Nickel Model 19-3 Front Sight Change?

[Murdock]

The Patridge front sight on my nickel 19-3 6-inch is hard to make out in some (bright) light situations. I know I can paint it or glue an orange plastic rectangle on it's face and so on, but wonder about simply repacing the existing post sight with a blue red ramp.

Looking at the front sight base reveals a horizontal crosspin that surely secures the sight to the ramp. Is it possible to simply drive out the pin, insert a Baughman-type blue sight with a red ramp, and replace the pin?

S&W customer service told me they would not do this. It's not clear to me if they ever did this type of alteration.

Could it be this simple? If so, sources for a relacement front sight? (Numrich, Jack First? Other?)

Thanks.

 

[Hondo44]

Almost that simple. However, in addition if you find a new blue front sight, it will not have the hole for the pin; it must be drilled so it aligns with the hole in the sight ramp.

George Dye
"Salt Lake Collectibles Co."
P.O. Box 57433, Salt Lake City, UT, 84157
phone (205)502-2026

 

[dfariswheel]

Drilling the hole is a "touchy" job.
Do not drill it with the sight in the barrel, one mistake and you ruin a barrel.

Put the sight in the slot, make sure it's fully seated, then use a needle point scribe or small drill bit BY HAND to mark the hole.
Remove the sight and drill the hole, then pin it in place.

Getting the hole perfectly placed is a surprisingly difficult job, so use a very sharp center punch to give the drill a proper start.

 

[stansdds]

Can be done, but paint is less expensive and an easily reversible procedure.