Are narrow width rear sight blades available?

[Patrick L]

Wasn't sure whether to put this here or in gunsmithing, but since we are talking about a 4 screw pre 29 I figured I'd start here.

I totally understand the .126, .146, and .160 heights associated with the revolver rear sight blades. But I BELIEVE at one time there were narrower (I believe .100 vs the normal .125?) width blades offered. Is this true, and more importantly is there still a source for these anywhere?

 

[Alk8944]

Wasn't sure whether to put this here or in gunsmithing, but since we are talking about a 4 screw pre 29 I figured I'd start here.

I totally understand the .126, .146, and .160 heights associated with the revolver rear sight blades. But I BELIEVE at one time there were narrower (I believe .100 vs the normal .125?) width blades offered. Is this true, and more importantly is there still a source for these anywhere?

On all rear sight "slides, S&W nomenclature", the notch with was sized to agree with the front sight width which varied. .100 FS, .100 rear notch, .125 FS .125 rear notch. For most a narrower notch does not work well and does not enhance accuracy as many think it would!

 

[Retired W4]

I think barrel length figures into the equation as well. I was looking through my computer for the data sheet but came up empty.

 

[Patrick L]

So the question remains, are they available, and if so from whom?

 

[Retired W4]

I do believe S&W has them. Call customer service. If they have the one you need they will probably put it into an envelope and send it to you.

 

[mikepriwer]

Patridge blades were offered in 1/10" and 1/8" thickness's.

Mike Priwer

 

[Rpg]

On all rear sight "slides, S&W nomenclature", the notch with was sized to agree with the front sight width which varied. .100 FS, .100 rear notch, .125 FS .125 rear notch. For most a narrower notch does not work well and does not enhance accuracy as many think it would!

It's a common experience that WIIDENING the rear sight improves both speed and accuracy.

I've never encountered a Smith I thought could be improved with a more narrow rear sight.

 

[Patrick L]

Thank you for your replies, however I am NOT asking if YOU THINK I should go to a narrower notch. I simply want to know if there is a source for those narrower slides,

If you must know, the gun in question has a narrow front blade, but a standard width notch. It is very distracting, since it presents a very different sight picture than all of my other Smiths. And the front blade is not replaceable, it is integral to the ramp.

 

[paplinker]

the gun in question has a narrow front blade, but a standard width notch. It is very distracting, since it presents a very different sight picture than all of my other Smiths. And the front blade is not replaceable, it is integral to the ramp.

Interesting. I have a early k22 with a 1/10th red post front sight. Curious to see if my gun has a narrower rear blade. I would assume so but I never tried a comparison.

 

[Nightowl]

Well, I missed ALK8944's post above and went and measured my one example of a .100 front sight and an example of a .125 FS. Both agree with his statement. I have never heard of a less than .125 front sight on a .44 Magnum, but it certainly could have been special ordered in those days, but I would think Smith would have installed a narrower rear blade. Be that as it may, it may be really difficult to find a matching rear blade of the correct height for your pre 29. Have you measured the width of the front sight? Perhaps someone thinned the front sight??

Now, I looked at my pre 29 and a 29-2 made in 1963 and both have pinned front sight bases. The pins are polished flat before blueing and are hard to see, just have to get the light just right!! You might have better luck finding a front sight ramp/blade and having that installed with proud pins.

 

[Doug M.]

Probably a custom job, which. suspect any decent machinist could do.

 

[Patrick L]

It very well could have been thinned. I bought the gun used, I am for sure not the original owner. Plus, the gun has had it's top strap drilled and tapped, so clearly previous owners were not opposed to "customization."

Bottom line is, however it happened, I have a .100 front blade and a .125 rear notch. I don't like the sight picture.

 

[Retired W4]

I tried to find the chart for rear sight blades with no joy (military term). As I remember it had more to do with REAR sight blade height and not notch width, which, of course is what the OP is asking about. S&W website provided no help.