Non Pinned barrel and "glue on" sight question

[MPHanna]

Hey guys, new to the forum, but I've read several posts over the years and I was hoping to get clarity on something from some of the j frame experts here. So I have hot pants for a bodyguard model 38 serial number J917935 which I believe puts it as a 1982 production. It's definitely non Pinned, but I'd like to add one of the XS sights that require a gunsmith to mill down and glue on with JB weld. These sights are more effectively secured on the thicker front sights that I believe started production around the same time as they stopped pinning the barrels. So I have two main questions:
1) With the serial number mentioned will these sights likely be the thicker version as compared to the thinner fixed sites on the older j frames?
2) Anyone have experience with these glue on type front sights? I've heard that JB Weld can be practically as strong as steel in the right application, but my gut feeling doesn't give me the comfy cozies.

I greatly appreciate any insight you all can provide. Cheers!

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

206 people have viewed your thread as of right now, but no responses. You might generate more interest if you posted photos of the XS sights you reference, or post links to the website showing these sights.

The J frame front sight blade was changed from 1/10" to 1/8" on the Model 36-7 & 36-8 in 1990. I see a change to 1/8" listed in the SCSW book for the Model 49-2 also in 1990. So your gun will have the thinner 1/10" sight.

 

[MPHanna]

Thanks for the response! Math has never been my strong suit, but if you can read the attached photo, but I assume 1/10 of an inch equates to .100". If what you're saying is accurate, the XS sights should be compatible. Whether or not they're a good idea is another question I guess.

 

[stanmerrell]

I like the idea of an older Bodyguard, but I would leave the stock sight on mine if I were you. I have a really nice model 19 I bought with lawn mowing money in 1976. At the time red inserts were all the rage and I had to have one. I still own the gun and my only regret was putting that red insert in. As I get older I appreciate unmodified guns.

 

[DustStorm]

Not trying to start a brand war, and I like S&W J frames a lot, but One if the reasons I bought a Ruger LCR was the front sight is pinned in, and installing an XS Big Dot sight was a snap. I don't know if I'd trust JB weld to hold on a front sight on a carry gun.

 

[DustStorm]

Not trying to start a brand war, and I like S&W J frames a lot, but one of the reasons I bought a Ruger LCR was the front sight is pinned in, and installing an XS Big Dot sight was a snap. I don't know if I'd trust JB weld to hold on a front sight on a carry gun.

 

[rockquarry]

I've never found the sights on any S&W inadequate for the purpose. I wouldn't trust a sight that was JB Welded. Why not try the gun with the factory sights for a hundred rounds or so. You may find it perfectly functional as is. Changes are often changes only and not improvements. In some cases they are downgrades.

 

[Hondo44]

The XS sight seems to be hollow to slip over the 1/10" front sight blade. JB Weld would probably work just fine with all the surface area the XS sight has with the stock front sight fitted into the mortise milled in the XS blade.

But I would use one of the industrial strength Loctite products. The biggest advantage is that with a little heat you can remove the XS sight if you ever want to. Each loctite strength lists the heat needed for it to release. And it's not enough to ruin the gun's blue finish.