I recently obtained a 6" barrel, blue, post war pre-27, 5 screw (SN S1079XX), walnut checkered diamond Magna Stocks with matching SN. My understanding is that the serial number indicates a production date in the range of 1954-1955. When I received the gun a Bushnell Magnum Phantom 1.3x scope was mounted and, unfortunately, a rear sight was not included. The (made in Japan) scope is in excellent condition and the mount is actually very impressive, but I want to go back to iron sights.
I didn't want to be one of those guys who immediately runs to a forum and expects everyone to solve all his problems. Over the past few weeks I've searched online and concluded that the sight I need is no longer available as a new part. I then joined this forum and searched for information that might help me identify exactly which sights are compatible, with the thought that I would then try to find a used one. I even purchased a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition, which is a great reference. I'm not concerned about finding a sight that's exactly correct for this specific gun. I'm only interested in finding a rear sight that's dimensionally compatible so I can shoot the gun. I've searched eBay periodically found a variety of used sights that are potentially applicable, but I have not been successful in finding enough information to allow me to confidently purchase a sight that I know will be compatible.
Using a caliper I measured the width of the groove in the top of the receiver to be approximately 0.283", and the center to center dimension between the rear slot screw location and front screw hole is approximately 1.8". I understand that the rear sight blade heights vary based on the front sight height, but my first concern is obtaining a proper rear sight assembly. This gun has a patridge front sight that's approximately 0.9" above the centerline of the bore, and approximately 0.39" above the checkered top rail.
Any input that might allow me to narrow my search to sights that are compatible would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
I edited the above post to correct an error I had made in measuring the dimension between rear sight holes. The correct dimension is approximately 1.8".
I didn't want to be one of those guys who immediately runs to a forum and expects everyone to solve all his problems. Over the past few weeks I've searched online and concluded that the sight I need is no longer available as a new part. I then joined this forum and searched for information that might help me identify exactly which sights are compatible, with the thought that I would then try to find a used one. I even purchased a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition, which is a great reference. I'm not concerned about finding a sight that's exactly correct for this specific gun. I'm only interested in finding a rear sight that's dimensionally compatible so I can shoot the gun. I've searched eBay periodically found a variety of used sights that are potentially applicable, but I have not been successful in finding enough information to allow me to confidently purchase a sight that I know will be compatible.
Using a caliper I measured the width of the groove in the top of the receiver to be approximately 0.283", and the center to center dimension between the rear slot screw location and front screw hole is approximately 1.8". I understand that the rear sight blade heights vary based on the front sight height, but my first concern is obtaining a proper rear sight assembly. This gun has a patridge front sight that's approximately 0.9" above the centerline of the bore, and approximately 0.39" above the checkered top rail.
Any input that might allow me to narrow my search to sights that are compatible would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
I edited the above post to correct an error I had made in measuring the dimension between rear sight holes. The correct dimension is approximately 1.8".
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