iPac
Member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2015
- Messages
- 1,155
- Reaction score
- 1,398
Use a "roll pin" punch for roll pins.
Use a "cup tip" punch for domed or rounded pin heads, such as some S&W front sight pins.
Use a regular flat ended punch for regular flat ended pins.
To restart the pins during installation, I have these from Brownells and they work for all sizes of pins I have come across in revolvers: https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/roll-pin-holders-prod781.aspx
Also, I have these from Brownells, because the Colt rear accro sight pin needs the smaller .060" punch, as do the front sight pins. I got this one with the 2.5" long punches, but also ordered a 6 pack of 1" long starter punches in .060" too, from the 2nd link.
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/gunsmith-replaceable-pin-punch-set-prod545.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/general-gunsmith-tools/punches/starter-punch-set-prod549.aspx?psize=96
I also have a plastic piece that is designed to fit on the front sight pins of Colt revolvers, and it allows you to drive the pins out without accidental slippage or finish damage. However, the front sight pins need to protrude from the surface, like on Colts, so it probably wouldn't be of use for S&Ws.
My regular punch set is a 9pc, and they are roll pin punches. I have gotten by without the need for regular flat end punches.
I imagine certain S&W revolvers are a real pain to remove/replace front sights due to the polishing and blending in of the pin end, making it almost invisible. Gun won't look the same if one removes the pin on those.
Last edited:
