Front sight removal on 66-3

[Magnum 7mm]

I was thinking about installing some night sights on my model 66-3, but how is the front sight removed? I see no pin. Does it have to be surgically removed?

 

[BruceM]

If it is not pinned, it's a milling machine or EDM job.

Bruce

 

[dfariswheel]

The early -3 pinned guns used a pinned in front sight with a pin polished flush and bead blasted to conceal the pin.
Earlier guns used front sights forged with the barrel, and S&W wanted to ease the gun buyer into the idea of a separate sight blade.
Later in production, no attempt was made to conceal the pin.

If you look closely at the pinned-type sight blade, you can detect a gap between the blade and the barrel ramp.
If you see no gap at all anywhere around the blade, its forged with the barrel.
The concealed pin can be difficult to detect. You may need a magnifier to spot it.

 

[OKFC05]

My 66-3 is solid, so it would cost over $200 at at place like SDM. First step is to convert to new sight base for $135.
http://www.sdmfabricating.com/

 

[Magnum 7mm]

Put the magnifying glass and bright light to it last night. No evidence of a pin anywhere. Guess I'll leave it alone.

 

[Pepper]

Magnum 7mm - is there an insert? If not consider sending it to Tooltech and having them install a Trijicon insert.

http://www.tooltechgunsight.com/index.php

 

[Magnum 7mm]

It's got the old red insert.