No-Click rear sight

[gmborkovic]

I was looking in the shop for a set of J diamonds for that nickel pre-36 flat latch when I came upon a blue rear sight of 1930s vintage. Were all the target sights from that era the same? It
looks alot like a rear for an RM. Its .250" wide, and 2.75" LOA.
Sn. on underside appears to be 3077, the "0" is a bit light.
Blue is bright, blade is plain square, no front frame screw.
Other screws present and not buggered. If anybody has #3077 and no sight, Pls PM. Mike 2796.

 

[Modified]

They were not all the same.

From what I have seen there are different lengths for K and N frame, earlier sights had one rear screw, later sights 2, the RM sights were specific to RMs in that they had horizontal lines right below the blade, but other N Frame rear sights did not.

A picture would be useful.

 

[DWalt]

It would be great if someone with access to revolvers having the various different S&W adjustable rear sights used since the very beginning could put a treatise together. I remember several postings in which some of this rear sight information was discussed and pictured, but nothing comprehensive which would make a good knowledge resource.

 

[rct269]

A couple of points:

First, the serial number (3077) on the sight you found is almost certainly not the complete serial number----more likely the last digits. This practice was (very) common on pre-war target guns.

Next, The treatise on S&W target sights has already been put together----for quite a while. Specif. "The Evolution of Smith & Wesson Target Sights" by Robert J. Neal was published (in two parts----front and rear) in the November and December issues of Arms Gazette------1977. (!!!) And it is "comprehensive", covering all (but one rather obscure) rear sights and virtually all the front sights.

Registered Magnums were fitted with what we have come to call the "Two Screw" rear sight-----as were later .22 Outdoorsmans, 38/44 Outdoorsmans, M&P Targets, the K-32 1st---and perhaps some more I've overlooked. The "two screw" rear sight has THREE screws---one at the front to attach it to the frame and the two at the rear-----one to adjust elevation and the other to lock that adjustment in place.

And while all (I think) Registered Magnums carried the horizontal scoring below the rear blade, the same treatment appears to have been available on order for other guns. Translation: I have seen such treatment on other guns. I don't know if it was done by the factory or not.

Ralph Tremaine

And the 2.75" LOA sight you found is for an N frame-----the K frame sights being 2.5" LOA-------the I frame sights being 2.25" LOA-----and I know neither the frame size designation nor the LOA for a Ladysmith Target's rear sight----nor do I care. (!!!)

And I just remembered a couple of more guns with the "two screw" sights-----the later .44 HE 2nd's----and 3rd's.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Ralph T., I have the 3 screw model. Im offering the sight to any SWCA member that needs it to complete a gun. I have Jinks RM article from 1989. Mine is not scored, but I dont have a pic from the rear. Mike 2796

 

[rct269]

Well, in my experience, coming up with a rear sight of that vintage is much akin to tripping over diamonds lying on the ground!! You done GOOD!! You will make someone a very happy camper!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Muley Gil]

"...and I know neither the frame size designation nor the LOA for a Ladysmith..."

M frame.