Refurbishing a First Mod. DA

[Exmilcop]

I'll try to keep this brief, but Canadian looney gun laws only allow me to bush or wilderness carry a certified "antique" status pistol. I have a line on a good deal on a first mod. DA in .44 Russian with the 6-1/2" barrel. It's all in the white which is no biggie since I know several gunsmiths who could do a professional re-blue. What I would like, and may not be obtainable, is the target style Partridge foresight. My questions are does anyone know of a source for one and is it just a matter of drifting out the retaining pin, removing the half-moon sight and replacing it or does special fitting have to be done to insert the target sight? Any input would be most appreciated.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You might want to check with S&W, they will know if it's available and can be fitted.

 

[Exmilcop]

You might want to check with S&W, they will know if it's available and can be fitted.

On an old smith like this? We have a few excellent old-school gunsmiths up here who'll do very good work if it's beyond my skill set. I really just need the foresight blade and I could probably do the work myself.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

On an old smith like this? We have a few excellent old-school gunsmiths up here who'll do very good work if it's beyond my skill set. I really just need the foresight blade and I could probably do the work myself.

I didn't say you should send it to S&W, I only meant they would know if such a sight was available?

I just looked on the S&W site and it seems they no longer sell OEM sights replacements. Wonder what's up with that?

 

[sigp220.45]

Its great you found one!

I think you'll have to have one made - not much chance of finding a front sight for a 130 year old pistol that isn't attached to a gun. It should be pretty simple to make and install, if its like the front sight on mine.

What about that miniscule rear sight, though?

 

[Exmilcop]

Nice pistol! Up here there's a high condition .38-44 true target model for sale ($4200. Canadian pesos!). I fabricated a foresight for a very nice .44 Russian which I later sold, so I can do it again. I spent most of my adult life on the tools and now in my senior years I have the skills, the time, the patience, and tools to make one.

 

[sigp220.45]

What makes it an antique in Canada? Strictly age, or does it have to shoot an obsolete cartridge too?