Quick Tip: How To Replace a Smith & Wesson Revolver Rear Sight Blade

Published on July 23, 2019
Duration: 7:51

This guide provides expert-level instruction on replacing the rear sight blade for Smith & Wesson revolvers, as demonstrated by Brownells. It details the necessary tools, including a spanner wrench and specialized screwdrivers, and emphasizes critical safety precautions like wearing eye protection. The process involves carefully breaking the old windage screw, managing tiny detents and springs, and staking the new sight to ensure its stability.

Quick Summary

To replace a Smith & Wesson revolver rear sight blade, ensure the firearm is unloaded and wear safety glasses. Break the old windage screw, carefully remove the detent and spring, then use a spanner wrench to remove the old sight blade. Install the new blade and screw, reinsert the detent and spring using a paper clip, and finally stake the new sight to secure it.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction: Replacing Rear Sight
  2. 00:09Tools and Parts Overview
  3. 00:19Safety Precautions
  4. 00:28Breaking the Old Windage Screw
  5. 00:49Capturing the Detent
  6. 01:08Removing the Sight Blade
  7. 01:59Removing the Other Side of Screw
  8. 02:29Identifying Detent and Spring
  9. 02:45Extracting Old Sight Blade
  10. 03:03Installing New Sight Blade
  11. 03:36Tightening New Windage Screw
  12. 03:54Inserting Spring with Paper Clip
  13. 04:37Inserting Detent with Pliers
  14. 05:03Securing the Windage Screw
  15. 05:32Final Windage Adjustment
  16. 06:09Staking the Sight
  17. 06:30Using a Center Punch for Staking
  18. 07:00Finishing the Staking
  19. 07:18Range Test and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools are needed to replace a Smith & Wesson revolver rear sight blade?

You'll need safety glasses, the specific Smith & Wesson rear sight blade kit, a Brownells spanner wrench, a Brownells screwdriver (part #210-3), needle-nose pliers, a paper clip, a center punch, a bench vise, and a small block of wood for staking.

How do you remove the old rear sight blade on a Smith & Wesson revolver?

First, break the old windage screw by turning it clockwise until it snaps. Then, carefully remove the detent and spring. Use a spanner wrench to engage the slots on the sight blade and push it out. If staked, pliers may be needed.

What is the purpose of staking the new rear sight blade?

Staking is a gunsmithing technique used to secure the new windage screw. By deforming metal into the sight's slots, it prevents the screw from loosening due to recoil or vibration, ensuring the sight remains properly aligned.

What are the critical safety steps when replacing a revolver sight?

Always ensure the firearm is unloaded. Crucially, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from tiny, potentially ejected parts like the detent and spring. Handle these small components with care to avoid losing them.

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