617-6 Dawson FO Front Sight

[Flashman]

I am experiencing the problem that many have on this forum of increasing inability to see the front sight within the rear sight other than as a blob. When purchased about 8 years ago, the black front sight on the 617 was OK. Later it was painted orange as my eyes aged. Now it is just an orange blob and, as a consequence, I am missing shots in competition that not too long ago were easy sure things.

I transition to an FO on another revolver and a semi-auto also used in competition. Both are narrow. In researching the options for the 617, I discovered Dawson Precision (Dawson Precision, Inc. - Not Found) that has an option of .090 width versus the .125 factory sight width (and HIVIZ).

Has anyone tried the Dawson FO? In past threads there was some discussion it would be necessary to change the rear sight because 1) the FO dot was not fully visible in the factory rear (like factory Glock sights); and, 2) the depth of the factory rear blade was too short which is related to 1) as well but insufficiently deep enough whether a FO is used or not. However, it is unclear whether the complaints were limited to the large .125 HIVIZ and similar with FO sights.

If another (higher) factory rear blade is necessary, the Dawson front will also need to be higher. I would rather know this now rather than later.

Does anyone have any experience the Dawson FO for the 617? Thanks.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I don't know about Dawson, but I am selling a lot of .100 wide sights (black & fiber optic) to those with old eyes and those who compete with revos. Using the .125 rear notch and .100 wide front gives a little more air gap. That allows you to find the front quicker on the draw and follow up shots. A deeper notch also helps, as it gives more of a window to find the front sight in.

On my personal guns I have front and rear fiber optic with orange front and green rear. The color combination is a matter of personal preference, I have tried all the combinations and this is what works best for me.

 

[bluelund79]

That's a great question. I'm in for the answers! I love my 617, but brighter sights wouldn't hurt anything.

 

[Wee Hooker]

I personally have not used one of Dawson's sights on my 617 but I have used them in a good 1/2 dozen other guns. Outstanding sights and customer service. Just measure the front sight you have and give Dawson a call. They will match it's dimensions exactly and/or make recommendations . That said, I did buy a (higiviz?) FO sight for my 4" 617 but found that painting the sight first white, then orange, worked pretty well without going through the tedious process if fitting a new one. We'll enough that I never bothered to install the new FO sight. Lots written on the topic of 617 sights here if you search.

 

[S.B.]

I don't know about Dawson, but I am selling a lot of .100 wide sights (black & fiber optic) to those with old eyes and those who compete with revos. Using the .125 rear notch and .100 wide front gives a little more air gap. That allows you to find the front quicker on the draw and follow up shots. A deeper notch also helps, as it gives more of a window to find the front sight in.

Skeeter Skelton actually prefered this width on his 5" model 27.
Steve

 

[Collo Rosso]

Not a 617 but have a 627 and a 629 I've put Dawson front F.O. front sights on and like very much. Both have the F.O. sight flat bottomed when aligned. I took a jewelers file and rounded the bottom of the rear sight of the 627 and that worked for me. I use it for bowling pin matches.
More 3 dot F.O. sights are finding their way onto my semi-auto pistols too. As my vision "unimproves" I like them more and more.

 

[flagman1776]

Another thing to consider is your glasses. You need to be able to have correct focus at the distance of the front sight. At one time, I had shooting glasses made which had a different Rx at the top where I looked through the lens when shooting. The rear sight will likely be a little fuzzy & the target more so. FRONT SIGHT! I can still hear my instructor in my ear.
Once upon a time, the Detective Captain... failed to qualify... range officer took his glasses off & turned them over so he was looking through the bi-focal. Yep, shot his usual expert.