Model 63 with front ramp sight with red insert

[sdk]

Hello,
I have a model 63 with a front ramp sight with red insert and was wondering what the purpose or advantage of the red insert is. In my case, depending on the light conditions (indoor/outdoor) and the color of the target, the red insert will sometimes appear transparent and vague and will be difficult to align with the rear sight. I've thought about coloring over it with perhaps a sharpie or something similar but before doing so I'm wondering if I'm not using it correctly since there must be a reason that it was designed into the gun. I'll be grateful for comments. Thank you.
S.K.

 

[markyboy57]

It aids in sighting by giving a contrasting color to the black sight blade. I remember my first revolver, a Dan Wesson, came with red, white, yellow or no insert for different lighting conditions or personal preference.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Back in the day S&W loved their stainless ramp with red insert. They must of made a million guns that way. Not sure why, since, as you've found out, it doesn't give the best sight picture. The red insert is better than a plain silver ramp, I guess, but not by much. I see on the newer guns, like the reintroduced K-frames, Smith is fitting a ramp style pinned black blade. That's an improvement. I wish they built more guns with a black Patridge front sight. IMO that's the best front sight they make.

 

[jaymoore]

Hello,
I have a model 63 with a front ramp sight with red insert and was wondering what the purpose ...of the red insert is....

S.K.

Frankly, I think it was to sell more revolvers. Generally does more harm than good.

I have to resist the temptation to knock them out first thing! But did go so far in a couple of instances of replacing the entire front sight with a Patridge blade on a 29-2 and a 57. Big improvement. Do have a couple of other shooters that are missing the insert. The overhang helps but sometimes the unserrated portion above glares a bit anyway.

On a carry gun, a good option is to replace the front insert and rear sight assembly with tritium units.

Might work against collector value, but for a working gun, it's worth it to me. Even on insanely priced gear:

The S&W night sights become much more "Patridge-ish" as well. But there doesn't seem to be a close up photo in the albums, sorry!

3" 66 on the left has the red ramp replaced with a set of tritium sights. Might make the purists cringe, but...

Model 63 probably isn't a carry gun, so a less expensive alternative is to simply get some spray-on "Sight Black". (Birchwood Casey product) Easily removed so it's for range use, not field carry. Markers tend to be shiny so not much help. The old flame blackening trick isn't recommended either unless you do really want to make the insert go away. Would give a good excuse to give it the heave-ho after it melts or rounds out from the heat!