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

Published on July 23, 2019
Duration: 7:51

This guide details the expert process for replacing a rear sight blade on a Smith & Wesson Revolver, as demonstrated by an experienced instructor. It covers the careful removal of the old sight, including managing tiny springs and detents, and the precise installation of the new blade and windage screw. The procedure emphasizes the use of specialized tools like a spanner wrench and the importance of staking the new sight for long-term security.

Quick Summary

Replacing a Smith & Wesson revolver rear sight blade involves careful disassembly and reassembly. Key steps include breaking the old windage screw, managing tiny springs and detents with tools like paper clips and pliers, and securing the new sight by staking it to prevent loosening. Always wear safety glasses during this process.

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 will need safety glasses, a bench vise, the specific Smith & Wesson .146 R/S Blade Kit, a Brownells Spanner Wrench, a Brownells Screwdriver (210-3), a paper clip, needle-nose pliers, a small wooden block, and a center punch for staking.

How do you remove the old windage screw when replacing a S&W revolver sight?

The windage screw is designed to snap off at a reduced section when turned clockwise. After it breaks, you carefully remove the remnant and capture the small detent and spring underneath.

What is the purpose of staking the rear sight blade?

Staking is a crucial step to secure the new sight blade and prevent it from turning or loosening due to recoil and vibration. This is typically done by deforming the sight's metal into the slide's slots using a center punch or specialized tool.

Why is it important to wear safety glasses during rear sight replacement?

Safety glasses are essential because tiny, minuscule parts like the detent and spring can easily be lost or ejected during the process. If one of these parts were to enter your eye, it could cause a serious injury.

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