School me on sights

[waffles]

Ok, I picked up this 686 SSR

But as always, the Red Ramp front sight is stupid. This is a target gun, I don't game, I don't hunt, and I'm not carrying it. I'm looking into a gold dot front sight, and perhaps a V notch rear. I'm looking into some opinions on this, including sight picture pics and installation instructions (is it as simple as just using a #54 drill bit on the sight?).

 

[canvsbk]

No drill bit required, that sight comes right out for replacement. Read your instructions.

 

[waffles]

No instructions, and my understanding is that all the replacement sights come undrilled. Anybody got predrilled? That would simplify this quite a bit.

I can drift out the roll pin on the old sight I'd imagine, but the new one might be tricky.

 

[colt_saa]

You do not have a pinned in front sight

You have the S&W IFS system

That sight changes with the use of your fingers and nothing more.

Push your front sight towards the back of the revolver and tilt the front end out of the slot. Reverse to install a different sight

DO NOT remove the roll pin. That is what the sight locks onto when the spring loaded plunger pushes it forward. Look at the hole above the muzzle with a flashlight and you will see it.

Here is the link to to gold bead front sight on the S&W webpage http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...59652_757839_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

image courtesy of S&W

 

[Iron]

You do not have a pinned in front sight

You have the S&W IFS system

That sight changes with the use of your fingers and nothing more.

Push your front sight towards the back of the revolver and tilt the front end out of the slot. Reverse to install a different sight

DO NOT remove the roll pin. That is what the sight locks onto when the spring loaded plunger pushes it forward. Look at the hole above the muzzle with a flashlight and you will see it.

Here is the link to to gold bead front sight on the S&W webpage Product: Gold Bead Interchangeable Patridge Front Sight .250 High

image courtesy of S&W

I just bought a 686+ Pro yesterday & that's how mine works. I'm considering changing mine out with a fiber optic model. .250 is standard height correct?

 

[waffles]

Oh now we're talking. I didn't even know this interchangeable thing existed, looks like I'm out a little cash now

On the rear sight front, I remember shooting a S&W with a U notch rear sight, but it was fixed in place. Is there an adjustable U notch blade out there?

 

[b_san]

This is what I put in my 686+ Pro and 627 Pro - Fiber Optic Super Sights .250 height Classic/DX style (green), very nice sights. SDM does also make gold bead sights Gold Bead Sights (bottom of the page for S&W) if you prefer those to FO. The rear U notch works better for me than the V, YMMV though.

 

[colt_saa]

Oh now we're talking. I didn't even know this interchangeable thing existed, looks like I'm out a little cash now

As best as I can recall the IFS system was first introduced in the Model 29 Classic in 1991.

 

[Pizza Bob]

IFS is also known as the DX or classic type front sight. The SSR really isn't a "target" gun. It was made for practical shooting. The SSR designation is the IDPA division in which this gun would compete. SSR stands for Stock Service Revolver. That being said, like any 686, it can be used for anything you want.

The V-notch rear sight blade you are considering is also not a "target" sight. The V-notch allows for quick pick-up and alignment of the sights, more suitable in a SD or game situation - it is not thought of as a precision sight.

I am not a fan of the RR front sight either, and I am a fan of "gun games" (IDPA, USPSA). I also have vision problems associated with age and a previous surgery to remove a growth on my cornea. The sights that work best for me are those that allow more light around the front sight blade than the OE sights. The OE set-up is a .125" rear notch with a .125" wide front blade. This is a good combination for precision shooting with normal eyesight. What works for me is either a .125" notch rear sight with a .100" wide front sight, or a .140" notch rear sight coupled with the stock .125" width front sight. All my front sights are fiber optics, either Dawson or Hi-Viz. Rear sights are either LPA or the Weigand replacement blade.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[waffles]

Thanks guys! You probably saved a nice SSR from a stupid attack with a brass punch.