Installing a SDM Fabricating Gold Bead Sight on a 686SSR?

[686 SSR]

As I am getting older (I am partially color-blind), it's becoming more difficult to pick up the red inset front sight on my 686 SSR. I'm looking into replacing it with a SDM Fabricating gold bead front sight. First, I have a couple questions:

1. Has anyone on this forum done this? If so, was it a drop in fit after you removed the pin? Did you have any difficulties?

2. The SDM blade comes in two heights, .250 and .300. Which one did you use and why? I want to stay with the standard S&W rear sight.

Thank you in advance.

 

[H Richard]

The Gold bead isn't much easier to pick up that a Patridge front sight. If you want something easier to see, look into the fiber optic, especially the green ones.

 

[colt_saa]

As I am getting older (I am partially color-blind), it's becoming more difficult to pick up the red inset front sight on my 686 SSR. I'm looking into replacing it with a SDM Fabricating gold bead front sight. First, I have a couple questions:

1. Has anyone on this forum done this? If so, was it a drop in fit after you removed the pin? Did you have any difficulties?

2. The SDM blade comes in two heights, .250 and .300. Which one did you use and why? I want to stay with the standard S&W rear sight.

Thank you in advance.

1) The 686 SSR has the IFS system. There is no pin to drive out. It is spring loaded and the sight will come out with just your hands.

Push the sight to the rear of the firearm and pull the front of the sight out of the barrel, let the spring push it forward......Done

Reverse procedure to install new sight

2) Remove and measure the sight you have and order the same size.

 

[Super Dave]

Your existing sight might have the height stamped on the bottom. Order a replacement sight from Dawson Precision in fiber optic. Consider a thinner sight such as .110 for more daylight on the sides of sight. This also helps aging eyes.
Dave

 

[gnystrom]

Check to see what sight is actually on your SSR. Mine is the spring loaded, easily replaceable, fiber optic. If the pin in your front sight is on the muzzle end it should be the replaceable variety. Push on it and see if it moves rearward.

The 625JM comes stock with a gold bead and I agree it is really easy to see in most lighting systems. I swapped the gold bead on my 625 with my SSR fiber optic all the time. The HI VIV front came in two heights. .250 and .310. I needed the .250.

I suspect you can get a 625JM gold bead replacement from S&W in the size you need. Swapping them should take under one minute with no tools.

 

[ostlund]

1) The 686 SSR has the IFS system. There is no pin to drive out. It is spring loaded and the sight will come out with just your hands.

QUOTE]

I've put a SDM gold bead on 629-4, same as shown. I'm not color blind but was having problems in thick (dark) western Washington forest hunting blacktails with red ramp. The gold bead is awesome.​

 

[686 SSR]

A huge thank you to everyone that responded. I had no idea that the 686 SSR front sight could be replaced without tools. I was ready to buy a small punch. Thank goodness I didn't.

I appreciate all of your helpful suggestions.

 

[Super Dave]

You might need to go through a number of sights to figure out exactly what is best for your eye. It's well worth the time and expense.
What did you decide on?
Dave

 

[686 SSR]

Super Dave - I will try gnystrom's suggestion to install a 625JM gold bead. That sounds like a great starting point to see how well my eyes are able to pick out a gold bead.

Thanks for asking.

 

[686 SSR]

Update- At gynstrom's suggestion, I called S&W and attempted to purchase a 625JM front sight. They were out of stock, but customer service told me to call either Brownell or Midway. I ordered a .250" SDM gold bead front sight from Midway It just arrived. The old sight was a bit difficult to remove because the front sight plunger spring in the barrel of the 686 SSR was really stiff. But, the SDM replacement snapped into place perfectly. It looks great. I can't wait to try it out.

Thank you to everyone on this.