586 pinned front sight pin removal

[Oracle]

Hello, I have a 586 with a pinned front sight, I want to replace the sight. Three questions:

#1 What size drift?
#2 Which direction do I drift looking at the muzzle?
#3 What size pin to replace the original pin in the likely event I lose the original pin?

Thanks!
Don

 

[shawn mccarver]

This may be of help:

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKEmkGFrf64[/ame]

 

[Alk8944]

.050" punch

Either direction

.055" pin diameter

 

[S&W revolverman]

We were taught at armorer's school, pins were installed right to left.
So uninstall, left to right - looking down the barrel, pointed away from you.

Does it really make a difference? It might to uninstall the original pin.

Chris

 

[H Richard]

I was always told all pins on S&W's are straight, not tapered. So, removal and re-installation could be done from either side. It's real fun to have to make up a front sight. I had one made (by a tool & dye-maker friend), for a S&W Single Shot, with 8" barrel. It was a collaboration on the design, and it fit great.

 

[Alk8944]

We were taught at armorer's school, pins were installed right to left.
So uninstall, left to right - looking down the barrel, pointed away from you.

Does it really make a difference? It might to uninstall the original pin.

Chris

This is common practice because years ago pins often would have a very slight taper to them and it is good practice if you are not sure. But all S&W pins and their holes are straight, no taper, so they can go either way.