I just purchased a new 986 and would like to replace the front sight with a fiber optic sight. I believe it has the DX type sight which is held in place by a spring and is removable. When I bought it there was a S&W rep at the store and he said I should not try to remove the sight myself. Suggests I have a gunsmith do it. From the Youtube videos I have seen it looks simple enough. Any one here change it themselves. And what brand / model sight did you replace it with? Also, any tips on what brand of moon clips to get for it? And where ? Thanks

I replaced mine with the hiviz dx interchangeable. 250". Its pretty straightforward to remove. (Although I usually shoot with the red dot, but it did work well with the standard rear sight)
I dont know why he would recommend a gunsmith.
This type of front sight is meant to be user removable. And better than a pinned only sight as exchanging it (once you get the hang of it) is simple and less than maybe 2 min to remove. With your proper tools on hand.

Moonclips. I either purchased them from Ranch products or Speedbeez. I cant remember which. Same as the 929. In metal.

Instructions

I have a feeling that the S&W rep spoke forgetting it had the DX system, thinking it was pinned-in. DX sight blades are absolutely owner changeable. For speed I use a .100" Dawson FO. For precision a .125" HiViz of the height of your stock blade, or as close as you can get.

As for moon clips, use the RIMZ poly clips from E Z moon clips. They do make them for your 986. These have a decided advantage over metal moons, beyond the fact that you don't need special tools to load or unload the clips. They are not fussy about various brands of brass, working well with all headstamps. This because they not only hold the cartridge by virtue of the extractor groove, but also surround the case head thus more completely supporting the cartridge - think recessed cylinder and you'll get the idea. I use RIMZ for my 929 in competition and have nothing but praise for them.



Adios,

Pizza Bob

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I have never shot or even loaded a 9mm moon clip. My experience is with 45, 10mm, and 38 moon clips. With 45acp they all work about the same and tolerances are forgiving. However, with 38 and 10mm you have to spend the money for TK Customs moon clips if you want 100% reliability. It’s interesting and reassuring that two 986/929 revolver owners are reporting success with Rimz and SpeedZ moon clips. With that said, I trust anything with TK Customs name on it.

Thanks for the info. The Hi-viz sight and Rimz moon clips are going on my list to Santa.

Good combo. That’s what mine is set up for. Very accurate and fun to shoot. The 986 with a Ti cylinder is easy to carry.


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I also highly recommend RIMZ Moon clips.

They are polymer and the cartridges load and unload very easily with just your hands, no special tools needed to load or unload.

I went a different route with mine. Put a Dawson f/o front .300 X .125 and a bit taller rear. I like Dawson because the top edges of the sight are square and more defined , just my preference. I've never tried the RIMZ clips, probably will. I used a Mooner/Demooner for my 25 and 625 so just got one for the 986. Fast and easy load/unload but cost about 100 bucks.

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One more vote for the Rimz. I have been using them exclusively for years and highly recommend them. I can’t think of the older gentleman’s name at the moment, but I’ve had only good experiences when I’ve felt the need to call with a question or to order direct.

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That would be Denny Bennett - not sure how he'd take to being called "the older gentleman". LOL

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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