27-2 orange "bead" on front sight?

[shuter1]

Hello,

My 27-2 has this orange polymer "bead" affixed to the Patridge blade. I bought the gun probably 15 years ago but honestly haven't even pulled it out of the safe in many years (I know, I ought to be ashamed of myself...and I am. I finally took it out and shot it yesterday and am thinking about removing the polymer bead because I like Patridge blades.

Silly question, but this couldn't have been a factory option, could it? I just assumed it was an add-on but it's perfectly centered, and if you look at the top of the blade, it almost looks as though there's a very small pin that runs down into the blade?

Just wanted to pick this forum's collective brain before taking an exacto knife to it!

Thanks

 

[shuter1]

Here are a couple better pics from the top, showing the "pin" (if that's what it is). Almost looks like the orange bead has a tail that's inserted into the front of the blade???

 

[mh51]

Don't be too quick to remove it. I've seen that sight before, but don't remember who made it. Someone else will be along soon to give more info.

 

[paplinker]

Your gun has a factory red post front sight.
They are not rare but are special ordered going by what I have been seeing so far.

I would not be at all surprised if your gun was ordered special with one.

I have a couple myself and the red insert varies,including the color at times.

 

[shuter1]

Thank you!

 

[Nightowl]

That looks like the one I have, only I sent mine back to the factory over 40 years ago and had them install it. I had a white one installed. If you look carefully, the Patridge sight has been contoured and will never be right if you remove the red square. If you really do not want it, the blade should be replaced, I believe. I see the front sight pin is proud, so a replacement clean Patridge should not be too hard to install.

 

[shuter1]

Thanks guys...I think that now that I know it's a factory special order, I'll keep it as is! Appreciate all of the wisdom!

 

[paplinker]

Thanks guys...I think that now that I know it's a factory special order, I'll keep it as is! Appreciate all of the wisdom!

Of course there is always a chance the red post was added later like nightowl has done but it is a factory sight. Only a letter can verify it.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

It's called a"post on patridge". It is a factory option sight. Have one on my 686 mtn gun

 

[boykinlp]

I have a revolver with the same sight too. From looking at the marked end of my box, mine was not this way originally from the factory, but I did buy it because of the sight.
Larry

 

[Old_Cop]

Now you know, I had a model 25 with the same sight installed at the factory repair shop as a walk in customer.

 

[Patrick L]

You could always just use some sight black when you shoot, assuming you are just shooting at the range. That way you keep it original, but get the benefits of a nice black patridge sight picture. Then just wipe off!

 

[petemacmahon]

Sorry, original or not - I would get that thing off ASAP - MHO.

since it's pinned, it would be an easy replacement to a standard patridge blade.

 

[shuter1]

I may do that. I want to dig up the original box first to see if it's marked on the label, in which case I may leave it in place. The fact that the orange bead is square inside a square rear notch makes it pretty intuitive and easy to use, actually. Besides, truth be told, as many firearms as I have this one is more of a safe queen at this point.

 

[Laketime]

Yes to factory option .My very first 27 had one.