Rear sight blade replacement

[JCN]

Is there a special trick to replacing the rear sight blade on a S & W?

My revolver is shooting too high with the rear sight in the lowest position, & I want to try a lower blade which I have on hand (in another sight with different screw spacing).

 

[JCN]

Is there a special trick to replacing the rear sight blade on a S & W?

My revolver is shooting too high with the rear sight in the lowest position, & I want to try a lower blade which I have on hand (in another sight with different screw spacing).

 

[cgt4570]

JCN,

The only way to change the rear blade is to turn the screw until you break it off. Then you replace the blade, screw, and nut. Next you spread the screw tip with the proper tool (or the right size screwdriver) to prevent it from backing off. It's best to buy the rear blade kit from S&W that includes the screw and nut.

I've done this about a dozen times successfully.

Chris

 

[H Richard]

cgt4570 is correct, and a kit of parts is available from S&W, but call them and explain your problem, and be sure to measure your sight blade height first so you know what you have. The blades come in all different heights, depending on the caliber and velocity. If you turn the windage all the way to the left it will stick out far enough for you to put your calipers on and get a good measurement. The pro's at W&W can tell you what height you need.

When you get the kit you may as well also order a rear sight spring and detent, as you may possibly loose them they are "tiny". When you back the windage nut all the way out in order to remove it, there is the tiniest little plunger and spring you have ever seen inside the windage screw head. It will fly out to places unknown unless you capture it. Put the gun inside a large plastic bag when backing the windage screw out.

 

[BruceM]

Threads of this natures should be in the Gunsmithing section, I do believe. There may also be a "sticky" there and I do believe that there are videos available on YouTube and Brownell's websites.

Bruce

 

[JCN]

Thanks for your help. It's crystal clear to me that I may as well remove the whole rear sight assembly and file, grind, or mill the blade down to a usable height. Nothing to lose.