Thursday, 12 February 2015

Change An S&W Front Sight

Front sights are not cast with the barrel but are attached separately.


Smith and Wesson is a respected manufacturer of many different types of handguns. While the factory-installed sights on each gun are more then adequate for shooting, competition shooters may want to change the S&W front sight. A front sight consist of a post that is visually lined up with the cradle located on the rear sight. The front sight is simple to remove and install. Changing out a S&W front sight takes very little time if you have the right tools.


Instructions


1. Clear the weapon. Follow the necessary steps for the model to ensure that no live ammunition remains in the gun.


2. Place the gun into a gun vise or padded vise so the weapon is held firmly but the front sight is easily accessed. Typically, placing the weapon so the vise is gripping the middle of the barrel works best.


3. Remove the front sight post by tapping it out of place using a brass punch and a hammer. Some models require removal of a holding pin at the base of the sight post before the sight post can be pulled out with a pair of tweezers. Other models have a molded post set on a flat base; tap the base on the side to remove from the barrel.


4. Install the new sight following the manufacturer's instructions. Most standard sights will be installed in the same way the original one was placed (holding pin or base). Laser sights or other types may require additional hardware and tools, such as small screwdrivers, to set them up on the barrel.

Tags: front sight, sight post, holding base, sight front, sight front sight