I have a question...

[686&41]

I have searched this site looking for instructions to adjust this four position front sight. The factory manual does not include any info on this.

From what I can find on the web it is a silhouette sight??

Would any one be able to refer me to the instructions for it, I believe it was a factory installed sight.

thanks for looking

 

[Messer]

I had one of those back in the 90's when I first started shooting PPC.

The front sight is factory installed - it has 4 allen head screws to adjust the front sight height - and a numbered wheel under to set the sight to 4 different settings.

To adjust for position 1, press down on the rear of the sight from the top, (it is spring loaded) and turn the wheel so number "1" shows on the the wheel. Pick the distance you want that to be sighted in for - lets say 10 yards - adjust the number one allen screw (in, down, righty, etc) a bit - you want the front sight set high for the closest range you will sight-in for. Then adjust your rear sight to hit point of aim.

Now - leaving the rear sight alone, move the sight wheel to number 2, and sight-in for a different distance - let's say 25 yards - you *shouldn't* have to move your rear sight, just the front for elevation.

Go to number 3 and adjust for a different distance - then adjust for position 4.

It does work - play with it. I know it was designed for longer ranges, but with the light 38 wadcutter loads used in PPC, it was great to adjust to all 4 distances, and at the 50 yard line, I had mine adjusted to a "neck hold" (holding the sights on the thin neck portion of the target, and having the bullets hit center mass)

Hope this helps,
Bob S.

 

[686&41]

thank you sir !!!

That is perfect. I will tinker with it, it sounds like a brilliant sight.

Thanks for your assistance

 

[Acorn1754]

I recently traded for a S&W 29-3 Silhouette myself. It comes with a 10 5/8" barrel and it didn't have the rear sight assembly and getting that was no problem. But the Silhouettes use a .222" high rear sight blade (this is what Smith & Wesson Customer service told me) and they stopped making it years ago. I still to this day can't find that rear sight blade. I did find a .196" rear sight blade and I'm going to give that a try in the next few days, I just hope I can make that work. My point in telling you this, be very careful not to damage that high rear sight blade, because you won't be able to replace it. From what another member here told me, the 4 silhouette (for true Silhouette competition) distances are 30-60-100 & 200 meters. But obviously, you can use them for whatever you want. Very nice looking revolver though!

 

[Messer]

That is perfect. I will tinker with it, it sounds like a brilliant sight.

Thanks for your assistance

Glad it helped - enjoy your new 686, they're great guns.

Take care,
Bob S.

 

[Wakatomika]

I have searched this site looking for instructions to adjust this four position front sight. The factory manual does not include any info on this.

From what I can find on the web it is a silhouette sight??

Would any one be able to refer me to the instructions for it, I believe it was a factory installed sight.

thanks for looking

Go to IHMSA.com and you can find out about the fantastic game of Handgun Silhouette. The distances for the four banks of targets for big bore revolver competition are 50, 100,150 and 200 meters. Yes that 686 stoked with 180 grain bullets and lots of powder can not only reach out to 200 meters, (212 yards I think) but it can slam those steel rams to the ground with pretty good authority! I shot IHMSA with my brother years ago and used a Ruger Blackhawk and later a Dan Wesson model 15. I remember when they came out with the silhouette sight for the S&W. It worked well but did not seem to be used much, and I do not know how long they made them. Hornady made a 180 grain silhouette bullet and I pushed it with a maximum load of 296 powder to win a few matches in class AA. Both of my brothers have now passed and seems I don't do nothin' anymore.
TTFN, Hope this helped
Wakatomika

 

[686&41]

Thanks again

I just joined this forum, and what a great bunch of responses to a strangers questions. Much appreciated indeed.

I have already learned lots on this site and its pretty amazing to be welcomed and assisted this way...

Thanks for sharing all yer knowledge and insight into my new toy.

It was love at first sight when we met, and on our first date at the range we hit it off big time....I quite enjoy her but i haven't slept with her yet. That was humour, for the record!!!

I would never of thought of pushing her past 25 yards never mind 200 ....Two football fields away....wow...but come to think of it she does feel like a howitzer when she shoots the 357 stuff...

cheers

 

[handgunner356]

I never used my 686 for Silhouette, but found it worked good for setting up POI for different 38 and 357 loads.