Front Sight Insert on Model 65

[Whit]

Did the factory ever put out either Model 13 or Model 65 revolvers with front sight inserts? I once had a Model 13 that had a white front sight insert that appeared to be factory done. Just acquired a Model 65 that has a red insert that appears to be factory. My guess is that both were done by a gunsmith outside the factory. If so they did excellent work. Anyone else encountered a fixed sight Smith revolver with front sight inserts?

 

[Bill In Texas]

I have two 65's, a -2 and a -5. Neither of them have inserts, so I'm guessing that you may be right about the work being after market.

 

[Hapworth]

Lots of fixed sights Smiths with the insert were done after the factory -- it's a pretty easy mod for a decent gunsmith, and even a good DIYer.

But as a rule, factory inserts are overwhelmingly seen on adjustable sight models.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I wouldn’t say never but I would bet that fixed sight guns didn’t get the insert. Not from the factory anyway. I do have a 13 with a nice red ramp though.

 

[DeafSmith]

I had one put on a S&W 640 many years ago... and one on a 65 Ladysmith... but I don't think S&W ever made them that way. Sad cause with stainless steel front sights they need it!

 

[wrangler5]

My 65 has a red ramp front sight. It's in my favorite color off Revlon nail polish, applied over a white "primer" layer of some other brand of nail polish. Works great and is MUCH easier to see than plain stainless steel.

 

[PatriotX]

My 65 has a red ramp front sight. It's in my favorite color off Revlon nail polish, applied over a white "primer" layer of some other brand of nail polish. Works great and is MUCH easier to see than plain stainless steel.

Exactly what I did to the 681, makes for a much better sight picture.

 

[Pizza Bob]

Here is a front sight, from the factory, on a fixed sight gun. Not an insert per se, but a longitudinal trough milled in to the sight blade and filled with yellow. The gun is a Model 19-P

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[stansdds]

Here is a front sight, from the factory, on a fixed sight gun. Not an insert per se, but a longitudinal trough milled in to the sight blade and filled with yellow. The gun is a Model 19-P

Adios,

Pizza Bob

Very similar to what S&W did with the Model 469 and 669.

 

[stansdds]

I don't think S&W installed front sight inserts on fixed sight revolvers, but plenty were done outside of the factory.