I need the height of a model 48 front sight please.

[mmande]

Would someone with a 4" model 48 .22 mag revolver kindly measure the height of the front sight. The top edge of the bore to the top of the sight would work fine for me. I know that the rear sight blade should be .126".
Thank you for your time and consideration;
Mike

 

[Protocall_Design]

The front sight is normally measured from the topmost part of the sight to the flat base it sits on. Model 17 and 617 sights are around .200 tall. Model 48 is probably the same, although I don't know that for sure.

 

[mmande]

OK, long story, short....I bought a model 17 with barrel cut to 4" and cylinder rechambered to .22 magnum. After market front sight installed with a .146" rear sight blade. I would like to see if the combination of sights are correct before running around trying to find .22 mag ammo.
I have both model 17s and 617s but also don't know about model 48 sights as they are ramped and not patridge.
Thanks;
Mike

 

[Protocall_Design]

With an altered gun, you will most likely need to shoot some ammo to see where it prints and go from there. Maybe the previous owner already had it sorted out.

 

[Hondo44]

Generally, a shorter barrel needs a higher front sight than a longer barrel. So you've got that variable in the equation as well. I agree, you need to shoot it. You'll need ammo anyway unless you never plan to shoot it.

 

[mmande]

Found some ammo and shot it yesterday at 50 feet. Still shoots a little high with rear sight bottomed out. I don't have access to longer range distance right now. I would still like to know what the height of a factory front sight is so I have a better idea of what rear sight height will work best.
Anybody, please;
Mike

 

[Hondo44]

Well i don't know how many inches, "Still shoots a little high..." actually is.

But I would get a "little lower" rear sight blade, maybe the next size down. Or just file down the top of the rear sight blade till you get the point of impact where you want it, then order a new blade as close to that size as possible.

Is your barrel an original 4" or possibly cut to 4"?

Either way, since your gun shoots high and we know shorter barrels need taller front sights, the sight blade on your gun is likely the factory size of a long barrel Mod 48.

Good luck and I hope you get an answer from someone who has a 4" and/or even 6" Model 48.

You may want to change the title of this thread to something more specific like, anyone have a Model 48?

 

[Protocall_Design]

If the front sight is pinned on, a taller front might be a better way to go.

 

[mmande]

The after market ramped front sight was professionally installed with no indication of pins what so ever. The top edge of the bore to the top of the sight is .645 inches.
Model 17 barrel cut to 4 inches. POI is 2 1/2" high at 50 feet. I don't know if it would be higher or lower at longer ranges.
By the S&W parts book:
4" 48 rear blade is .126"
6" 48 rear blade is .146"
6" 648 rear blade is .106"
But I have no idea what the height of the front sight is for any of the above.

 

[Hondo44]

It'll continue to be higher than a proper height site would be But depending on the range it will get closer to the center of the target, like at ranges over 50 yards.

Since the 4" rear blade is .020" shorter than the 6" rear blade, I'd bet the front sight blades were the same height. And the front blade you have is likely shorter than both.

I would get the .106" rear blade and you should have enough sight up and down adjustment to zero it in.