Fixed front/rear sight modifications and "performance" mods...looking for guidance.

[model65roundbutt]

Ladies & gents,

I would like some information on milling or widening the fixed rear sight slot on my Model 65. I have a fantastic gunsmith/classically trained machinist who I trust emphatically with all of my firearms, but what is the typical amount that the rear sight "slot" is widened? If there is one complaint I have for the 65, it would be that I quite often "lose" both rear and front sights. How much material should be removed from the slot to make front sight acquisition easier? Ten to fifteen thousandths each side (0.010"-0.015")? Any increment would be better than it is now? Take a little at a time and test it as you go, or is there some gunsmithing rule of thumb?

Speaking of front sights, does Clark's or Brownells make a tritium/high visibility insert that can be milled and epoxied???? in place within the fixed front sight post?

Also, to what depth should the mouth of each chamber on the cylinder be chamfered for easier loading with speed strips or speed loaders? 0.010"-0.020" of an inch?? Not even that? Photos would be ideal to show me a modified cylinder.

Lastly, does anyone recomend the locking detent ball modification that is so oftened quoted on gunsmith pages? Does it lock up the action any tighter? What are the claimed and actual benefits?

Any information on these topics would be greatly appreciated! I just want to give my gunsmith specifics so that he can perform exactly what I ask him to do and there is no confusion coming from me. Thanks in advance all! Keep them in the 10 Ring!

Regards,

Matt

 

[model65roundbutt]

Ladies & gents,

I would like some information on milling or widening the fixed rear sight slot on my Model 65. I have a fantastic gunsmith/classically trained machinist who I trust emphatically with all of my firearms, but what is the typical amount that the rear sight "slot" is widened? If there is one complaint I have for the 65, it would be that I quite often "lose" both rear and front sights. How much material should be removed from the slot to make front sight acquisition easier? Ten to fifteen thousandths each side (0.010"-0.015")? Any increment would be better than it is now? Take a little at a time and test it as you go, or is there some gunsmithing rule of thumb?

Speaking of front sights, does Clark's or Brownells make a tritium/high visibility insert that can be milled and epoxied???? in place within the fixed front sight post?

Also, to what depth should the mouth of each chamber on the cylinder be chamfered for easier loading with speed strips or speed loaders? 0.010"-0.020" of an inch?? Not even that? Photos would be ideal to show me a modified cylinder.

Lastly, does anyone recomend the locking detent ball modification that is so oftened quoted on gunsmith pages? Does it lock up the action any tighter? What are the claimed and actual benefits?

Any information on these topics would be greatly appreciated! I just want to give my gunsmith specifics so that he can perform exactly what I ask him to do and there is no confusion coming from me. Thanks in advance all! Keep them in the 10 Ring!

Regards,

Matt

 

[SW CQB 45]

personally I would not mess with it.

I shot this group in competition last year with my POS model 65 4" with a finger nail polished orange front sight and standard integral rear. my intent here is not to brag, but to show an plain jane model 65 is capable.

this comp is for 10 ring. 295/300 (3/10/15/25 yds)

I bought a Model 15 to see if my groups will improve this year, but I am almost there with my model 65 fixed rear.

I would recommend practicing dry firing and bring the gun up methodically to a sight pic and over time increase your speed.

I am sure a gunsmith can widen your rear, but depending on what type of shooting your doing, maybe you should get a set of glasses zeroed for shooting to get the clearest front sight available.

there will be other suggestions, and take what works for you.

take care

 

[tomcatt51]

Originally posted by SW CQB 45:
I shot this group in competition last year with my POS model 65 4" with a finger nail polished orange front sight and standard integral rear. my intent here is not to brag, but to show an plain jane model 65 is capable.

this comp is for 10 ring. 295/300 (3/10/15/25 yds)

???? Looks like .45 cal holes and a bunch more than 30 of them? 30 tens would score 300?

As for cutting the sight notch I've done this on a 640 (J frame) It's been a while ago, both widened and deepened. I think ~.030" wider and deeper. Had to use a ball end mill to slightly widen/deepen the trough in the frame in front of the rear notch also. Made the sight picture much better.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Originally posted by tomcatt51:

this comp is for 10 ring. 295/300 (3/10/15/25 yds)

???? Looks like .45 cal holes and a bunch more than 30 of them? 30 tens would score 300?

Ooops, my math is slipping. you are correct.

495/500 (it was shot with a 38 M65 4")

 

[model65roundbutt]

Originally posted by SW CQB 45:
personally I would not mess with it.

I shot this group in competition last year with my POS model 65 4" with a finger nail polished orange front sight...

this comp is for 10 ring. 295/300 (3/10/15/25 yds)

I bought a Model 15 to see if my groups will improve this year, but I am almost there with my model 65 fixed rear.

I would recommend practicing dry firing and bring the gun up methodically to a sight pic and over time increase your speed.

maybe you should get a set of glasses zeroed for shooting to get the clearest front sight available.

SW CQB 45,

Well, that's the first time I've heard the Model 65 referred to as a POS! With a four inch (4") barrel and it's longer sight radius, I wouldn't need the groove and rear sight widenend. It is only due to the extreme shortness of the sight that I have difficulty acquiring the front sight, not seeing it. As for the red finger nail polish or other markings, we high power service rifle shooters always mark our sights with finger nail polish for sling/hand positions/yardage come ups on the rifle, etc. but hell, it's an ugly AR-15 anyway!! Not a stainless Smith'!

I just want to perform some quality, permanent machine work, to make the front sights more visible. I see just fine, and hitting the ten ring still isn't all that hard yet (but I am coming up on the big 40 fast, so I am sure my glasses will need new lens yet again!), even at 25 yards with a 3" Model 65...but I always try and make my firearms more accurate than I can hold, that way I can always better my technique and my scores thru practice as you mentioned.

As for groups, in slow fire, my 3" model 65 can still put them all in the ten ring (most holes touching and the odd operator induced flyer) at 25 yards. The revolver is just deadly accurate with the 158 grain bullets....and I don't even consider myself that much of a pistol shot. However, it doesn't shoot the 125's with any accuracy at all.

I would imagine the four inch 4"+ barrels would be even more accurate, provide better velocity, and abate recoil even better than the 3" barrels. Just a little bit too long for a CCW piece though. Just my $0.02 worth, and in no way am I trying to bash your post, it just I want to get this 65 set up just right for CCW and maximize it's and my accuracy potential.

Good shooting,

Matt

 

[SW CQB 45]

M65,

I only call my POS M65 as it started life as a police gun. it has more scratches than Main Street does on a Saturday Night.

It could also not live with any hammer noses. they would break off after a few snaps. The action is super smooth so I figure whatever PD had this gun used it as a dry fire trainer and treated it rough.

it was sold to me dirt cheap by another officer who was going overseas and I found it a challenge to fix.

it was an easy fix with a dremel tool (not enough clearance for the hammer nose travel).

its been an excellant performer since I got it and only acquired the POS name because of the shape its in. a true sleeper.

good luck on your sight issues

reference glasses, my scores started to drop 2 years in a row on our local LEO PPC match which was very frustrating. I could not get a clear sight pic so it was suggested to me to take my gun to the eye doc and get a set made with the clearest front sight pic.

I called and she said it was ok and my scores went back to my original level.

just another idea.