Replacing S&W pin on sight *Update 3/7*

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Tycer
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Replacing S&W pin on sight *Update 3/7*

Post by Tycer »

Going to be replacing the front sight on my 617 with the proper height sight.
Any hints or tips?
Www.protocalldesign.com .100” x.225” fo
Last edited by Tycer on Thu Mar 07, 2019 9:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Kind regards,
Tycer
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marlinman93
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by marlinman93 »

Get a very high quality tiny punch! They can be a PITA with a cheap pin punch.
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wm
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by wm »

If you are going to own and work on any S&W revolver I recommend investing in the Kuhnhausen manual on S&W double action revolvers.

https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tool ... 73553.aspx

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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by Sixgun »

marlinman93 wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2019 2:37 pm Get a very high quality tiny punch! They can be a PITA with a cheap pin punch.
Right! And use visors (those headset thingys that magnify) and a strong light with good backing for the barrel. A smart tap on a perfect 180 is absolutely necessary.

On the same note, I've been known to make punches out of finishing nails. May take an hour to do buts it's easier than sending off to Brownells to wait a week...that's if you don't have a proper one on hand.

I'll chuck the nail in a drill press and use sandpaper to get it down to the perfect diameter using calipers., paying strict attention to concentricity with a perfect flat edge. I'll then polish it. Keep in mind a "tool" like this will not withstand blows from a 30 ounce hammer...just light taps on a pin that is fricton tight.---6
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milton
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by milton »

Usually on a Smith the sight blade is not drilled.If so place the blade into the recess cut for it. chuck up your revolver in your drill press and drill the hole from one side partially through the blade.To make sure things are lined up correctly place the bit initially in the chuck backwards and align the bit in the hole in the ramp.This will make sure you do not ruin the hole in the ramp.Then turn the revolver over and following the preceding instructions drill the hole through that side.This will give you correct pin alignment and not let the small bit walk off ruining the hole drilled at the factory.Fit the pin and carefully drive through the ramp and sight blade.
I think the bit size is a #54 but you better check.
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jdad
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by jdad »

I bought enough cheap punches to finally learn to "buy once and cry once".

Brownells has what you need.

827-525-780WB
Starrett Pin Punch 1/16"
Mfr Part: 52578

$8.99
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Pete44ru
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight

Post by Pete44ru »

milton wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2019 3:09 pm
Usually on a Smith the sight blade is not drilled.

If so place the blade into the recess cut for it.

chuck up your revolver in your drill press and drill the hole from one side partially through the blade.

To make sure things are lined up correctly place the bit initially in the chuck backwards and align the bit in the hole in the ramp.

Then turn the revolver over and following the preceding instructions drill the hole through that side.

This will give you correct pin alignment and not let the small bit walk off ruining the hole drilled at the factory.


This is what similar to what I did when installing aftermarket front sight blades in both a Winchester 1895 & a Savage 1899, except I used the EASY button.

I bought a sacrificial 1/16" drill bit, and used it to drill through the replacement sight blade, using the existing sight pin hole(s) in the sight base as a guide.

I then used the shank of the very same drill bit, ground to the proper length, as a new sight pin.

Blue Loctite on the new pin was the finishing touch.




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Tycer
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Re: Replacing S&W pin on sight *Update 3/7*

Post by Tycer »

Went on without a problem. Thanks to all. Hopefully a range report after this weekend.
Kind regards,
Tycer
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