Any thoughts on CCW modifications to J Frame Sights?

[aterry33]

Hi,

My primary CCW has always been my GLOCK 19 but I've found over the years that most of the time this has transitioned to my S&W 642 because it is so darned convenient and carryable. It always seems to find its way into my pocket no matter what I'm wearing.

Many times I take it out at night so I have been thinking of changing the front sight. I am curious to hear if anyone has done modifications to their J Frame front sights, like to add a tritium sight, and what those experiences have been like. It's not a pinned front sight obviously so I'd have to have a gunsmith work on it (or send it to S&W like I did with some other revolvers, to mill/pin a new front sight).

To be honest, for its intended usage, I'm not sure whether changing the front or rear sights at all or adding night sights is really necessary but I'm curious to hear others' thoughts.

Thanks.

 

[USAF385]

My change to my 642 sights involved raiding my wife's nail polish box.

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

REALISTICALLY?

"To be honest, for its intended usage, I'm not sure whether changing the front or rear sights at all or adding night sights is really necessary."

I think you've come to the correct conclusion. A civilian self-defense shooting is just beyond arm's reach (sorry I don't have a reference to give you), entails 2-3 shots, & is over in just about that number of seconds. I practice point shooting at 6' or less, but place more importance on accessing the gun & presentation time.

On more occasions, when distance/time permits, bringing the firearm up to eye level displays to the intruder you are armed & determined to use it, which should stop the attacker & obviate your need to shoot accurately by seeing an improved front sight on a 642.

Best Of Luck & Decisions, Hank M.

 

[Mister X]

"To be honest, for its intended usage, I'm not sure whether changing the front or rear sights at all or adding night sights is really necessary."

I think you've come to the correct conclusion. A civilian self-defense shooting is just beyond arm's reach (sorry I don't have a reference to give you), entails 2-3 shots, & is over in just about that number of seconds. I practice point shooting at 6' or less, but place more importance on accessing the gun & presentation time.

On more occasions, when distance/time permits, bringing the firearm up to eye level displays to the intruder you are armed & determined to use it, which should stop the attacker & obviate your need to shoot accurately by seeing an improved front sight on a 642.

Best Of Luck & Decisions, Hank M.

+1. Totally agree.

 

[Geo. T.]

Well

I shoot mine every time I go to our range and I shoot at 3 and 7 yards. I can shoot pretty darned good groups by sighting over the top of the revolver. I also shoot pretty fast as I have always liked to admire the previous shot.

After doing this for a few hundred shots I can do point shooting at a fast pace almost as good as slowing down and focusing on the sights! I will add that I use fairly light loads with the 146 grain wad cutter. I don't love shooting this gun with the 125 grain +p silver tips. I do know where they shoot though.

 

[sturtyboy]

My CCW training rarely uses sights. Think about it! In a self defense situation it becomes "point and shoot" Your close in and no time for sights.
I carry a M337 w/CT. With or without the light, my practice is point and shoot.
I really don't understand a CCW at long distances. Unless it's for fun, but not for real life practice. I'm very satisfied with my abilities at defensive shooting.
By the time I would use my sights in a defensive situation, I'd be done for.

 

[16thVACav]

You might want to consider using a S&W 640 Pro Series, which has very nice three-dot night sights. Probably the best sights of the concealable J frames. Steel frame, so it will be heavier than your 642.

The S&W 340 M&P has decent sights and is very lightweight.

Better sights can be fitted to the 642, but costs are usually prohibitive. Nail polish can help somewhat.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I like the post but I don't totally agree....

By the time I would use my sights in a defensive situation, I'd be done for.

While we usually presume up close and personal doesn't require the use of sights I can tell you from experience that there is almost no target too big or too close that you cannot miss it (not including "touch" distance). Further, and if you need to read details search the recent thread in re "the 21 foot rule", if you are threatened with deadly force at 7 yards and IF the threat is moving slowly or not yet moving you should use your sights.

If the threat gives you the time then the following is true:

On more occasions, when distance/time permits, bringing the firearm up to eye level displays to the intruder you are armed & determined to use it, which should stop the attacker & obviate your need to shoot accurately by seeing an improved front sight on a 642.

If your gun, carefully aimed, doesn't stop someone/make the threat change his mind, you need to shoot - and an aimed shot is required if you can get there.

 

[JoeM19]

I've had this problem too!

I've had this problem too, a long time ago. Here is my solution. However, when I go to the range, I practice with the iron sights about half of the shots and the rest with the LG405. I used to pupu lasers. No more. They are incredible and I'm on my 3rd year with this one.

Also being a retired 30 year LEO, I agree with ISCS Yoda who said that there is no target so big you can't miss. WITH PRACTICE, especially on trigger control the laser is a god-send for me. I'm 80 and my M38 Smith is like an extension of my hand. The first 10 are always in the head and after that the arthritis makes it possible to eat the center of the target up. Just my .02, as an old forum member used to say. - 'ole joe

 

[Double-O-Dave]

XS Sights offers a fixed sight for S&W J-framed revolvers with the standard, unpinned front sight:

http://www.xssights.com/ItemMedia/10045/10045_236526.pdf

The installation of their front sight requires permanent modification of your revolver, and unless you are very skilled, also requires the services of a gunsmith for the installation.

I've been tempted to do this, but have never gotten around to it. Instead, all of my J-frames wear laser grips. Most of them are equipped with Crimson Trace LG-405 laser grips. The laser grips and some bright neon green fingernail paint on the ramp front sights, and black sharpie on the rear sight notch are my only modifications to my J-frames.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

I bought my 642 years ago with the Crimson Trace laser factory installed from S&W. Since then all of my carry guns have CT lasers, the latest being my 45c with the green Laserguard. The short sight radius on the 642 really doesn't do much for using iron sights, whereas the laser makes it a true point and shoot gun.

 

[Jessie]

I've been using surveyors orange paint on the front sight on my snubby.
It stands out well and easily touched up when needed.
As to using them, I practice both. Sights and point shooting. I'll surely use them if able, even if its just putting that orange front sight on the target.
As mentioned above, getting to your gun and presenting it on target is a big part of what I work on.
Kind of like an algorithm problem. Access gun, get on target, sight or point if needed, and squeeze.
They all get the same amount if attention.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have an XS-Big dot on my 337PD....... does not make it a target gun..... but gives a good reference/index point for my 61 year old eyes........

 

[Old cop]

I paint the front sight too, but try this drill. Using a standard paper plate at three, five & seven yards empty your revolver as fast as possible. Combat reload and repeat. Slow down some as the distance increases. If you can keep all ten (10) shots on the plate you can defend yourself adequately.