Model 36 front sight issue

[MTC(SS)Ret]

I recently picked up a Model 36 no dash with 3" barrel and flat latch, SN 2032XX. I believe it's dated to 1961 (correct me if I'm wrong). It's in excellent condition overall, matching SN round butt stocks, no sign of rust and bluing is wear free....EXCEPT for one thing.
Unless this left the factory with a smooth ramp front sight, you can see in the photos a previous owner ground off the ramp serrations and got a little heavy handed and started to go through the bluing on the barrel 1/2" behind the front sight. I can think of no rational reason someone would want to remove the serrations at the cost of damaging the bluing but I guess people have done stupider things.
I'm wondering if this will significantly diminish the value of the gun....not that it matters that much to me as I purchased it as a shooter and was aware of the condition at purchase.
Any opinions or comments are appreciated.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hmmm. That's a new one, Chief.

I believe you're close on the year.

I'm sure it puts a dent in collector value, but, well, you bought it that way. I'm sure you're not the only one who'd overlook the smooth site for the sake of a shooter.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I would just use a 50 LPI checkering file to put new grooves in the sight, cold blue, and shoot on.

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Hmmm. That's a new one, Chief.

I believe you're close on the year.

I'm sure it puts a dent in collector value, but, well, you bought it that way. I'm sure you're not the only one who'd overlook the smooth site for the sake of a shooter.

I read somewhere that some of the early J frames had smooth ramped sights but I didn't think my 36 was that early. But I bought it as a shooter so I'm OK with it.
I've seen you post here quite a lot and it caught my attention you're in Wyoming and display the Fire Service avatar. I am a volunteer firefighter here in NE Florida and our Chief spends the winter here and summers in your beautiful state in Sublette County where he's a battalion chief. I just thought it was an interesting coincidence, you might even know him!

 

[chief38]

Protocall Design said what I would have but he beat me to the punch. A checkering file should do the trick.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I read somewhere that some of the early J frames had smooth ramped sights but I didn't think my 36 was that early. But I bought it as a shooter so I'm OK with it.
I've seen you post here quite a lot and it caught my attention you're in Wyoming and display the Fire Service avatar. I am a volunteer firefighter here in NE Florida and our Chief spends the winter here and summers in your beautiful state in Sublette County where he's a battalion chief. I just thought it was an interesting coincidence, you might even know him!

Some of the 5-screw Chiefs from serial numbers 2452 to 12750 have smooth ramp front sights. That was in 1952. I have a few in that range, all 2", and I like the smooth sight. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I don't see that the serrated sight offers a significant advantage.

Sublette County is my neighbor to the west. I have a fair few friends there, but I don't know any of the firefighters. Pretty country. Your Chief is smart not to winter there. That is the nation's ice box -- Big Piney might hold the record for consistently being the coldest town in the country.

Thank you for volunteering. It's a BIG deal.

 

[MTC(SS)Ret]

Some of the 5-screw Chiefs from serial numbers 2452 to 12750 have smooth ramp front sights. That was in 1952. I have a few in that range, all 2", and I like the smooth sight. Maybe I'm just used to it, but I don't see that the serrated sight offers a significant advantage.

Sublette County is my neighbor to the west. I have a fair few friends there, but I don't know any of the firefighters. Pretty country. Your Chief is smart not to winter there. That is the nation's ice box -- Big Piney might hold the record for consistently being the coldest town in the country.

Thank you for volunteering. It's a BIG deal.

Thank you as well cowboy, and for you service to our country. Stay warm!!

 

[jframejoey]

Weird, looks like the ramp on 3RD Gen Colt D frames.