Front Sight Replacement - 45 Cal Model 1955

[Head Tomcat]

Guys,

First post here and I sure could use your help!

A friend of mine recently bought a S&W revolver and asked me to replace the damaged front sight with a new one. Here are the specs on the pistol:

• 4-Screw hand ejector revolver
• "MOD-25" stamped on frame
• Serial number on butt is "S208xxx"
• "45 Cal Model 1955" stamped on right side of barrel
• Barrel is 6 1/2" long
• Fixed front sight and post-war adjustable rear sight

From what I have read, this is a Model 25 (no dash or variant is marked on it) which is from the 1957-61 timeframe.

What has me stumped is the method of the front sight being attached to the barrel. I cannot see any pins (even with a magnifier), no dovetail, and no spring release.

Is the front sight one unit which is brazed to barrel or is it retained by some means I just cannot see?

Thanks!

Head Tomcat

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!

 

[Doc44]

Assuming the front sight is a Patridge blade on a ramp base, the ramp base is pinned to the barrel with two pins that are polished flush to the barrel rib. I believe the Patridge blade is also pinned to the ramp base with a single pin that is also polished flush. Often, these pins are very difficult to see.

Bill

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The below shows an example of how the pins are positioned on the Baughman ramp front sight. Note there are 3 as Bill states above. It is likely the Patridge pins are in the same location, IMO.

 

[dsf]

Assuming the front sight is a Patridge blade on a ramp base, the ramp base is pinned to the barrel with two pins that are polished flush to the barrel rib. I believe the Patridge blade is also pinned to the ramp base with a single pin that is also polished flush. Often, these pins are very difficult to see.

Bill

And are unfortunately difficult to unsee once moved.

 

[Doc44]

In the early 1970s the ramp base was forged with the barrel eliminating the two pins used previously. The Patridge blade was then pinned to the base with a single pin. If the Model 25 has a replacement barrel, it may not have the two pins referenced above.

Bill

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Here's a suggestion in lieu of replacing the blade which is already damaged. Cut a portion of the top rear of the blade at an angle to remove the damage. Then serrate the slope and touch it up with cold blue. If you look around the forum, you'll find examples of that type of modification. The damaged blade has already reduced the gun's value some. I don't think that mod will degrade it further.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum, Tomcat.

I think we should see a picture of the front sight first before we proceed with suggested fixes.