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AR15.COM
9/2/2009 5:48:54 PM EDT
Ok, I'll say it... I am a J-frame junky.

I've got several setup with XS big dot night sights and a couple setup with a plastic insert cut into the front sight by Karl Sokol

I have a hard time trusting the durability of the fiber optic sights for a fighting gun.

What else is out there for front sight options..?
9/2/2009 6:16:59 PM EDT
[#1]
Are your XS versions factory or something you sent out for? Would like to try XS on my 442.
9/3/2009 3:50:34 AM EDT
[#2]
I have both.. My M&P .357 came with the XS standard dot night sight and U cut rear notch.

I have several with the big dot night sight and one 640 I had the standard size night sight put in front and the rear milled with the U cut

The 442 is like my latest 642 in that it does not come with the pinned front sight and the sight is too narrow (per my gunsmiths instructions) to give enough purchase for milling a dovetail.

Your best option is to have a dovetail cut into the front and filled with plastic similar to how older S&W K or L frames fronts were.

I had my no lock 642 done and it makes it a lot easier to pick up in a hurry or lower light. Not as good as the XS but a lot better than factory.
9/4/2009 5:46:22 PM EDT
[#3]
Good deal. Thanks for the info!
9/4/2009 7:29:45 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
I have both.. My M&P .357 came with the XS standard dot night sight and U cut rear notch.

I have several with the big dot night sight and one 640 I had the standard size night sight put in front and the rear milled with the U cut

The 442 is like my latest 642 in that it does not come with the pinned front sight and the sight is too narrow (per my gunsmiths instructions) to give enough purchase for milling a dovetail.

Your best option is to have a dovetail cut into the front and filled with plastic similar to how older S&W K or L frames fronts were.

I had my no lock 642 done and it makes it a lot easier to pick up in a hurry or lower light. Not as good as the XS but a lot better than factory.


A dovetail for the front sight is unnecessary. Mill the front sight off, the use a woodruff key cutter to mill a half round indention into the rib/barrel. Drill and ream for a pin. Fit and install pin on front sight.
9/5/2009 5:32:18 AM EDT
[#5]
That seems like it would work but far beyond my skills.

My gunsmith didn't mention that option but I'm happy with the red ramp on this one since its mostly a barbecue gun.

My main work or backup guns have the XS standard or big dot sights.

I have seen a couple of guns modified by Magna-Port that use a green plastic front sight that looks like it would be a cool option.
9/5/2009 6:26:16 AM EDT
[#6]
Have you seen this three-dot setup by Tooltech?  I thought about getting this done: Tooltech J frame

9/5/2009 10:54:22 AM EDT
[#7]
My solution is bright yellow green model paint on front blade and Crimsom Trace laser grips for low light on a S&W 642.  RRA15
9/5/2009 4:34:25 PM EDT
[#8]
That Tooltech setup is really nice. I have a S&W 327 8-shot .357 like the one pictured on their sight. Hmmm may have to do that.

I may call them to check into their options. They seem like a company that specializes in custom sight packages. Have you looked into the cost for J-frame work ?
9/7/2009 5:53:05 AM EDT
[#9]
I never got as far as to call them on a J frame job, but did have them put night capsules in the existing sights of a HK P7M8.  The work was excellent and fast.  I would highly recommend them from this experience.  

9/10/2009 5:32:36 PM EDT
[#10]
D&L has a really nice (and pricey) setup, but it's actually a front and rear combo.
http://www.dlsports.com/dl_jframe_sw_sights.html
9/13/2009 2:46:28 PM EDT
[#11]
That looks solid. I wonder what a full package costs..?
9/13/2009 3:39:14 PM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
That looks solid. I wonder what a full package costs..?


"D&L J frame sight machined into your revolver, and zeroed with your preferred and supplied ammo - $225 Three night inserts installed - add $250"
9/13/2009 4:27:39 PM EDT
[#13]
WOW..... $475

I love my J-frames and I don't mind spending cash on custom work........ but damn.

Has anyone found a place that sells a green plastic replacement front sight for the S&W J-frames ??

I use the XS sights on most of them but I'd like to try something different on one I'm planning on having done.