Model 66 Combat Magnum front/rear sights replacement

[Tikbalang]

Hello.

I just bought a Smith and Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum with a 2.75 inch barrel.

I find the rear sights to shallow and would like to replace it with one with a white outline. I am interested in getting a Rough Country Sight from Bowen Classic Arms.

I have 3 options .370, .385 and .400. Which sight height would you suggest I order.

I would also like to order a replacement front sight, something with fiber optic and tritium night sights in one. Something like a Trijicon HD XR or a HiViz Litewave. Unfortunately, I could not find one specifically for my K frame.

Appreciate your help.

Thank you.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Changing 66-8 sights

Welcome to the forum!

I'm guessing you bought a new version, a 66-8?

My 66-8's factory rear sight's blade is ~.114" tall.

My 66-8's factory front sight is ~.235" tall.

To maintain regulation between them whatever you do to the rear sight's height you'll have to do the the front's sight or you'll loose that balance & change the the POI -vs POA.

So if you went to a .370" rear sight the front sight would need to be increased in height accordingly by ~.256". (.370" - .114"= .256")

Add that to the current front sight's height you'd need a front sight ~.491" tall (.235" + .256"= .491").

This would seemingly be too tall of a front sight for a snub nose.

Another choice: the depth of the factory rear notch is ~.060".

On a .146" tall blade the notch is 1/3 larger, .080" deep.

If you install a .146" rear blade you'd need a .275" tall front sight to keep them properly regulated if that much of a change was outside the the rear sight's adjustment range.

I considered doing the later but just stuck with the factory sights.

They work for my purposes.

.

.

 

[Tikbalang]

Dear BLUEDOT37,

I did get the Model 66-8. I love it except for the sights. I understand and agree with your logic on the front and rear sight heights. Would there be an explanation why Bowen Classic Arms make and sell rear sights with these heights? Would there be a difference in how these sights are measured the same way scope ring heights differ in how they are measured by different manufacturers?

Thank you and best regards.

 

[Paul105]

Re: Bowen Heights vs S&W Blade heights -- IIRC they are not equivalent. I'd contact Bowen - they should be above to tell you which will work for you.

I have the Bowen Rough Country (don't remember which one) on one of my 2 3/4" M69s along with a 1/10" front blade from Dawson Precision. That combination works wonders for these old eyes.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[andy52]

I know the Bowen sight are a bit pricey but they are much better then the standard S&W sights I have a set on a 24-3. The older style sights come undrilled and you have to position and drill a hole in the tang.
Yours is probably the newer style with the round front which you don't have to drill.

 

[M29since14]

Mr. Bowen can give you advice on which height to order. If you need one, you can probably find a taller front sight at Midway. They have S&W OEM front sights in different heights, or you might be able to order one directly from S&W if you have a part number.

 

[harrydog]

I figured I'd resurrect this old thread rather than starting a new one. I have a 66-8 and I don't like the factory sights at all. I want to replace both the front and rear and would be very interested to know what Tikbalang ended up doing with his.
I've been considering both the Bowen Rough Country sights and the D&L Sports sights (not adjustable). Does anyone have experience with either of these?
Thanks

 

[harrydog]

I guess what I should have asked is, does anyone have experience with both of these sights and how do they compare. The D&L sights are not adjustable which appeals to me if it's easy to get the POA/POI correct.

 

[Troutscout]

I also disliked the sights on my 66-8. I just replaced it with a spare white outline rear sight from my 686. Works fine out to 20 yards. I can't see past that distance anyway, so its working for me.