AR15.Com Archives
 Can anything be done to the sights on my S&W 642?
Firedude  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 11:10:12 AM
I have a S&W 642, which I really like but would like to improve the front sight. It is not a pinned front sight like some S&W models. Is their anything I can do, besides painting it?

Thanks.
SharpCharge  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 11:37:50 AM
In a similar situation with my wife's. I think the only other option is to have a gun smith remove the integral sight and machine it to accept a pin on. I don't know if S&W can do this as an option too.
yadayada  [Member]
3/18/2012 2:58:03 PM
The front sight is fine for what the pistol was designed to do. 2" snub. Point and shoot <10ft. Practice point and shoot from gut high at blank target, or one turned around
(paper plate good too). I doubt you will actually look at the front sight in a self-defense situation.

In a short time, you will hit the target at 10ft without the sights. It's the only way I practice with mine and I also occasionally do it with others.
Combat_Jack  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 3:38:57 PM
I'm generally not a laser guy but I use them on my 642.
TUBBY  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 7:10:01 PM
The 642 is a 7 yard weapon, at the most. Need to learn to hit with point and aim. Lots of practice.

Should be able to keep in a 12" circle at that range. If not, practice more.

Sorry, the only answer.
Combat_Jack  [Team Member]
3/18/2012 7:14:03 PM
I've shot the J to 115 meters. I'd say that it's a 25 meter weapon.
Lost_River  [Member]
3/19/2012 7:12:30 AM
I painted my front sight white, then added some of my wife's clear finger nail polish stuff on top of it to make the white paint last longer.

I also have Crimson Trace laser grips on mine. They make a massive difference. When I practice, I make sure I practice both with the iron sights and the laser. Making hits with the laser vs the tiny iron sights is substantially easier, especially in any poor lighting condition.

I have been carrying mine like this for roughly a dozen years as a BUG for work. It has worked quite well.


BTW, I am not going to tell you how far you should shoot your revolver or that it is only supposed to be used a certain way...


MONGO45  [Team Member]
3/19/2012 7:44:58 AM
I have several newer SW that I had XS night sights swapped out and the lock removed.

I found I wanted a way to quicker index the front sight on my 642 so I sent it to Karl Sokol at Chestnut Mountain Sports.

He installed a orange plastic wedge into a dovetail he cut in the front sight.

Looks like front sight you'd routinely find on SW K and L frames from the 80s and 90s

Works great... draws your eye.... and less expensive than NS
ArkieVol  [Member]
3/22/2012 2:02:56 AM
Practice point and shoot from gut high at blank target, or one turned around
(paper plate good too). I doubt you will actually look at the front sight in a self-defense situation


+1
Tirador223  [Team Member]
3/22/2012 7:18:21 AM
I've been very happy with the job these folks do with sights: Tooltech
RRA15  [Member]
3/22/2012 8:58:54 AM
Originally Posted By Lost_River:
I painted my front sight white, then added some of my wife's clear finger nail polish stuff on top of it to make the white paint last longer.

I also have Crimson Trace laser grips on mine. They make a massive difference. When I practice, I make sure I practice both with the iron sights and the laser. Making hits with the laser vs the tiny iron sights is substantially easier, especially in any poor lighting condition.

I have been carrying mine like this for roughly a dozen years as a BUG for work. It has worked quite well.


BTW, I am not going to tell you how far you should shoot your revolver or that it is only supposed to be used a certain way...


http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/001-19.jpg


+1
I have done the same as Lost_River. On my 642 I painted the front sight bright yellow/lime with model paint, it held up well. Rear I would blacken around edges w/ black sharpie- need touched up occasionally.
But I used the same Crimson Trace grips. If there was ever a gun that bennefits from laser grips - it is snub J frames. I traded my 642 off w/ grips.
I now have a no lock 442 w/ new style Crimsom Trace grips. I have not painted front sight yet on this one, but this reminds me I need to get some paint and get that done.

FMJ  [Team Member]
3/22/2012 7:27:29 PM
Originally Posted By Firedude:
I have a S&W 642, which I really like but would like to improve the front sight. It is not a pinned front sight like some S&W models. Is their anything I can do, besides painting it?

Thanks.

Had my Gun smith put red insert on my 640 & 649
didnt cost much