Front sight question

[monroe]

My 686-4 has a worn front sight. It seems rounded over, maybe from holster wear, and is worn asymmetrically making sight alignment sketchy. It doesn't appear to be pinned. I'd like to hear some options. Could I square it up carefully with a file? I have ample adjustment on the rear so I can afford to lose a few thousandths of height. Anyway, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Lonestar57]

Yes you can but I wouldn't take off too much. As far as the red insert hang-over on the side it can be easily trimmed using a fine file. I can think of a couple of other reasons your sight is rounded. One, someone dinged it up pretty bad so it was rounded to clean it up. Secondly, unless you have the box and it list the red ramp sight someone installed the red ramp and re-shaped the front sight during the process. Anyway good luck.

 

[Nightowl]

I see what you mean! That does not make for a crisp sight pictured! The red, I call it orange, as it is not the same red as on my model 29, was standard on the 686 from the beginning. That sight is forged with the barrel, so would require a good bit of machining by an expert to replace.

I would try to square it up with a very fine file, very carefully, check often. It appears that you would be able to square it up with little change in height so the rear sight would not have to be adjusted very far. Also, Smith makes different heights of rear sight if you go too far.

 

[monroe]

The red insert hang-over isn't much of a deal for me, but the rounded and asymmetrical top of the sight is driving me nuts. I bought the gun from someone on this forum, and it was like this when I got it.Thanks, I'll try and square it up carefully. Is the a source for new inserts other than the factory?

 

[Dr Denby]

Brownells has a front sight insert kit for like $60 . But, I'm sure you can find it elsewhere as well if you look around.

Doc

 

[tomcatt51]

Replace the insert so you have one with nice square edges and a flat face. The insert is what you see in your sight picture not the stainless steel around it.

 

[GunarSailors]

This is what I did.
S&W Red Ramp - Tips & Pics | The Outdoors Trader