Hi Smith experts
I need to replace the sight on my 6946.
Do I need to take out the little screw first?
Thanks

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Yes, loosen it, it is there to prevent the sight from moving.

It is very tight any idea's how to loosen it?

Put a drop of penetrating oil on it and let sit for a day. If that don’t work put Allen key in screw and heat, if thread locker was used that should loosen it.

Does anyone know if they are designed to slide off to the left or right, or does it matter?

Todd

Remove from left to right. Install from right to left.

Exact opposite, I thought, if you’re looking down at the rear sight with muzzle facing away. No?

Loose it with some oil.

Another effective way to heat a small part like a screw is to use a soldering iron.

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You may find that even when you get the screw out, the sight itself won't easily move. The dovetails can be tight and there may be some Loctite or equivalent in the dovetail. Springfield did this on a new Garrison I bought. Just adjusting the sight gave me fits, let alone removing it. In short, you may need a good sight pusher.

It does sound like you haven't done this before, OP. Seeking advice like you're doing, and perhaps getting some hands-on assistance is wise.

Start at about 6 minutes in.

S&W 3RD GENERATION DISASSEMBLY (SLIDE) VIDEO #2 OF 4 - YouTube

Pointing the gun as if you are shooting, you push the sight out from the left to the right side. You push in from the right to the left. This is pretty standard for most all firearms manufacturers and site manufacturers.

Rosewood

OK, just to get things straight on sights, this is looking at the slide from the rear:

S&W: install right to left. Remove, left to right. BTW on S&W 1-3rd generations, beware of the spring for the magazine safety and firing pin block spring and plunger as the rear sight moves to the right. On the M&Ps, beware of the striker block end cap, spring and plunger. Make sure the set screw is removed before trying to get the sight off. It can catch in the recess for the cap for the striker block. Be very careful in installing the sight so you don't bugger the various springs up.

Colt: install left to right, Remove right to left. On 80 series be aware of the spring and plunger for the firing pin block. Again, be very careful of the spring when installing the sight.

Yes. Remove the sight from left to right, when viewed from the rear.

This is from when I replaced my Shorty 40's sights with LPA adjustable sights.

Some models have the oval plate over the springs, like this one, some do not have it. The plate makes it a little easier when re-installing the rear sight. Without it you have to be careful not to pinch the springs when sliding the sight back on.

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Yes, they can get dirty in there
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