How bad is this?

mordis · February 3, 2014, 06:24 PM

Ok my post and Frank's response in the tactics forum regarding sights has me thinking.

As my post history points out I have a Smith and Wesson m15-3. It has the integral front sight all black.

I am seriously considering sending it to a guns smith to have the front sight converted to hold a Meprolight K series adjustable night sight set. That would mean permanent modification of the front sight.

Now I know, that it is frowned apon doing such things with classic guns. I think mine was made in the 1970's. I however will not be ever be selling it, and it will be passed on to my daughter when I die.

I know it is my gun, and I can do with it as I please.. I just want some advice.

The sights are fantastic in just about every situation accept low light. Even if there is enough light, if the target is dark and has light behind them it will make the front sight disappear.

I love this gun. It was the gun I was taught to shoot with way back when.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Microgunner · February 3, 2014, 06:33 PM

Someone a hundred years from now will wonder what the hell you were thinking, but, as of now and for the foreseeable future the revolver is not collectable, so, I say go for it if it will enhance your use of the revolver.

Ozzieman · February 3, 2014, 07:09 PM

Do it!
I did a lot more than that to a mid 70’s N frame 28 and it’s the gun I still shoot the most after over 25 years.
Do what makes you happy. Even if it was a collector piece it’s yours to make that decision and the only opinion that really matters is yours. Also the fact that you plan to pass it down, doing the mod will make it a better gun and a better gun for her.

BigJimP · February 3, 2014, 07:40 PM

Its your gun - like you said - and you should do whatever you want...

But I'm of the camp - that says you should probably leave it alone - as is / or not modify it too drastically - or it might change the way you feel about that specific gun.

The model 15's are collectable guns / good classic guns...( maybe not as sought after as some other models ) but just the same ....they are what they are.

Instead of modifying the front sight on this gun drastically ...why not consider changing the rear sight blade to one with a white outline...and maybe have a 1/8" "red ramp" cut into the front sight...( like the 4" model 27's / or the model 29's have ) ....so you keep it more like one of the classics. It will make the sights more visible / and still not radically alter the look of the gun.

Just a thought...

mordis · February 3, 2014, 07:50 PM

The meprolight front sight insert replaces the redramp on the front sights that has them. So if I cut the sight for that ramp I might as well get the meprolight. Its not very big, and it would follow the contour of the sights.

Still Im hesitant to modify the sights at all. Its not getting sold, but still its a collectors item.

I did infact use white paint to add a white outline to the rear sight blade. It helped a little bit, but did nothing to improve the front sight.

BigJimP · February 3, 2014, 08:09 PM

I agree selling it shouldn't enter into your decision / its a question of how much more will you enjoy shooting the gun if you make the change....or will it not matter that much / or will it eat at you....

My eyes are terrible .../ modern sights are a little easier to see .../ and I've put them on some of my newer guns ( I put a fibre optic front sight on my Freedom Arms single action revolver I had them make for me a couple of years ago ) - but as a new gun, it doesn't bother me. I like the way it looks...

But if I did something like that to an older more traditional revolver....I'm not sure I wouldn't regret it down the road / but as you say, it wouldn't be that much different than cutting it for a red ramp. ( you can buy the white outline inserts from Brownells, etc for the rear sight )...

Not sure I'm being any help ...sorry.../ but if it was mine, I'd just leave it alone.

SaxonPig · February 3, 2014, 08:25 PM

It's not a rare gun. It's not a pristine collector piece at this point. If you use it and prefer the front sight you speak of then do it.

sgms · February 3, 2014, 09:09 PM

Based on what you have said it is obviously a shooter for you and not part of a S&W collection so go for, it it is your gun, so why worry what anybody thinks about what you do to make it work better for you and hopefully eventually your daughter as well.

feets · February 3, 2014, 11:36 PM

It's a $300 gun.

Do what makes you happy.

Bill DeShivs · February 4, 2014, 03:55 AM

Remember- in 10 years or less, you will have to replace the sight.

Magnum Wheel Man · February 4, 2014, 07:15 AM

^^^ & it's amazing how fast that time goes... 1st off, I've never been too worried about customizing my guns, & have the pleasure of owning some very early carry guns, that were customized by the original owners long ago... however I just redid a bunch of stuff I set up back in the Clinton era... laser sights & what not... some of these were guns that I put in the locker for "just in case" & never fired them much in the 10 years ( I know that's not the situation of the OP ) it's just that it seems like that was yesterday... I've always wanted the glow sights, as some of the battery sights I bought "back then" either corroded or are now hard to get batteries for... so the glow sight seemed like the answer... but going through these guns this last year has me rethinking spending the money... as the OP said, it's only very few conditions that the original sights don't work for... so any recreational shooting & all but extreme condition practicing the original sights should be fine... perhaps you could train on point shooting for the extreme conditions ???

micromontenegro · February 4, 2014, 08:09 AM

You could try painting the front sight with a bright-colored nail polish as a midway solution. Maybe that will solve the problem and reversal is easy.

Don P · February 4, 2014, 08:18 AM

As stated, nail polish works great, easily removed not being permanent. I have it on my Python, K-22 Combat Masterpiece, J-Frame, and K-Frame Snubie. Your gun your choice.

pete2 · February 4, 2014, 09:52 AM

I wouldn't do it but it's your gun do what you want. I like black sights.

Snyper · February 4, 2014, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Remember- in 10 years or less, you will have to replace the sight.

Mine still glow after nearly 20 years, just not quite as bright, but still usable

Sevens · February 4, 2014, 03:32 PM

Even if the gun was exceedingly rare and valuable, I'm always going to be from the camp of folks who believe that it is yours and you should always do what you wish to it. And if it was horribly rare, you'd be doing a great service to anyone else who own a horribly rare one, as you'd be depleting the supply of them... which raises the "value" of theirs.

Yours is niether rare nor valuable. It certainly is a fantastic revolver, that's part of why they made -SO MANY- which are the major reasons yours is niether rare nor valuable!

I personally believe that you should absolutely alter it to your specifications. If it turns out like you hope, it'll still be the same gun you love, but you'll love it EVEN MORE!

Anyone who doesn't agree with what you want to do with YOUR revolver can stick it!

mordis · February 4, 2014, 08:01 PM

Thank you for the suggestions guys.

I think that before I send it to the surgeon im going to use the nail polish idea first.. I don't think that will harm the gun and it may give me the contrast I need.

I will however redouble my one handed shooting practice and my flashlight technique practice.

How hard is it to locate a spur less hammer for it? Instead of grinding the hammer, I was going to keep the original hammer but change it out to a spur less one at a gunsmith of course. I want to get as high a grip as possible and it seams the hammer spur is the limiting factor..

I am going to give it a few months of training with the nail polish while making notes of my practice. Then ill revisit the topic with my self and see how I feel.

Any suggestions on nail polish color that will show up brightest in low light??

Id love to get into IDPA eventually with it.

Ill say this, any new revolvers I get ill not hesitate to modify them.

February 3, 2014, 06:24 PM	#1
mordis Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 560	How bad is this? Ok my post and Frank's response in the tactics forum regarding sights has me thinking. As my post history points out I have a Smith and Wesson m15-3. It has the integral front sight all black. I am seriously considering sending it to a guns smith to have the front sight converted to hold a Meprolight K series adjustable night sight set. That would mean permanent modification of the front sight. Now I know, that it is frowned apon doing such things with classic guns. I think mine was made in the 1970's. I however will not be ever be selling it, and it will be passed on to my daughter when I die. I know it is my gun, and I can do with it as I please.. I just want some advice. The sights are fantastic in just about every situation accept low light. Even if there is enough light, if the target is dark and has light behind them it will make the front sight disappear. I love this gun. It was the gun I was taught to shoot with way back when. Thanks for the advice guys.

February 3, 2014, 06:33 PM	#2
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	Someone a hundred years from now will wonder what the hell you were thinking, but, as of now and for the foreseeable future the revolver is not collectable, so, I say go for it if it will enhance your use of the revolver. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member*

February 3, 2014, 07:09 PM	#3
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Do it! I did a lot more than that to a mid 70’s N frame 28 and it’s the gun I still shoot the most after over 25 years. Do what makes you happy. Even if it was a collector piece it’s yours to make that decision and the only opinion that really matters is yours. Also the fact that you plan to pass it down, doing the mod will make it a better gun and a better gun for her. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

February 4, 2014, 03:55 AM	#10
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	Remember- in 10 years or less, you will have to replace the sight. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

February 4, 2014, 07:15 AM	#11
Magnum Wheel Man Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 9,333	^^^ & it's amazing how fast that time goes... 1st off, I've never been too worried about customizing my guns, & have the pleasure of owning some very early carry guns, that were customized by the original owners long ago... however I just redid a bunch of stuff I set up back in the Clinton era... laser sights & what not... some of these were guns that I put in the locker for "just in case" & never fired them much in the 10 years ( I know that's not the situation of the OP ) it's just that it seems like that was yesterday... I've always wanted the glow sights, as some of the battery sights I bought "back then" either corroded or are now hard to get batteries for... so the glow sight seemed like the answer... but going through these guns this last year has me rethinking spending the money... as the OP said, it's only very few conditions that the original sights don't work for... so any recreational shooting & all but extreme condition practicing the original sights should be fine... perhaps you could train on point shooting for the extreme conditions ??? __________________ In life you either make dust or eat dust...

February 3, 2014, 07:40 PM	#4
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Its your gun - like you said - and you should do whatever you want... But I'm of the camp - that says you should probably leave it alone - as is / or not modify it too drastically - or it might change the way you feel about that specific gun. The model 15's are collectable guns / good classic guns...( maybe not as sought after as some other models ) but just the same ....they are what they are. Instead of modifying the front sight on this gun drastically ...why not consider changing the rear sight blade to one with a white outline...and maybe have a 1/8" "red ramp" cut into the front sight...( like the 4" model 27's / or the model 29's have ) ....so you keep it more like one of the classics. It will make the sights more visible / and still not radically alter the look of the gun. Just a thought...

February 3, 2014, 07:50 PM	#5
mordis Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 560	The meprolight front sight insert replaces the redramp on the front sights that has them. So if I cut the sight for that ramp I might as well get the meprolight. Its not very big, and it would follow the contour of the sights. Still Im hesitant to modify the sights at all. Its not getting sold, but still its a collectors item. I did infact use white paint to add a white outline to the rear sight blade. It helped a little bit, but did nothing to improve the front sight.

February 3, 2014, 08:09 PM	#6
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I agree selling it shouldn't enter into your decision / its a question of how much more will you enjoy shooting the gun if you make the change....or will it not matter that much / or will it eat at you.... My eyes are terrible .../ modern sights are a little easier to see .../ and I've put them on some of my newer guns ( I put a fibre optic front sight on my Freedom Arms single action revolver I had them make for me a couple of years ago ) - but as a new gun, it doesn't bother me. I like the way it looks... But if I did something like that to an older more traditional revolver....I'm not sure I wouldn't regret it down the road / but as you say, it wouldn't be that much different than cutting it for a red ramp. ( you can buy the white outline inserts from Brownells, etc for the rear sight )... Not sure I'm being any help ...sorry.../ but if it was mine, I'd just leave it alone.

February 3, 2014, 08:25 PM	#7
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	It's not a rare gun. It's not a pristine collector piece at this point. If you use it and prefer the front sight you speak of then do it.

February 3, 2014, 09:09 PM	#8
sgms Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2010 Location: Arizona or Ohio depending Posts: 1,021	Based on what you have said it is obviously a shooter for you and not part of a S&W collection so go for, it it is your gun, so why worry what anybody thinks about what you do to make it work better for you and hopefully eventually your daughter as well.

February 3, 2014, 11:36 PM	#9
feets Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2008 Posts: 560	It's a $300 gun. Do what makes you happy.

February 4, 2014, 08:09 AM	#12
micromontenegro Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2010 Posts: 647	You could try painting the front sight with a bright-colored nail polish as a midway solution. Maybe that will solve the problem and reversal is easy.

February 4, 2014, 08:18 AM	#13
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	As stated, nail polish works great, easily removed not being permanent. I have it on my Python, K-22 Combat Masterpiece, J-Frame, and K-Frame Snubie. Your gun your choice. __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

February 4, 2014, 09:52 AM	#14
pete2 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 2,566	I wouldn't do it but it's your gun do what you want. I like black sights.

February 4, 2014, 03:32 PM	#16
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Even if the gun was exceedingly rare and valuable, I'm always going to be from the camp of folks who believe that it is yours and you should always do what you wish to it. And if it was horribly rare, you'd be doing a great service to anyone else who own a horribly rare one, as you'd be depleting the supply of them... which raises the "value" of theirs. Yours is niether rare nor valuable. It certainly is a fantastic revolver, that's part of why they made -SO MANY- which are the major reasons yours is niether rare nor valuable! I personally believe that you should *absolutely* alter it to your specifications. If it turns out like you hope, it'll still be the same gun you love, but you'll love it EVEN MORE! Anyone who doesn't agree with what you want to do with YOUR revolver can stick it! __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 4, 2014, 08:01 PM	#17
mordis Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2005 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 560	Thank you for the suggestions guys. I think that before I send it to the surgeon im going to use the nail polish idea first.. I don't think that will harm the gun and it may give me the contrast I need. I will however redouble my one handed shooting practice and my flashlight technique practice. How hard is it to locate a spur less hammer for it? Instead of grinding the hammer, I was going to keep the original hammer but change it out to a spur less one at a gunsmith of course. I want to get as high a grip as possible and it seams the hammer spur is the limiting factor.. I am going to give it a few months of training with the nail polish while making notes of my practice. Then ill revisit the topic with my self and see how I feel. Any suggestions on nail polish color that will show up brightest in low light?? Id love to get into IDPA eventually with it. Ill say this, any new revolvers I get ill not hesitate to modify them.