I have a 629 ND w/8-3/8" barrel. The front sight is not pinned. Are these solid one piece? I would like to put a different front sight on it.
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Front sight question?
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1sailor
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With 85 views and no replies I'm going to guess that not a lot of us are familiar enough to hazard a guess. Maybe if you could post a close up pic?
I have a nickel 29-2 & you need a 10x magnifier to see the front sight's pin (but only visible on one side) & the joint between the blade & the barrel as I had thought the same as you for a long time.
You might try looking again, a little closer?
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You might try looking again, a little closer?
.
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I believe your front sight is integral with the barrel. In order to change it, you would have to mill it off and braze another sight on. The new sight could be one that allows changing the tips (with pins) but unless you are going to use this revolver for extensive target work or long range pistol hunting, I’d doubt it would really pay.
“No dash” 629’s have pinned barrels and recessed cylinders and are getting to be fairly valuable. The ones I’ve seen have a red ramp front sight blade. Altering the gun would detract from the value.
I’m pretty sure the ramp and blade are pinned. S&W was expert at polishing the pins flush, which made the seams virtually invisible. As BLUEDOT37 mentioned, you may be able to see them with a good light and loupe. Good close-up photos can also reveal thing you can’t see with the naked eye.
This is a barrel from a .357 Magnum that's about 65 years old. It was bulged just behind the front sight base, which slightly raised the back of the ramp. The forces on the ramp base caused the rear retaining pin to become more visible.
(Click on the photo to enlarge)
I’m pretty sure the ramp and blade are pinned. S&W was expert at polishing the pins flush, which made the seams virtually invisible. As BLUEDOT37 mentioned, you may be able to see them with a good light and loupe. Good close-up photos can also reveal thing you can’t see with the naked eye.
This is a barrel from a .357 Magnum that's about 65 years old. It was bulged just behind the front sight base, which slightly raised the back of the ramp. The forces on the ramp base caused the rear retaining pin to become more visible.
(Click on the photo to enlarge)
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Well, if that is the case it makes changing out the sight simple.
OP
I did use a 6x loupe but I'll try again. Will also try the close-up pic method. Thanks guys
OP
“No dash” 629’s have pinned barrels and recessed cylinders and are getting to be fairly valuable. The ones I’ve seen have a red ramp front sight blade. Altering the gun would detract from the value.
I’m pretty sure the ramp and blade are pinned. S&W was expert at polishing the pins flush, which made the seams virtually invisible. As BLUEDOT37 mentioned, you may be able to see them with a good light and loupe. Good close-up photos can also reveal thing you can’t see with the naked eye.
This is a barrel from a .357 Magnum that's about 65 years old. It was bulged just behind the front sight base, which slightly raised the back of the ramp. The forces on the ramp base caused the rear retaining pin to become more visible.
(Click on the photo to enlarge)
I wouldn't do anything I couldn't undo or that would detract from its original condition. Thanks for the advise, I've seen where the ND is bring a premium, gotta like that.
If you remove those pins you will never get them back in and invisible like that ever.
S&W performed final machining of the barrel and ramp after the sight and ramp were installed. Getting the pins, which will match the contour of the barrel rib, back in and into perfect position is pretty much impossible.
