Replacing Rear Sight on 19-3

[ect1222t]

I just received a "Shooter Grade" 19-3 that has a broken rear sight blade. I have the following questions:
1) Are there any tips or tricks for replacing the rear sight blade?
2) Is it easier to replace the entire rear sight assembly or just the rear sight blade, and does the replacement blade come with instructions?
3) What other dashes will fit on the 19-3 for a rear sight assembly? Is the blade the same for all 19's? What other model rear sights would work if any?
4) I would like to eventually change this from a 19-3 with basic black sights to a Red Ramp/White Outline sighted revolver. Any suggestions how to do this, or is there a better front sight option such as tritium? Thanks. -Ed

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

Watch these small Videos..
YouTube - Gunsmith - How to replace rear sight blade on S&W revolver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15xY3yX39Lk&feature=related
Gary/Hk

 

[ect1222t]

I'll have to watch it the next time I get to the Public Library in the county seat. I don't know if it's my ancient computer (2 Gb) or my operating system (Win.'95), but I can't watch videos, most pictures show up as a red X, and I can't open attachments. Yeah, I know, I need a new computer. Right now that's a luxury I can't afford. -Ed.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Before you stake it in place, Larry P. forgot to tell you to back the nut off 1/4 turn!

check out the faqs sticky above, there is info in there too.

 

[thadheth]

If you go to this Gunbroker link (1) New Smith & Wesson Adjustable Rear Sight Kit : Sights at GunBroker.com) you can see the Smith and Wesson installation instructions for a rear sight blade. Two suggestions: 1) make sure you get the correct sight blade height (Midway USA has most of them listed). If you are not sure, you can contact Smith and Wesson for the correct sight height; and 2) be extra careful when getting the plunger fitted into the barrel of the site - that tiny little spring can launch the plunger like a rocket, and I found it best to assemble it while holding it in a large sized plastic baggie.

 

[H Richard]

When you call S&W be sure to state the barrel length. That has a bearing on the height of the replacement blade. +1 on the large plastic baggie when backing the windage screw out to avoid the plunger & spring from "launching".

 

[bgrafsr]

Brownells also carries the sight blade, screw, & nut as a package. If you want to change to a white outline blade, you may as well do it now since you have to replace the broken blade. It will likely take the .146" height blade, but before ordering just use a set of calipers and check the height of the blade, not including the area where the screw goes through, just in case you need the .126" blade.

940-191-460
Sight Blade Kit, Rear, .126", White Outline


940-191-440
Sight Blade Kit, Rear, .146", White Outline

 

[flagman1776]

Front sights blades have half round bottoms inset into the cast in base. The blades are pinned in at the factory before poloshing & finishing. You can not see the pins.
The sights are removed with a smart smack of a hammer, new sight inserted & pin hole drilled through the base. The new pin will protrude slightly. I had sights swapped at the factory & that is how the armorers did it at the service center.

 

[ect1222t]

Thanks. I should have stated that my 19-3 has a 4" barrel. No one has accused me of being smart lately. I'm getting to the point that when someone asks my name, I have to check my driver's license. -Ed.