3rd gen aftermarket sight options

I hope this post helps someone looking for a sight upgrade on their 3rd gen pistol. Over the years I have read many reports of the fantastic accuracy and reliability/durability of the 3rd gen S&W pistols. I picked up a used 5906 a couple years ago. I shot it a time or two and when compared to my CZ and Tanfoglio pistols I found it very lacking at actually putting shots where I wanted them. I didn’t get around to doing much shooting with it. I got it back out this fall and again, initially struggled to hit much with it until I got it on paper and found that with the factory, Novak low mount rear, three dot sights, the gun was shooting about 4” low at 15 yds off of sand bags. But it did shoot very nice 1” groups twice in a row. The accuracy was very promising but I detest a pistol that shoots this much low. I shoot various pistol competitions occasionally and having to fully obscure a small target with the sights adds a lot of guesswork and makes for very imprecise shooting in my opinion. I scoured this forum and the internet and found that there are next to no options listed for a taller rear sight.

Looking at stock photos, it appears that the factory 3rd gen Novak rear sight visually looks similar to the sight that comes on the s&W 1911 fixed sight models. After using a sight calculator, I ordered a Heinie 400RP rear sight for a S&W 1911 which is taller than the factory 5906 sight by 0.045”.

I’m happy to report that this Heinie 400RP is machined correctly to fit the 3rd gen S&W auto pistols with the factory Novak low mount rear sight. After a bit of fitting I got it centered up in the slide and took it out for test firing. With the factory .140” tall front sight, the heinie 400rp brought my impacts up 4”. I then ordered a 0.100” wide by 0.135” tall fiber optic front sight from Dawson precision for the 5906, giving me an impact about 1” over the front sight post which is exactly what I want for my type of shooting with my ammunition. What I ended up with is a very nice serrated black rear sight with a nice deep notch and a thinner than factory front sight post with a countersunk 1mm fiber optic rod. And most importantly it shoots where it looks. I’ve attached the stock photos of the 5906, S&W 1911 with the factory Novak sights and I’ve attached a couple of photos of my pistol with the upgraded sights. I reached out to Heinie and let them know that the 400rp is also compatible with 3rd gen factory Novak equipped pistols. Hopefully they’ll update their website to help take the guesswork out for people in the future. Hopefully this helps someone looking for sight options for their third gen S&W pistol.

One inch at 15 yards? Nice shooting!

My newly acquired 4506 VJE2923 shoots 5.5 inches HIGH at 25. But it groups really well. 5 shots right at 2 inches at 25, which I’m really happy with.

I don’t know why, but I didn’t think of Dawson. I called Novaks. They are going to send a .278 white dot today. I wanted to stay fairly close to factory looking as I can. That should cure my elevation discrepancy.

The narrow front sight with red fiber optic insert has become my new favorite front sight. I have that sight on a Cajunized CZ75B. The sight picture looked a bit funky to me at first. But I can shoot it well.

Question: Is it better to use a sight pusher to remove the front sight on said 4506, or tap it out with a brass punch. (I can’t reach the front sight base with the sight pusher)

Also when we’re the VJEs made? I’m thinking close to the end.

I held off on changing sights on my pistols until I ended up with a kimber 1911 with factory meprolight night sights, and a CZ Tac Sport Orange. The difference between the two was substantial. For general shooting, target, or competition, the night sights kinda suck. The CZ with a serrated black rear and a bit narrower front blade with 1mm fiber front takes a bit to get used to, like you mentioned. But I’m totally ruined on just about any other combination of iron sights. I’ve slowly upgraded several of my other pistols to 1mm fiber front and serrated black rear. I’m not entirely decided between green or red fiber. Night sights with wide front blades are still really popular and liked by lots of people but I’m not a fan.

I knocked my front sight out with a brass punch. The Dawson front sight came with a rectangular shape aluminum punch that I used to install the new sight. I’d recommend a piece of some sort of tape on the end of the punch to keep the aluminum/brass from embedding itself in the black finish of the sight.

Good luck with your 4506. I don’t have any input on how to date these pistols. Maybe someone else can help.

stan j, Sure appreciate your posting the info on the Heinie SA 1911 sight fitting the 3rd. Gen guns. I've used Heinies on 1911s and Hi Powers, and wondered if the SW 1911 sight would fit the 3rd. Gen guns. It looked like it would fit, but I was always hesitant to order one to find out.

I did read years ago (as you have found) that the S&W 1911 has the same cuts as the 3rd Gens. Problem with the S&W Novaks, they use a different angle than other guns with Novaks. I really want a TFO site for my 3913 and 1013 for carry, but have been unable to find one that I can make fit. I have had to settle for Meprolights and factory Trijicons.

Rosewood