sight. That's something I've thought about doing.

I'm not sure if it's possible on a non-ribbed barrel, but a gunsmith may be able to mill away the front sight, machine a dovetail, and install an aftermarket sight. I'm not sure if a non-ribbed barrel has enough metal to do that, though.

I would suggest painting the sights a different color first. It's a low-cost, easily reversible method to improve your ability to see the sights. There are plenty of threads on that subject if you do a search. You may find that painting the sights will meet your needs without going to the expense and trouble of having machine work done on your gun.
 
There is a thread right now called "A Couple of J Frame 3 Inch Target Guns" (or pretty close to that) that talks about the Model 60 (more common) and Model 36 (rare) with adjustable sights.

If you are wanting to add an XS big dot sight to the front of an airweight I would suggest you take a look at a 360J.

They are in .38 Special and were made for the Japanese Police. S&W had a large overage of them, or the Japanese Government didn't take an order, not to long ago and you could pick one up fairly cheap. The front sight is pinned and an XS sight or something similar can be put on.

Here is a pic on mine that I had the cylinder converted for 9mm usage by TK customs and put an XS sight on the front.

The hammer is exposed and is under the Bianchi Lightning Grip.
 

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Another vote for the 640 Pro. It has the best sights on a small revolver I have ever had. I wish they offered it on other guns as well.
 
So, given one click of the adjustment, how much does the point of impact change at a distance of across the table?

My apologies---I couldn't resist! Many years ago, when I was collecting S&W target guns (defined as anything with target sights) I had all the truly weird guns (including the Chiefs Special Targets)---that nobody in their right mind would have used in a match. It took a while, but I came to the realization I had an accumulation rather than a meaningful collection--and started over. In between, I paid my way to the out of town matches by scoffing at low scores---and adding I could do better than that with my snub nose. Such derisive comments were almost always met with the challenge of, "Oh yeah---for how much?!!" Needless to say, that was exactly what I was waiting for. That foolishness only worked once with the home crowd.

Ralph Tremaine
 
There ae dozens of different sight configurations on the various snub nosed J-frames that have been produced over the decades.

J-frames2s.jpg

As mentioned the Chief's Special Target was available as both a 2" and 3" revolver and is Factory supplied with the Smith and Wesson Micrometer adjustable sight. I am a BIG fan of the 2" version

50-bs.jpg


CST2s.jpg


60CST2s.jpg


60adjs.jpg


36%20full%20lug%20small.jpg


36CST3s.jpg


60pro2s.jpg

While I really like that big shark fin front sight, I know it is not for everybody.

You could also use one of the various Laser Grips on your snubby.

Carry%20J-frames.jpg

In addition to increasing how fast you can acquire a target or their advantages around barracudas, their biggest bonus comes in training. The laser lets you see how much you are shaking the firearm during the trigger pull and focuses your attention there for improvement.

Many folks will fault laser grips because the use a battery. A battery lasts well over one year of average training and shooting. Several manufacturers will give you FREE batteries. Well just like your home smoke detectors, change them on your Birthday and you should be just fine.

You can have a new sight pinned into ANY J-frame that you own. A Gunsmith can grind off your existing front sight (if it is not pinned) and then slot the barrel rib for a pinned on replacement sight.
 
I have a non pinned front sight j frame at the smith right now getting set up for an XS Standard Dot Front sight. The front sight is milled and the XS sight is fit over the milled front sight. Looking forward to seeing how it turns out.
 
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I'll chime in with a vote for the 640 Pro. You don't have to load it with .357s!

Or if you can live with a 3" find a Model 36-6 Target.
 

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I carry one, accuracy requires skill and "bygolly"

Ever seen Miculek the competition shooter?

One time he shot a snubby at 400 yards and hit a balloon. I couldn't believe it.
 
All the suggestions have been j frames.

The M 15 is available with a 2” barrel as is it’s stainless counterpart.

They are 6 shot K frames: slightly larger than the j frames.
 
After many years of resistance Mark (Colt_SAA) walked in one day with a new set of Crimson Trace grips for my Ashland 60-1 Target sighted Chief's Special.

While we all realize that in a confrontation it is your coordination and instinct that will make (or break) the day and NOT the target sights as there is no time to aim safe point & shoot. HOWEVER, after install and a trip to the range to adjust (just slightly) a Crimson Trace beats 4 Aces any day of the week. I'm absolutely sold on the Crimson Trace laser sighted stocks for the Chief's Special carry.

It makes a hole in the paper almost exactly where that laser light is focused. Excellent !

Thank you, Mark !!
 
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