Need Advice on Fiber Optic Front Sight for S&W 617

[YourHuckleberry]

Hello. I need some advice on which fiber optic front sight to install on my S&W 617:

SDM

HiViz

or EGW?

Also, is there a way to remove the existing front sight without mangling it after carefully removing the pin? Thanks!

 

[Leonard]

You should worst case scenario be able to tap out original sight after the pin is removed using a small plastic mallet or plastic drift.

From my experience with fiber optic sights the shape or angle of the blade is immaterial as the fiber bar stands out so that the metal blade is not used for target reference.

You should compare the light bars diameter and see which visually serves you the best and if possible rough use say hunting one blade housing may better protect the fiber tube IE the EGW. My personal favorite set up is the LPI front and rear

 

[BobR1]

Something to think about.

I installed a .250 high SDM on my 617, and it was too tall for the rear sight. NOTE: SDM only lists a .250 and a .300 tall sight. I ended up taking my 617 to the shop to get a taller rear sight blade installed. My gunsmith installed a spare rear sight assembly that was taller, and fixed the problem.

Check you stock front sight height before ordering, to see what sight height you need.

Dawson Precision lists one that I believe is .220 Tall. I believe that is the lowest one I have found listed so far.

Bob

 

[YourHuckleberry]

Thanks. Sounds like I need a battery for my mic...

 

[Stainz]

After removing that pin, just tap the front sight back and forth with a lite hammer and a piece of 1/2" wood dowel for a drift. Even if they used blue Loctite - like I do - that should break the bond.

The proper height HiViz is their #SW617 - uses the stock rear sight blade. I got mine from Brownell's - but it was drop-shipped from HiViz, so you may want to cut the middle guy out - same price. Below you'll see it on my 617 - and a replacement on my 5" 63, which illustrates another measurement to be aware of - OAL - it hangs off the back of the ramp slightly!

The new 3" 63 on the bottom above also has a short height HiViz - and shorter OAL, too. It wasn't available as a spare part (... for my 60 Pro!) from S&W the last time I called.

Stainz

PS Neat mod for the .22 plinkers - especially for my 'mature' eyes.

 

[Mulefoot]

What model is the one in the middle? Its very nice! They all look great tho

I just bought a 686 plus & when i get it back from its warranty repair i want to put a hiviz front sight on it,so the proper way to pick out the size is to measure the height of the current stock sight?

 

[gr7070]

I just bought a 686 plus & when i get it back from its warranty repair i want to put a hiviz front sight on it,so the proper way to pick out the size is to measure the height of the current stock sight?

Yes. Get a sight as close to the factory height as they make. They take some effort and ability to install.

Many recommend an SDM sight. I like mine a great deal.