S&W 696 FRONT sight help

[tlr16]

So I recently picked up a 696. The front sight is damaged does anyone know where to get a factory replacement or what are my options. Factory is pinned in silver/red ramp. Thanks for any help or leads.

 

[ken158]

Is the sight or just the red ramp damaged? Lots of ramps have been made from tooth brush plastic (color of your choice) and glued into position.

 

[jack the toad]

personally since pinned, I'd consider swapping for a gold bead but maybe some replacement options...
http://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=front+sight+insert+kit&ksubmit=y
ETA: This is for the insert but while on brownells site, do a search for front sights as they carry both factory and aftermarket replacements.

 

[alde]

A quick call to Smith & Wesson might get you a free one or at least a minimal cost. They have used the same sight on many guns.

 

[jdb3]

I replaced mine with the Mepro-light night sights and never looked back. Jim

 

[petemacmahon]

Size you need

I too have a 696. I emailed S&W back in 2007 about getting a replacement front sight with a gold bead. This is the reply I got from them:
----
Hi,
Front sight on your gun is a .278 red ramp. It is a pinned front sight.
We do not offer a front sight as a part sale in this height. The gun would have to be returned to have a front sight installed with a gold bead. Cost would be roughly $70.00. Please see attached

Thank you
kf
-------
and they attached a work order I could use. I don't know if things have changed, but at least you know the exact height of the stock unit!

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Op, I'd use this chart to find the one closest to the original sight, but a little taller, and try that. I'd prefer a Patridge style, so I'd ask if they had one close to the height I needed, and hope there's enough adjustment in the rear sight to make it all work.

 

[Nemo288]

A picture of your damaged front sight would help us with the suggestions for a fix.
It doesn't seem as if S&W could make up their mind about what height and kind of front sight to put on the L frame 44's.
I have 3 so far and the sight ramps and sights are all different.

If the metal part is salvageable, there are all kinds of plastic inserts that will work, as has been mentioned.

I personally prefer the black ramp of the 696-1.
It's also the most accurate of the bunch and the only one with correct throat and bore dimensions.
It is also one of the last S&W's with broached rifling.
My 696 has the ECM smooth rifling.
Not sure how the newer 696-1 ended up with the older style barrel but I am not complaining!
At this point it is my favorite S&W and good for just about everything I would need a revolver for.