Removing, cleaning and reinstalling the rear sight assy. on a S&W 29=3

[mojave30cal]

I picked up a S&W 29-3 Elmer Keith deluxe revolver that was
in a fire and there was smoke damage to the bluing. The fire
was not hot enough to melt the red ramp insert on the front
sight. I disassembled the 29-3 using a video on YouTube.
There was a lot of slimy dirty residue inside the gun. It was
cleaned and reassembled and works great.

I did not remove the rear sight assembly, but have decided
to do so now. I found a YouTube video on the subject, and
the poster recommended using blue Loctite on the small
screw up front that secures it to the top of the frame. Is
this the proper thing to do?

Any advice will be appreciated.

 

[jmiles1960]

I have never used Loctite or any thread sealers on my revolvers. Unless there is a specific need to do so, I'd vote "no".

Congrats on restoring that 29. If there is one thing I enjoy it is doing repair work and restoration on classic S&W revolvers.

Post a picture or two of the gun, if you can.

 

[Vtgw938]

Easy to bug up the small front screw. Make sure to use a proper fitting screwdriver and use penetrating oil if needed. Don't need to loosen the rear screw, just push the assembly back. The assembly is "bent" as you will see as you unscrew the front screw and that helps hold the screw in as it has a lock washer effect.

 

[BC38]

I wouldn't use Loctite on the sight assembly of any S&W revolver. That is just asking for trouble for whoever needs to remove it at any point in the future.
The screws have a small shank and fine threads. Loctite is overkill.
I'd just snug it down with a good hollow-ground screwdriver of the right size and call it good.

 

[rockquarry]

I wouldn't use Loctite on the sight assembly of any S&W revolver. That is just asking for trouble for whoever needs to remove it at any point in the future.
The screws have a small shank and fine threads. Loctite is overkill.
I'd just snug it down with a good hollow-ground screwdriver of the right size and call it good.

I've had many S&W revolvers with adjustable sights in the last fifty+ years and can recall only a couple that had this screw loosen. Once tightened, you may never have to touch it again.

 

[chief38]

Not a fan of Locktite on firearms. The reason a screw might come loose is because:

1) it was not tightened properly
2) the threads on the screw are buggered up or stripped
3) the female thread in the gun is stripped

resolution:

Usually replacing the screw if it is buggered up is the way to go. If it is in good shape then tighten it properly with a hollow ground screwdriver of the appropriate size. If the female thread in the guns frame is damaged, you can simply & carefully chase it with a tap.

I own plenty of firearms, including revolvers, pistols, shotguns and rifles of different brands. Not one has Locktite in it and with the exception of two Colt Single Action Army Revolvers, none ever loosen up. The Colt SAA has an inherent design that causes the screw to loosen & it can not be tightened too tight or the revolver will not operate properly. Regarding a Colt SAA, they say, "if you carry a Colt, carry a screwdriver". I do.

 

[mojave30cal]

Here are some pictures of said smoke damaged Elmer Keith
29-3 I picked up off of Gunbroker 2 years ago. I have shot
it with 44 special ammo and it is accurate. I might shoot some
44 magnum factory loads at some point. Thanks for all the
input guys.