Meprolight front sight question

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kpmtns

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Can anyone post a picture of a front meprolight sight? I'm thinking of getting a set for a 686-5, and am wondering how the front sight is set up. In doing a search, a post implied that just the red ramp portion of the front blade would be replaced, but that doesn't seem right; I would think that the whole blade would be replaced. Also, does the set come with a complete replacement rear sight assembly, or is it just the rear blade? Thanks!
 
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I don't have pictures of my 696, but yes, the rear sight is blade only and the red insert was removed and replaced with the dot sight, not the whole blade.
BTW, I am thinking of converting my sights back to stock as the rear sight is faded on 1 side. Finding the red insert is difficult,so I'll leave the front sight as is, and either use a Millett, or go factory for the rear sight.
 
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Hmmm, sounds interesting. Is the front part glued in? I was hoping that the whole assumbly for the rear was included to make it easy to install.
 
If this link goes through as pictured, it should answer your questions as to how the sight set is configured? The front red ramp replacement insert I have held in place on better than a dozen installations of this set up, by using Loctite's bearing and sleeve retainer formula. All the sets I have currently, are 13 Y/O and are just now getting to the point of needing replacement.

MeproLightNightSights.com: Meprolight Tru-Dot Sights, 22770, Fits S&W K/L/N, Green

(EDIT) You'll have to click on the images of the sight set to enlarge them...
FWIW, They cost about 40% less than they did originally @ this price with a 13+ year life, a bargain!
 
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Wow, seems pretty slick. I'm pretty handy, and think I could do this conversion. Is the only special tool I'd need to install the rear that little rear sight tool gizmo (I can't recall what it is called)? Or is this a job better left to a gunsmith?
 
kpmtns said:
Wow, seems pretty slick. I'm pretty handy, and think I could do this conversion. Is the only special tool I'd need to install the rear that little rear sight tool gizmo (I can't recall what it is called)? Or is this a job better left to a gunsmith?
Click to expand...

On a S&W revolver, no gunsmith is needed. On a 1911, you're taking a chance on breaking a sight, but it's a pretty good gamble.

BTW, the special screwdriver bit from Brownell's is not guaranteed, so I bought two. I haven't broken the first one yet.
 
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The best tip is to have available a dental pick, and to do the work within a transparent plastic bag. There are a couple of very small parts (spring and detent for the windage adjustment screw) that can attain a quite high velocity when traveling across one's kitchen! (Don't ask me how I know?) If your going the contact Brownell's for that tool, you might want to get a spare set of the parts I just mentioned, they're very inexpensive JIC? Also, a jewelers screw driver can be used to do the staking of the new adjustment screw with. I was nervous as a cat in a rocking chair factory on my first one. Use your head, and their bark will be worse than their bite.
 
The front red ramp replacement insert I have held in place on better than a dozen installations of this set up said:
Spotted, do you know what # Loctite it is that you used. There are different temp variations in some of the formulas.
Click to expand...
 
This is my 657 MG...I opted to replace the whole blade.

SW657MG001.jpg


SW657MG004.jpg


SW657MG003.jpg


From what I understand XS also has complete sight sets for S&W revolvers also.

Bob
 
I just used ordinary "blue" medium strength Loctite on my two 686s. I tried to scratch up the surface of the notch in the front ramp to help the grip of the Loctite. I haven't had them come loose on me at all.

I did have to do a little filing on at least one of the front ramps in order to force the one Mepro insert in the slot, as I recall. One has to be careful, of course, not to take too much off.

Andy
 
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