Mod 17-3 Help me Identify & Screw Broken

[Gun_Owner_germany]

Hi there,
I am pretty new to Shooting here in Germany so please excuse my english. My first Gun in 22LR is a S&W Mod 17-3 from a recently deceased Owner. So there is no much Information about its History.

Now there is a Problem....the screw that adjusts the elevation of the rear Sight-Blade is broken.
My Question is: Can the Sight be replaced with an Picatinny Rail and if not, can that screw be replaced?
The Revolver seems pretty old. Its stampe like this:
MOD 17-3 6K495XX
(4 Screw Design)
The Sight Rail with the Blade is not rounded but square on the End, and the second Screw the holds it in place is much smaller then the one for the Elevation.
And if anyone know...how old is this thing?

I can provide Photos but only later that week, because the Gun is currently locked in the Shooting Club until my Firearm Licence arrives.

 

[Camster]

A little newer than 1975. Someone else can pin it down more concisely.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!

There's a parts diagram in this link:

Click here)> Smith & Wesson 17 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich

I'm not sure anything is broken. Try pressing down on the back of the rear sight and tightening what looks like the elevation screw.

 

[Camster]

Welcome aboard!

There's a parts diagram in this link:

Click here)> Smith & Wesson 17 Revolver Parts, Schematics | Numrich

I'm not sure anything is broken. Try pressing down on the back of the rear sight and tightening what looks like the elevation screw.

Agreed. The screw may have disengaged from the underlying nut. If the screw is fine, applying downward pressure to the rear of the blade, will allow it to engage the nut. The nut is semi-captured by the frame.

 

[series guy]

The part you can see with the slot is actually the nut. It threads on to a very small screw with a square head that is held from turning by the slot in the top strap that it slides into. As mentioned try a little downward pressure on the sight and then turn the nut clockwise to engage the screw. Your gun dates to 1974.