Triple Lock Target Help Needed

[oldmcdonald]

I just bought an early (4170) 7.5" triple lock target. The gun is well used, but original with all matching numbers, including the grips. Problem is that it is missing the up and down adjustment screw on the back of the sight directly in front of the sight blade. How do I go about coming up with a replacement? The seller has agreed to work with me with regard to solving the problem. So I am turning to the knowledgeable members of this forum to help identify the part that is missing (pictures would help) and point me in the right direction with regard to cost and difficulty of obtaining a proper replacement.
Is this something that a good gunsmith can fabricate?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Muley Gil]

Check with member George_in_SD. He has a number of parts for old sights.

 

[larryofcc]

I just bought an early (4170) 7.5" triple lock target. The gun is well used, but original with all matching numbers, including the grips. Problem is that it is missing the up and down adjustment screw on the back of the sight directly in front of the sight blade. How do I go about coming up with a replacement? The seller has agreed to work with me with regard to solving the problem. So I am turning to the knowledgeable members of this forum to help identify the part that is missing (pictures would help) and point me in the right direction with regard to cost and difficulty of obtaining a proper replacement.
Is this something that a good gunsmith can fabricate?
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Is that the revolver from Fillmore,Utah? Looks familiar. Big Larry

 

[handejector]

Are you SURE the screw is missing?
The early rear sights do NOT have the elevation screw in the sight leaf. That is just a hole with NO threads.
The screw is BELOW the sight in the frame.
The rear sight leaf is hardened into a spring. The screw in the frame jacks it up. Tighten the screw back down, and the leaf goes back down.

 

[rct269]

Yes, a (good) gunsmith (with a lathe) can most certainly make a screw-----shouldn't cost more than whatever his minimum charge is----$75-$100??

On the other hand, (some) ACE Hardware stores carry a fairly large assortment of "gun screws". None of these will bolt in and run your sight right out of the box, but if you can come up with a drill press and a file, you'll be in business in a matter of minutes---assuming you find the correct size screw (diameter/thread count)-------and I'll bet you will.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[oldmcdonald]

"Are you SURE the screw is missing?
The early rear sights do NOT have the elevation screw in the sight leaf. That is just a hole with NO threads.
The screw is BELOW the sight in the frame.
The rear sight leaf is hardened into a spring. The screw in the frame jacks it up. Tighten the screw back down, and the leaf goes back down."


Yaaay, Lee
You are exactly right. No elevation screw in the sight leaf. The screw in the frame probably hadn't been turned in 100 years, but did come loose & everything functions just as you describe!!
Thanks to you and the others who responded.

 

[S&W ucla]

Nice catch!! Range report soon I hope. 7.5"ers are not as common.

 

[Tom K]

I love a happy ending. It would be happier if we saw more pictures of the gun please!

 

[cgt4570]

Welcome to the 7.5" TL target club! I was about to offer to measure my rear sight screw for you to have one made. Very happy for you!

 

[Hondo44]

The simple TL elevation screw works so well, I don't know why Smith went to more complicated systems including the need to add the 2nd elevation lock screw on later pre war rear sights in 1936.

 

[rct269]

The "two screw" sight (1932) was S&W's response to the fact all those which preceded it would "shoot loose" (except .22's, not necessarily with factory ammo or equivalent). The "two screw" absolutely would not change setting so long as the rather convoluted setting/locking procedure was followed---first one in 50 years.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Hondo44]

Neither of my TL targets loosen or change adj, the sight tang tension is too great.

 

[rct269]

Neither of my TL targets loosen or change adj, the sight tang tension is too great.

Actually, the sight used on the Triple Lock is one of those least likely to shoot loose---if/when God's in his heaven and all's right with the world. The elevation screw is oversize, and slotted from the bottom up for about two thirds of its length. Then, to quote Mr. Neal, "Now this oversize screw could be turned into its hole, since the slot would allow the screw to collapse in diameter sufficiently to enter. A binding fit would thus be assured and likelihood of this adjustment moving from the shock of discharge would be reduced."

Pretty sneaky, huh?!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Hondo44]

Ralph,

I didn't notice that, pretty sneaky indeed.