Replacing The front sight on an N Frame?

[awp101]

I’ve run across a couple of N Frames that had the integral front sight ramp removed so the owner could use optics. Is it possible to replace the front sight with one of the later versions that is screwed into the barrel or some other aftermarket solution?

I would imagine there’s a way to do it otherwise you’d see barrels that had been shortened that didn’t have a front sight...

[bullseye]

The standard procedure is to mill a pocket in the top rib with a keyseat cutter & pin the new front sight through a corresponding lug on the bottom of the sight base.

[awp101]

That makes sense, thanks! Hmmmm, that means a Patridge would be a possibility...

[Deleted]

Here's the DX style for S&W parts.bowenclassicarms.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=58

[sixshot]

Take a good look first before you mill that front sight. Some of the earlier blued guns had a "blind" pinned front sight that was simple to remove if you knew it was there, the fitting & bluing was so good you couldn't see the pin but trust me they are there on some of the older model guns. I've had a couple of 25-2's with the blind pinned front sight.

Dick

[awp101]

These have already had the front sight milled off, and in one case the base as well. I'm just curious about my options if I ever decide to make an offer on one.

It looks like the DX would be the answer for the one with the base milled off.

[bradshaw]

awp101.... look at the Gallery section, DB Photos, Vol. LXVI (66), part 1, M-29 8-3/8”. Also directing you to Sixshot’s notes, but I see it may be too late for factory modification of the front sight.

Crucial question----who chopped off the front sights? Quality of mill work? A scope may be mounted to the M-29 without removing font sight. So, the question is, why? Without seeing the gun, I consider it defaced. Emphatically devalued.
David Bradshaw

[awp101]

Great illustrations in Vol 66, thanks!

No idea on the who or the quality of the work. AFA the why, my guess is to keep the front sight out of the scope FOV. Either that or someone felt the front sight might hang up on leather or brush.

Right now I'm not bidding or making offers on any that I've seen but I wanted to know my options if/when I find one at a price I'm willing to pay. We're helping pay for a wedding so any and all fun money is going toward that.