Model 1917 snubnose needs front sight

[Whisper]

A few weeks ago I posted about making a snubnose Model 625, and I'm still thinking about that, but while I was doing so I came across a Model 1917 that had already had its barrel cut down to 3 inches, so of course I bought it. This gun has a front sight that's rather crudely made -- the front sight blade appears to have been made from a penny, and it's been attached with a sloppy soldering job. So I've decided to replace the front sight.

The question is, with what? There's no factory front sight for a 3-inch Model 1917, although there are some front sights for other S&W revolvers that could perhaps be adapted. I've also seen a homemade snub that appeared to have a Williams rifle sight for its front sight, and it actually looked pretty cool. I'm sure there are other possibilities as well.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Whisper

 

[JH1951]

Just my opinion - I'd stick with a 1/2 moon front sight for that 'classic' look.

 

[StrawHat]

Here is the front sight on my 4” Model 1917. I believe it was the original half moon sight and base that was moved and modified.

Kevin

 

[jack the toad]

Like your shootin piece there Whisper.
Not much help on which sight but personal preference is to somehow include a brass dot.
Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[The Gila Bender]

Here's mine, 166,xxx, chopped and round butted, with shaped trigger guard, bobbed hammer, and wierd front sight. Modified for a specific purpose, some here opined that it was altered to "fit in the box" for competition. I just think it's cool. My Dad would have called this a "milk run" gun, cuz he grew up on the High Line in northern Montana near the Canadian border. I have no history and am free to make up a story to fit any occasion. Eagle stamps and numbers match (except K grips) which is pretty neat too. Shoots just fine, btw.

 

[steelslaver]

If the base is well attached you could get a piece of thin steel of the correct thickness and make a whole set front sights to try. A dremel to cut out the outline, a file to shape and a couple drill bit the size of the pin hole. Cut the shank of one to length and dome for the cross pin.

Once you made the first one and shot it you would know the correct height.

 

[ACORN]

Indian head penny, er, ah, Native American penny.

 

[Whisper]

If the base is well attached you could get a piece of thin steel of the correct thickness and make a whole set front sights to try.

Unfortunately the sight base is sloppily soldered on (it looks worse on the right side, which you can't see in the photo).

Still thinking on it. The idea of a coin blade for the front sight is good, but I'm also like JH1951's suggestion of a sight as similar as possible to the original.

 

[StrawHat]

Here is a non S&W with an Indian Head penny for a front sight.

Kevin

 

[Whisper]

So, I took it out shooting for the first time yesterday. Trigger pull is heavy in both SA and DA, and at 10 yards the gun shot 230gr hardball into about 7-inch groups that were about 5 inches high and right. I made a closer examination of the gun and the front sight isn't centered on the barrel. So, a front sight replacement is definitely in the cards. Also some research to find out why it groups so poorly. I'll post new photos when I have it straightened out.