How hard is it to replace the front sight on an S&W revolver?

[PaulD]

This would be for an n-frame. Is it simply a matter of pushing the drift pin out?

 

[Zappa]

This would be for an n-frame. Is it simply a matter of pushing the drift pin out?

Is this a NEW N-Frame or an older model?
I have a new 627 that looks like it's retained by a drift pin, but it's really held in by a spring loaded plunger. This type is VERY easy to change, requiring only a very small punch, screwdriver or even a nail to depress the plunger.
By looking down the barrel end of the gun, is there a hole in the sight base below the sight blade? If so, it's a quick change type. If not, it's pinned and needs to be drifted out with a small punch.
However, removing the sight is the easy part, installing a new one is the tricky part because they don't come drilled for the drift pin. If you drill the hole and you're off by even a hair, you'll have problems.

 

[PaulD]

Is this a NEW N-Frame or an older model?
I have a new 627 that looks like it's retained by a drift pin, but it's really held in by a spring loaded plunger. This type is VERY easy to change, requiring only a very small punch, screwdriver or even a nail to depress the plunger.
By looking down the barrel end of the gun, is there a hole in the sight base below the sight blade? If so, it's a quick change type. If not, it's pinned and needs to be drifted out with a small punch.
However, removing the sight is the easy part, installing a new one is the tricky part because they don't come drilled for the drift pin. If you drill the hole and you're off by even a hair, you'll have problems.

Thanks Zappa. It's a 627 Pro 8 shot so, I believe, it's the new style. It's downstairs so I'll confirm that tomorrow. It has the usual colored ramp front sight and I'd like to replace it though I haven't figured out with what just yet.

 

[Zappa]

Thanks Zappa. It's a 627 Pro 8 shot so, I believe, it's the new style. It's downstairs so I'll confirm that tomorrow. It has the usual colored ramp front sight and I'd like to replace it though I haven't figured out with what just yet.

That's exactly the same gun I have.
Product code #178014
I got the red Hi-Viz from Cabelas. It took less than a minute to switch it out. The roll pin in the front sight base retains the spring and plunger, it dosen't hold in the sight so don't remove it. I used a small eyeglass size screwdriver, inserted in the hole on the front, to push rearward on the plunger and spring while I pulled back and up to remove the sight blade. Installing the new one only requires starting the bottom rear corner in the slot, and pulling back against spring pressure and pushing the new blade downward.

 

[PaulD]

That's exactly the same gun I have.
Product code #178014
I got the red Hi-Viz from Cabelas. It took less than a minute to switch it out. The roll pin in the front sight base retains the spring and plunger, it dosen't hold in the sight so don't remove it. I used a small eyeglass size screwdriver, inserted in the hole on the front, to push rearward on the plunger and spring while I pulled back and up to remove the sight blade. Installing the new one only requires starting the bottom rear corner in the slot, and pulling back against spring pressure and pushing the new blade downward.

Excellent. Rep points for you.

I'm either going to get the Hi-Viz or I might get an XS 24/7 tritium sight though I'm not sure how well that one will work with the rear sight.

It's my first revolver and I'm pretty psyched about it.

 

[Zappa]

Excellent. Rep points for you.

Thanks

I'm either going to get the Hi-Viz or I might get an XS 24/7 tritium sight though I'm not sure how well that one will work with the rear sight.
It's my first revolver and I'm pretty psyched about it.

Your first revolver?
You must have gotten a late start, this is like my 14th.
I wanted something distinctly different from the others I already own.
I like the slab-side look and the 8 shot factor is pretty cool too.
I really wanted the 5" Performance Center model, but it was a few hundred more and not immediatly available when I was ready to buy. I also like the fact that it fits my .44 N-frame holsters too.

 

[PaulD]

Thanks



Your first revolver?
You must have gotten a late start, this is like my 14th.
I wanted something distinctly different from the others I already own.
I like the slab-side look and the 8 shot factor is pretty cool too.
I really wanted the 5" Performance Center model, but it was a few hundred more and not immediatly available when I was ready to buy. I also like the fact that it fits my .44 N-frame holsters too.

You've had more revolvers than I've had guns. I've only had my LTC for 1.5 years and I think my collection is progressing nicely.

I wanted the PC version also but I got this one for a very good price so I'm happy. Mostly I wanted something with light recoil and that my wife could deal with in a home defense situation. She has a hard time racking the slide on any semi auto. I also like the 8 shot capability.