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I would like to get an XS dot for the front of my 640-1,do they even make them?
XS big dot sight
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They make a front sight for fixed-sight j-frames, but I'm not sure it will fit all models. I've been thinking the same thing for my 60-7, I just haven't gotten around to calling them. It's at the bottom in the center of the linked page.
New Products 2010
New Products 2010
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pinkymingeo
Member
If your front sight is pinned, you can install one. The new sight will require drilling. If you're not comfortable with basic gunsmithing, give S&W a call. They'll install one for you, and their prices are reasonable.
I've got XS sights on some of my Semi Auto Pistols I carry.
I'm 61 and I've got tired ol' eyes.
There great for flash sight pictures at close ranges, under 25 yards.
I'd don't know about them on revolvers, I'm still into white appliance paint.
Rule 303
I'm 61 and I've got tired ol' eyes.
There great for flash sight pictures at close ranges, under 25 yards.
I'd don't know about them on revolvers, I'm still into white appliance paint.
Rule 303
Messer
Member
Not only do they make one, I put them on the 640-1 my wife carries...
and a not so great picture of what it looks like from behind...
I think they are great - very easy to pick up quickly.
Take care,
Bob S.
and a not so great picture of what it looks like from behind...
I think they are great - very easy to pick up quickly.
Take care,
Bob S.
Yes, They Do
Since the 640-1 has a pinned front sight, this was the first J-frame for which it was offered. It's not, however, a drop-in installation. The portion that goes into the cut in the ramp will likely require some shaping and will then have to be drilled for the pin.
The Big Dot sits nicely in the square notch of the rear sight and, if you get the one with the tritium insert, the small green dot looks as thought it's perched on a line that runs across the top of the rear sight. With most loads, if you have the time, your point of impact at closer ranges (~10 yards) should be right about where the green dot would project onto the target.
I recently noticed that they are now also offering a Big Dot sight for the older J-frame revolvers, with the knife-blade sights. These also require gunsmith installation but I can't tell what it involves.
Since the 640-1 has a pinned front sight, this was the first J-frame for which it was offered. It's not, however, a drop-in installation. The portion that goes into the cut in the ramp will likely require some shaping and will then have to be drilled for the pin.
The Big Dot sits nicely in the square notch of the rear sight and, if you get the one with the tritium insert, the small green dot looks as thought it's perched on a line that runs across the top of the rear sight. With most loads, if you have the time, your point of impact at closer ranges (~10 yards) should be right about where the green dot would project onto the target.
I recently noticed that they are now also offering a Big Dot sight for the older J-frame revolvers, with the knife-blade sights. These also require gunsmith installation but I can't tell what it involves.
OldBoldPilot
Member
I called S&W to see if they install these sights on the 640-1, and the man I spoke with was more or less clueless. First thing he said was XS doesn't make a sight for the 640-1.
I then called XS Sights, and it turns out that they install them for $40 plus the cost of shipping, which does get expensive. However, he promised a 2-day turnaround, which is the fastest I've ever had anything gun-related done, so I sent the weapon off to them today.
Would have been cheaper to buy the sights and give it to my local gunsmith, but then I would have had to give up the gun for anywhere between one week and one month -- no telling.
stevieboy
Member
I believe that some of the handgun refinishers/modification specialists will install big dots or even night sights on J-frames. I'm pretty sure that Hamilton Bowen offers these services. I have an old 36 no-dash, which I love but, unfortunately, the razor-thin blade front sight is almost impossible for me to visualize. I've toyed with the idea of sending it off to Mr. Bowen for a new sight installation. However, the cost of the work would probably exceed what I paid for the gun and, also, I kind of hate the idea of drastically changing the looks of an old classic. So, I'm on the horns of a dilemma.
Yes, XS has "Big" or "standard" size dots for 640's with pinned fronts. The "Big" dot has the same size tritium capsule as the standard size dot, but with more white around it. I favor the "Big" version for general purpose self defense guns --- bigger is faster at ranges where precision is not the paramount consideration. Gunsmith installation required, about $50 worth of shop time, locally. See XS Sight Systems web sight for product offerings and installation idiosyncracies.
Beachcomber
Member
Yes... Smith & Wesson does install the XS Big Dot. I know that for a fact because I had them install one on my 640-1.
I had S&W install the Big Dot sight that I supplied along with removing the sharp edges on my revolver. I will say that I am quite pleased with the quality of their work and their price was reasonable for the work that I had done.
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OldBoldPilot
Member
Yes... Smith & Wesson does install the XS Big Dot. I know that for a fact because I had them install one on my 640-1.
I had S&W install the Big Dot sight that I supplied along with removing the sharp edges on my revolver. I will say that I am quite pleased with the quality of their work and their price was reasonable for the work that I had done.
I guess I just got the wrong guy. Or, I asked the wrong question. Wouldn't be the first time.
Glad you're pleased with the work.OldBoldPilot
Member
Here's my S&W 640-1 with the XS Big Dot tritium front sight -- just got it back. XS Sights did the installation for $40, and the sight itself was $60. I won't say how much Fedex charged for shipping, but I'm planning to file a rape charge against them.
Although I also have CT laser grips I don't like to depend on them, so I needed a useful front sight. The stock blade sight was worse than useless. This makes a huge difference.
Although I also have CT laser grips I don't like to depend on them, so I needed a useful front sight. The stock blade sight was worse than useless. This makes a huge difference.
Beachcomber
Member
OldBoldPilot,
Your 640-1 looks great with the XS Big Dot on it. (Of course I'm kinda partial since I have one on mine also.)
I think you will find that your 640-1 will shoot low when you're shooting for POA/POI accuracy. On the other hand, this sight is great for helping "old eyes" acquire a quick sight picture on a (man sized) "Q" target when you are shooting to place quick rounds on the target.
I also like the Crimson Trace sights and have a pair of LG-305's on mine.
Your 640-1 looks great with the XS Big Dot on it. (Of course I'm kinda partial since I have one on mine also.
)I think you will find that your 640-1 will shoot low when you're shooting for POA/POI accuracy. On the other hand, this sight is great for helping "old eyes" acquire a quick sight picture on a (man sized) "Q" target when you are shooting to place quick rounds on the target.
I also like the Crimson Trace sights and have a pair of LG-305's on mine.
OldBoldPilot
Member
OldBoldPilot,
Your 640-1 looks great with the XS Big Dot on it. (Of course I'm kinda partial since I have one on mine also.
I think you will find that your 640-1 will shoot low when you're shooting for POA/POI accuracy. On the other hand, this sight is great for helping "old eyes" acquire a quick sight picture on a (man sized) "Q" target when you are shooting to place quick rounds on the target.
I also like the Crimson Trace sights and have a pair of LG-305's on mine.
Which proves once again the adage that great minds think alike.
Yep... I love mine too. Although it doesn't have a tritium capsule in it. It should be an easy install for a local gunsmith if you aren't comfortable doing it yourself.
