Changing S&W 640-3 Front Sight?

[mhl6493]

I'm wondering, is it possible to change the front sight on a Smith & Wesson 640-3?  And if so, who could I take it to to do this kind of work?  I'd love to replace the plain black front blade with something like an XS Big Dot with a tritium insert.  The older I get, the harder it is to pick up the blade quickly.  The XS would allow me to pick it up more readily regardless of the lighting conditions.  I can't see any evidence, however, that the blade can be easily removed.  But I readily admit that I don't know exactly what I'm looking for.  Any ideas on this?  Could a lgs do this kind of work?  I love my 640, and I'd love to love it even more...

[Patton]

Yes, it is easily replaceable. Any gunsmith should be able to do it for you.

[mhl6493]

Yes, it is easily replaceable. Any gunsmith should be able to do it for you.

 

Thanks, Patton.  Do you have any recommendations of a good gunsmith in our area?

[Trekbike]

Some shops will install sights for free if you buy the sights from them.

[DaveTN]

Have you got a target revolver yet?

If you need sights on a J-frame…. Don’t take the shot.

[mhl6493]

Have you got a target revolver yet?

If you need sights on a J-frame…. Don’t take the shot.

 

Yeah, then there's that...  :)

[Trekbike]

If you need sights on a J-frame…. Don’t take the shot.

I get your point but that's kinda like saying you don't need to aim a shotgun. :)

[mhl6493]

I get your point but that's kinda like saying you don't need to aim a shotgun. :)

 

Yeah, since this is an often-carried gun, and sometimes at night, a better sight makes sense to me.  But I definitely get the other perspective too.

[TNWNGR]

If it's a pined front sight and you have a set of brass punches and a padded vise its a pretty simple job. All you need to do is order the right sight through Brownells or like company, take your time and do it.  

[lshel]

I installed an XS Big Dot sight on my SW 640 a couple of years ago. I ordered sight from MidWay. The sight does not have the roll pin hole drilled. You will need to drift out front sight roll pin, insert new sight with Blue Locktite and then drill roll pin hole thru XS sight base part way thru from both sides. Then drift roll pin with blue locktite back thru sight base and XS sight. There are several installations video's on You-tube. Good luck.

[mhl6493]

Thanks for all the replies.  I read on Smith and Wesson's forum where one person actually sent their 640 to Smith and Wesson for them to install the XS night sight that comes standard on the M&P 340.  I figured, why not contact S&W and see what something like that would cost -- sight, labor, shipping.  Here's the response I received:

 

"We would like to thank you for your e-mail and contacting Smith & Wesson / Thompson Center.  I am sorry but that sight would not work. It is shorter than the stock sight so you would see some of the sight slot and also it is wider than the stock sight.  We do not have another sight that will fit that revolver."

 

I know from what I've read that it has been done -- even by S&W, as I mentioned.  So I wonder what has changed?  Or, does this guy not know what he's talking about?

[TNWNGR]

At this stage I'd try to contact the people who manufacture the front sight your interested in and tell them what you want to do. I'd also provide a copy of the dialog from S&W. You can also inquire as to who they'd recommend as best capable of installing the front sight if they still have one available. Now if all this is a bust you might have to go with a different sight from someone else.

[gregintenn]

Laser grips?

[mhl6493]

Laser grips?

 

Yeah, that's my "Plan B."  I'm not sure I'd like the way they look on a stainless steal revolver, but I'll go with it if I need to.  

[hipower]

Yeah, that's my "Plan B."  I'm not sure I'd like the way they look on a stainless steal revolver, but I'll go with it if I need to.  

 

I have a Crimson Trace unit on my SP101, and they are very unobtrusive. But that's just my opinion. Also have some on a Springfield XD9 Compact. This one is a bit chunky with the grip on it though.

 

Still considering a CT for one of my 1911 pistols. Probably on the Sig RC3 before long.

[TNWNGR]

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/224681/meprolight-tru-dot-front-sight-s-and-w-j-frame-1-7-8-barrel-steel-blue-tritium-green?cm_vc=ProductFinding

 

If this one won't do it then find a front sight blank, file to fit and put a brass or white front bead for a shotgun on its rear facing side. For relatively simple "fit to fit" front sight blades simple hand tool skills and a critical eye will get you by. Beyond that it get's interesting and a dovetail cut  for a slide in front sight starts becoming more viable. Good luck.  

[cannoncocker]

I have a set of Crimson Trace LG 305's on my 637.  They look and function just fine.

[Trekbike]

I have the Crimson LG 405's which are the smaller version since I mainly use pocket carry for my 642.