Advice for Mod 10 front sight

[RacingSnake]

I want to install a gold bead front sight on this model 10. Has anyone had experience with this?

SDM Fabricating sell the blanks in various heights but they're only for pinned in front sights.

Being a fixed sight I guess it's going to have to be machined?

 

[StrawHat]

Yes, to install any other front sight on that revolver you will need to machine it to accept the sight.

That Model 10 has a set of fixed sights. If you install a higher front sight it will shoot low unless you also increase the height of the rear sight. There are ways to accomplish this, some permanent some not.

How much higher a front sight are you anticipating?

Kevin

 

[chief38]

Yes - my Dad modified his front sight, drilled a hole in the ramp and inserted a gold bead (mounted horizontally). Flattened out the top with a file as well as it was shooting low with factory height with 158 grain RNL (standard back then).

When he passed 13 years ago I inherited it and did not like the gold bead at all so I removed it and filled it with red paint. IMHO the red is way easier to pick up but his gun is a nickeled Baby Chief's 2" (I/J Frame) from 1951. The gun is now devalued because of the permanent modification but since it was his, I'm not selling it anyway and wont matter to me as it is what it is. When he did the mod I was unaware - only found out months later.

My suggestion would be to do either of two things. Either paint the front sight 5/16" portion where an insert would normally go the gold color you want with Testor's paint and see how you like it. You can leave it or remove it with solvent and a tooth brush (no harm - no foul) or take the one way plunge and actually cut or drill into the front sight after determining the correct position. Personally I'd suggest NOT altering the gun in a permanent way until you test out and see how you like it. You can't put metal back - at least without refinishing the gun's bluing.

BTW a gold bead can fall out after a while from the pounding. Paint doesn't fall off, lasts a long time and can always be removed and reapplied in any color you want. Testor's model paint is sold in 1 ounce bottles in any craft or hobby store. About $2 bucks. I prefer cleaning the front sight with alcohol first, apply color paint of choice, - 2-3 thinner coats rather than a thick one and let dry overnight between coats in a position that won't allow it to drip. Use a toothpick to apply into the grooves (about 5/16" wide) rather than with a paint brush. Trim any overage when you are all done and the paint is dry. The paint is always removable to restore to original or change color. People do change their minds!

 

[StrawHat]

Solder the bead in place and it is permanent.

The S&W Model 1917 has fired thousands of hardball loads. The S&W Model 25-2 is only recently built but 800 rounds down range with no problems.

You could also install beads of silver, ivory or antler. The metal ones wear a bit better but the natural ones seem to attract light better.

Kevin

 

[Baxter6551]

I've seen a nice gold insert done on fixed ramp front sights with the insert running vertical. Like a gold stripe in the middle of the blade. It looked really cool. I googled but couldn't find it.
I would not mill it to install a bead but that's me and it's your gun. My taste would be for a red ramp insert which I had done on my non pinned model 65s.
I found these two articles might be helpful:

Those Wonderful Gold Beads: The Real Story and Some Tips - TheGunMag - The Official Gun Magazine of the Second Amendment FoundationTheGunMag – The Official Gun Magazine of the Second Amendment Foundation

Smith and Wesson Revolver front sight insert replacement – rifleshooter.com

 

[mscampbell2734]

Gold Line front sight from Heirloom Precision

Gold Line front sight??? | 1911Forum

 

[BMCM]

Cut a standard Novak pattern 65° x .330 dovetail common to the 1911 platform and you have a vast array of sights that can be stuck on there. Pick the blade height and features that suit you and fit it to the cut and if you find the first choice doesn't tickle your fancy it is easily changed to something else.

Cheers
Bill