Suggestions on Gunsmiths-I want to Dove Tail my x2 S&W 686s Front Sights

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PresidentNixon

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Hello all, I want to dovetail my two 686-6's front sights. I'm looking for a gunsmith who can do that and so far I've only found D&L Sports Customs (link of D&L examples of dovetail). Any other reputable gunsmith suggestions?

Custom Revolvers

Also for sights I'm looking for dovetailed front sights either gold bead or night sight with white outline and the rear sights to be blacked out (D&L Customs makes the sights as well for this but I wasn't sure who else did that's reputable).

Why dovetailed? I installed HiViz sights on my S&W revolvers front and I messed up the hole where the retaining pin goes into on both of the revolvers and my OCD is getting the better of me :(
 
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I can make a suggestion since you asked, but it's so simple you might think it's not viable. For the $3 bucks and sheer simplicity, it would make sense to try before you permanently alter your M686.

Leave your M686 the way it is and go buy some Testor's Hi-Viz paint in a 3/4 ounce bottle. It will work perfectly, will last a long time as long as you apply it correctly, will set you back under $3 and can be removed easily to change colors or restore to original.

Simply choose the "Hi-Viz color of Testor's luminescent paint at your local Hobby Shop, Michaels or Hobby Lobby, clean the sight with Alcohol or Acetone before applying, and apply 3 light coats with a toothpick, (not a brush). Apply only to the same location a factory dovetail insert is normally in and clean up any paint on the side after it's all dried. The Testor's comes in Hi-Viz luminescent as well as many other colors!

I have done this more times than I can remember over 40+ years and the Testor's lasts decades before you need to restore or re-coat. Stands up great against gun oils and most solvents too. Changing colors is a snap, it couldn't be any less expensive and the results are spectacular. On my guns I do 3-4 coats (allow 24 hours between coats) and I prefer when the paint sticks up ever so slightly and fills and covers the serrations on the front sight blade. Looks just like a dovetailed insert.

Unless you are hell-bent on machining your M686, this is the way to go IMHO. No alterations to the gun and if you decide you made a mistake or get tired of it - it tales 10 minutes to bring back to Factory. Personally I like the traditional S&W red/orange color, but that's a personal choice.
 
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Unfortunately I tried installing the new Hi Viz sights myself a few days ago and my drill damaged the area around the hole/pin front sight. That is why I'm wanting dovetailed sights as well as they are just easier to install and change out. Anyone have recommendations? I'm looking for a dovetail sight like the link below from factory OEM.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/l-frame-10227
 
I can't steer you to any other 'smiths to do the work, but I can highly recommend D&L Sports/Dave Lauck.
He's a world-class gunsmith. I've known him for over 30 years and he's done lots of work for me on .45's and ARs.
(I used to do the photos for his catalogs and advertising, so I've seen dozens of his guns.)
 
Depending upon where you are, there's also Ten Ring Precision down in Texas. Alex Hamilton does fine work. A call to Magna Port might also work if you're in the upper midwest.
 
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