Replacing Sites on a 1968 28-2 HIghway Patrolman

[fouraceswes]

I want to replace the insert (for lack of better term, the little V Guy) on my 1968 Highway Patrolman for the same reason the old grey hired guy on youtube did his. It is all beat up. Thought I would get one with a white outline then went all wild when I saw a red ramp front site replacement. Couple questions:

There appear to be a couple different sizes of Original Equipment rear site replacement items. From where to where do I measure to figure out which one I need?

Front Site:
The Standard Catalog...tells me the front site on an OE 28-2 is 1/8 inch. From where to where would I measure that in case I do not have an OE site? It does appear to be an integral and non-removable part of the barrel.

My front site does not appear to be pinned in place again a part of the barrel. Is there a way to remove it and replace it with a red ramp site without machining off the existing site and milling slot for new one? Would there be a way to mill a slot in the barrel that allows me to use a stock red ramp site?

I would like to do the rear site insert replacement myself but if I have to machine the barrel for a front site I would perhaps not do it, as I kind like the gun mostly stock.

Thanks for any advice and if this is a repeat question, just post a link please.

 

[jpage]

Brownells used to sell a colored insert kit for front sights. I think its a colored epoxy that is mixed and added to a recess in the sight.

 

[.455_Hunter]

The number of blued N-frame Smiths with adjustable sights that are NOT already defiled by red plastic is pretty limited. Do you really want to alter another one?

 

[Alk8944]

Move the rear sight slide all the way to the left and measure the height of the protruding part with a micrometer or dial indicator.

Forget the white outline sights currently available, the outline is simply painted on and comes off very easily when the gun is cleaned! The older sight slides had a coined groove that was filled with white lead and was quite durable, these have not been available for over 30 years.

The word is sight, something seen. Site means a place or location such as a web site, construction site, etc. They are not alternate spellings of the same word no matter how many times people misuse them.

 

[Capt. F.]

To get an original white outline rear sight you might try going to the Want to Buy section of the forum and put an ad on there.
Someone is bound to have a blade they’re willing to sell.
As far as the front sight, as another has said, Brownells sells or used to sell a kit which would require filing a notch in the sight blade, then filling with a colored epoxy, BUT also as another has stated, the model 28 isn’t made anymore and you would be reducing the value. Your choice.
Here’s an idea. I have a NYSP ( New York State Police) Model 28 that as I understand it, came factory with the red insert/white outline sight combo. It also came with the smooth combat trigger.
Again, go to the want to buy section, put an ad on looking for a NYSP 28.
If one shows up and you can work a deal, buy it and possibly sell yours to finance the deal if you need to (selling to buy is a last ditch effort in my book. I have two 4” and one 6” and the only time mine will be sold is after my kids spread my ashes!).

 

[fouraceswes]

Good advice from all, thanks very much, especially in regard to the white outline rear SIGHT (just for you Mr English teacher) Like I say I may just keep the front SIGHT (see one can learn, even from people who live to correct others on forums, not saying that's you just saying) the way it is. The condition of my old 28-2 would be something most people would talk **** about anyway so I wont be posting any pics of it. I bought it for $150 about 10 years ago from a dear friend who has passed since, and it shot very straight despite its former owner telling me "The only thing wrong with that gun was its owner." While shooting it this weekend the SIGHT came loose, so I am anticipating replacing it soon.

Again thanks for all the advice. It will save me some time and money.

 

[fouraceswes]

PS Capt F that 4 inch is a dream pistol. I can see why you would only want it gone if they pried it out of your hand. A fabulous gun with a super cool history, can't beat that.

 

[Capt. F.]

PS Capt F that 4 inch is a dream pistol. I can see why you would only want it gone if they pried it out of your hand. A fabulous gun with a super cool history, can't beat that.

Often said if I could keep only one it would be my 4” NYSP.
It has been known to take fall bird hunting trips with me in northern Maine.
Forrest