Front sight change on a Model 65

Milton

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Anybody had the front fixed sight milled off and replaced with another sight on a 3 inch model 65?Got any pictures?
 
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Milton,

I too have a 3" M65 so I am familiar with the standard front sight. I am just curious as to why you would want to replace a low profile front sight on a carry gun (yes, I am making the assumption that it is a carry gun because of the 3" bbl, round butt, and fixed rear sight). From my own stand point that is exactly why I bought a M65 instead of a M66. If you are using this for purposes other than concealed carry, then I can fully inderstand your reasoning.

Just a bit curious...........

Chief38
 
The main reason is I just cannot see the front ramp sight on my revolver in many light conditions.I was thinking about replacing the ramp with a low profile Novak.This revolver fits a lot of uses other than concealed carry due to its amazing accuracy.It is probably the revolver I carry and shoot more than any other.
 
Milton,
I've been wanting to do the same thing with my 3" 65. I would think the red ramp sight used on the 340PD would fit if you had that semi-circular trough cut in and the sight pinned. That has the same profile as the exisitng sight, but better visibility. Check back in with your decision/outcome.
 
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OK, got it now - makes sense if you can not see the sights. As far as the accuracy of these M65's, you are right about that; mine is dead nuts on as well. GREAT GUNS.
 
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I was thinking about having a night sight installed on my 3" Model 10-8. There's not a whole lot of info about installing one on a fixed sight K frame other than XS sights telling me they don't offer one for that configuration. It can be done though, here's a 3" 65 with a dovetailed replacement sight...

Novak?s Custom Smith & Wesson 65 Half-Fitz Special | Shooting Illustrated
 
Black Sheep that was a good article you attached.

I have been researching this option for my 64-3 HB in 4". My sight height is .170. Probably close to what a M65 HB is, I would think. I am wanting a Fiber Optic front sight that I can pick up faster in my application. (Defensive Pistol Match SSR Gun)
What I have came up with is a Novak Cut Dovetail sight for a 1911. Dawson makes front 1911 sights in .010 height increments, in both Fiber Optic as well as Tritium. The Dawson web site also has a sight height formula for a 25 yard zero. This formula tells how much to raise or lower the front sight for correction of zero.
1. Shoot your gun with factory sights off a rest with the ammo you are planning to shoot the most.
2. If you are High or Low determine the correction using the Dawson Formula.
3. Measure your front sight height and add or subtract the correction. You should now have the correct sight height.

The Novak Dovetail is 65 Deg X .330 wide if I remember correctly. It seems to be the most standard dovetail 1911 front sight cut. This is why I think it would be the dovetail size to use on my 64-3 HB.

With a dovetailed front sight you get windage adjustment.
You can change front sights for different heights if you change ammo.
You can go from Post, to Fiber Optic, to Tritium with no problem if you decide to go a different route later. Like if the wife takes over your gun, you can change it to Tritium for her a house or car gun.

Another option I have read about was a Lime Green Ramp Insert. Like a Red Ramp only Lime Green. No idea who does this work. A Green Ramp should be pretty visible, and retain the slick factory sight profile for a carry piece. For a CCW rig this might be a better choice than Fiber Optic. The dovetailed 1911 sight would probably be a better choice for a Tritium Sight I would think.
 
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Now let's take this one step further. Could the night guard sights be installed? Both front and rear. I love the U notch rear sight from cylinder and slide, and the tritium front is awesome.
 
I use orange finger nail polish and works great if any light is avail and very durable. Not high tech but works with old eyes
 
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You mean like this?

Don't know who did it. Bought them both this way.

Everything you need, nothing you don't.

S/F,

RAS

Try as I might, I cannot blame 18DAI for me buying these two.
 

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