Got some "EGG" on my face

[smitholdtimer]

Hate to tell on myself but here goes: Was looking at a "J" frame in the box, do not remember which model but it had fixed sights (non adjustable sights) and had a new tool kit unopened with the fluted SAT included in the package. Well I said with all my infinite wisdom and being a member, in good standing, that there should not have been a SAT included since there were no adjustable sights to adjust. You can imagine my embarrassment when the owner corrected me insisting that they did, in fact include the SAT. His statement was that the side plate screws was why there was an SAT. I'm am no expert, as you already know but this seemed extravagant of S&W and I know from experience with the side plate screws that that small SCREW DRIVER isn't ideal for the stubborn screws. Someone PLEASE set me straight. Its trivial but I Gots To Know and thanks!

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

I just looked at 2 NIB S&Ws with fixed sights in my gun room. Neither had a SAT. Both are pre 1970.

 

[opoefc]

Sam, S&Ws with fixed sights usually don't have a SAT in the tool kit, however you do sometimes find a gun like you saw with a SAT. I think that's because the assembler that packaged the gun grabbed the closest box of tool kits to his workbench and happened to get a SAT kit in error. If you buy a S&W with fixed sights and a SAT, just send me the SAT and you can sleep nights, Ok ? Ed.

 

[Tom S.]

I'd be the first to admit that mistakes happen, but the 640 I bought many years ago came with no SAT, and I seriously doubt that S&W would waste money putting one in with a gun that had no sights to adjust. S&W never advocated using the SAT to remove any screws that I'm aware of, and your antagonist should know that trying to remove factory tightened side plate screws with a SAT, especially the flat one S&W later went to, is just an invitation to booger up (a technical term he should understand) the slots in the screws.

 

[DeathGrip]

Just because he owns the store don't make him an expert.

 

[Captain TMD]

I hope the store owner dosen't also work on guns for his patrons.

 

[wuluf]

I took the SAT in high school, never gave it back..

 

[tops]

A few years ago I saw about a dozen S&W pistols that a man bought in the late 70s and they were all just as he bought them except a fixed sight M37 had a small screwdriver in the box. The sales slips were also in the boxes. I assumed he didn't know the reason for the Sat and thought the small screwdriver was left out by mistake. Larry

 

[smitholdtimer]

This should be cleard up

My observation occurred during a Gun Show where he was set up and I was with my buddy, also set up. I took an opportunity before the customers were allowed in to take a quick look around. So the Gentleman is not a store owner although he had exhibited great knowledge of the S&W Brand and at one time owned many of the now coveted revolvers from the "good old days". Thank you all for your interest and as has been said, mistakes are made but what I now know of S&W indicates that they would not add an SAT to a shipment unless it should have been included. Keep the comments coming, thanks!

 

[JSR III]

The reason that the tool is referred to as a SAT is because it is a sight adjustment tool, not a screw adjustment tool. If anyone has seen the SAT for a .22/32 HFT rear sight, there is NO way that one would use it on side plate screws based on its very narrow tip.

The problem with words like "always" or "never" is that they rule out the human factor. Factory workers can make mistakes. Is it possible that a factory worker placed a wrong kit in a box, absolutely. Is it possible that a receiving dealer received several new Smith's in boxes and during the admiration period mixed up the kits and boxes, you bet.

The bottom line is that the tool was called a Sight Adjustment Tool and was provided by the company so a shooter could adjust his adjustable sights.

Beyond that it's anybodies guess.