J Frame custom sight work [Archive]

msstate56

07-08-2012, 01:51 AM

Does anyone know of, or have experience with any companies that can put a better set of sights on a 642? I have used a 642 (fixed sights of course) as a backup/ pocket gun for several years. I feel like the gun could really benefit from "real" sights. It would be nice if it didn't cost as much as the gun itself. Thanks for the help.

Pepper

07-08-2012, 06:21 AM

Bowen Classic Arms does a neat conversion. I had them do it to my 442 years ago and do not regret it. But, it is not cheap.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/catalog/tech_notes_J-frame_sights.html

GJM

07-08-2012, 11:25 AM

A second for the Bowen sights. I have them on two J frames, and they are the best I have seen, short of what S&W has on the 640 Pro.

Up1911Fan

07-08-2012, 11:37 AM

Cylinder & Slide does really good work as well.

TGS

07-08-2012, 11:44 AM

I've seen these guys mentioned before as well:
http://www.dlsports.com/dl_jframe_sw_sights.html

Can't say anything about the company or quality as I have no experience with them nor seen much on them. Just passing along another option.

For price, I think you're not going to get away with anything less than "whoa damn" expensive.

msstate56

07-09-2012, 12:37 AM

Bowen Classic Arms does a neat conversion. I had them do it to my 442 years ago and do not regret it. But, it is not cheap.

http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/catalog/tech_notes_J-frame_sights.html

What type of front sight did they put on your 442? I'm curious as to how they would fix the integrated sight issue.

Up1911Fan

07-09-2012, 04:45 PM

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/sight-perfect-snubbies/

What type of front sight did they put on your 442? I'm curious as to how they would fix the integrated sight issue.

GJM

07-09-2012, 11:07 PM

Here is my Bowen modified J frame -- excuse the lint.

885

Up1911Fan

07-09-2012, 11:21 PM

Look's good! What was the turnaround time on that?

GJM

07-10-2012, 12:17 AM

It has been so long I can't remember, but Bowen Custom turns work fast by custom gunsmith standards.

msstate56

07-12-2012, 01:51 AM

It has been so long I can't remember, but Bowen Custom turns work fast by custom gunsmith standards.

What model J frame is that? Did yours have a factory pinned front sight blade, or was is integral to the barrel like on my 642? Also, wold you mind taking a close up of the front sight? (I don't mind lint. If I took a picture of my backup j frame you wouldn't be able to see the gun past all the scratches.)

Keebsley

07-12-2012, 11:43 AM

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/sight-perfect-snubbies/

Sidetrack but what model S&W is that top revolver?

GJM

07-12-2012, 12:44 PM

What model J frame is that? Did yours have a factory pinned front sight blade, or was is integral to the barrel like on my 642? Also, wold you mind taking a close up of the front sight? (I don't mind lint. If I took a picture of my backup j frame you wouldn't be able to see the gun past all the scratches.)

I have a 340 and 442 with Bowen sights. 340 is pinned on, and I don't have the 442 with me. 891

Pepper

07-12-2012, 06:43 PM

I have a 340 and 442 with Bowen sights. 340 is pinned on, and I don't have the 442 with me.

My 442 is pinned.

tomrkba

09-30-2012, 08:56 PM

Here is my Bowen modified J frame -- excuse the lint.

885

What grips are on that gun? I need something on the backstrap just like the one shown.

LHS

09-30-2012, 11:33 PM

Crimson Trace LG-405

Best J-frame grips I've ever used, even without the laser.

Back on topic, I've always wondered why S&W didn't offer some kind of better sights as a standard option on the J-frame snubs. Even building up 1/8" more metal on top of the frame to allow for a deeper notch would help.

HCL3

10-04-2012, 01:26 AM

Back on topic, I've always wondered why S&W didn't offer some kind of better sights as a standard option on the J-frame snubs. Even building up 1/8" more metal on top of the frame to allow for a deeper notch would help.

I noticed this 640 with novak style sights on the S&W website - now if they would only do the same thing but on a 442 or 642

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766365_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

John Ralston

10-04-2012, 10:32 AM

I noticed this 640 with novak style sights on the S&W website - now if they would only do the same thing but on a 442 or 642

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_766365_-1_757768_757767_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

Why the hell didn't they blend the frame and ejector shroud? It looks like crap. I like the idea though. Maybe I need to send my Model 40 off to Heirloom Precision for some sights.

JodyH

10-04-2012, 12:32 PM

Why the hell didn't they blend the frame and ejector shroud? It looks like crap. I like the idea though. Maybe I need to send my Model 40 off to Heirloom Precision for some sights.
I think the picture in S&W's catalog is either a prototype or a photoshop.
I have a 640 Pro and it's blended very well.

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/JodyHuggins/photobucket-1102-1341263504026.jpg

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/JodyHuggins/photobucket-27261-1340637650893.jpg

John Ralston

10-04-2012, 03:02 PM

They did. That picture is not representative of the actual shipping product.

That's good - I though someone at S&W had gone blind...