I'd like to replace the front sight on my 617 with a ramp type (red) sight. Does anybody know of the size drift I need to use to remove the sight? A source of ramp sights?
Yes, the fiber optic sight is nice in the field, but not great under a cover pistol range.Thought about changing mine also but it will be with fiber optic. I have seen them advertised for the 617. I have fiber on my m&p 9.
I installed a HiViz green fiber optic front sight on my 617 this afternoon. You can drive the roll pin out with a .050 pin punch, and then remove the front sight blade with padded pliers. Replacement sights, including the HiViz, are not pre-drilled. Insert the new sight and hold it in place while drilling with a #54 bit. Drill carefully by hand a little at a time, alternating sides until you are through. When you reinstall the pin it will follow the hole even if it is not quite straight. I replaced the roll pin with a solid .055 pin. You can get everything you need from Brownell's, or you can also get pins from Speedshooter Specialties (including oversize "repair" pins).
I installed the HiViz (Green) front sight on my S&W 617-6 (4" barrel) and the results were excellent. It's easier to get good sight alignment and sight picture with the HiViz versus the OEM black front sight. I've included installation notes (long) below in case anyone is interested...........
I recently purchased the S&W 617 for my basic pistol classes. I didn't like the front sight that came with the revolver because I found it difficult for students to get good sight alignment and sight picture.......