Sights for a S&W 625

WWWJD · March 1, 2011, 12:46 PM

I recently acquired a 625, and have a few rounds through it (fun fun fun!). I did notice however that after cleaning it, the black finish on the front and rear sights is basically coming off. It doesn't hurt functionality, never the less, it bugs me.

I've done some Google searches on parts, and haven't had a whole lot of luck. I found a light pipe front sight on Brownells... but what about the rear? Anything out there or am I SOL? Another post in another forum mentions one by Millett, but I can't find it.

Update: Ok. I found these: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=6...00_TALL_TARGET

MrBorland · March 1, 2011, 01:06 PM

What are you using to clean your gun that it's taking the finish off the sights?

As far as the rear sight, you have a couple options:

1. A Weigand replacement blade.

2. Bowen Rough Country rear sight

3. SDM semi-adjustable rear sight

4. Millett rear sight. These are outstanding rear sights; unfortunately, they stopped making them, but they turn up now and then on gunbroker, etc.

BTW, you can also get gold bead or Patridge front sights. A very slick set-up is to have a gunsmith install a Weigand interchangeable front sight base on your gun. With this installed, you swap front sights in seconds.

WWWJD · March 1, 2011, 06:48 PM

Nothing out of the ordinary; I've used CLP on just about everything for years, and occasionally hoppe's nitro. It almost looks like someone painted the parts with Krylon or something. The metal below appears to be oxidized. I noticed a tinge of rust wiping off of there as well. My old Marlin model 60 has a painted receiver, and it's never offered to do anything like this. I'm out right now, but I'll try to post a pic later.

jglsprings · March 1, 2011, 10:50 PM

Somebody paint your 625 sights with black paint?

I can't imagine any normal solvent taking the black finish (blued aren't they?) off.

Got a picture?

WWWJD · March 2, 2011, 12:45 AM

Never seen this happen.. do you think that a previous owner at some point tried to refinish them or something? All I did was hit it with CLP; it probably sat for 10 or so minutes before a wipe down. It looks like a crappy paint job to me.. wouldn't expect to see this happen to a factory finish.This is what they looked like the day I bought it:

Thanks Borland for the links.

zippy13 · March 2, 2011, 01:30 AM

How about an old fashion parts re-finish job or some spray on sight black?

Yikes, the pics of the rear sight remind me of my Navy days and chipping paint -- that damage looks impact related.

jglsprings · March 2, 2011, 04:01 PM

I would be tempted to run those pictures by Smith and Wesson. I've never seen anything like that. Maybe someone has "customized" them, but it looks like something is wrong with the finishing process. Can't hurt to ask.

old bear · March 2, 2011, 05:43 PM

Try this link, http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/...spx?catid=8072

stevieboy · March 2, 2011, 10:24 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if S & W ships you free replacement sights in return for those.

WWWJD · March 2, 2011, 11:29 PM

I emailed pics to S&W tonight. We'll see what happens.

drail · March 3, 2011, 10:37 PM

I have been shooting S&Ws for enough years to "wear" the original finish off the sights and have always been able to bring them back to like new using a good cold blue. All of the old finish (yours looks like some one "painted" them) must be stripped off and they need to be thoroughly degreased. It also helps to heat them up a little (hairdryer will do). Apply cold blue with a Q tip and lightly wire brush the new finish. Repeat until you get the darkness you want. Keep them (and the rest of the gun) lightly oiled. I have used CLP since it first came on the market and have never seen it attack bluing.

jglsprings · March 4, 2011, 10:37 AM

This could be a sign of the apocalypse: Drail and I agree LOL!

Quote:

Drail:
I have been shooting S&Ws for enough years to "wear" the original finish off the sights and have always been able to bring them back to like new using a good cold blue. All of the old finish (yours looks like some one "painted" them) must be stripped off and they need to be thoroughly degreased. It also helps to heat them up a little (hairdryer will do). Apply cold blue with a Q tip and lightly wire brush the new finish. Repeat until you get the darkness you want. Keep them (and the rest of the gun) lightly oiled. I have used CLP since it first came on the market and have never seen it attack bluing.

I couldn't agree more. I think drail has hit it exactly.

WWWJD · March 4, 2011, 07:49 PM

That's the plan then. I know Hoppes makes a bluing kit; good enough or is there something better?

March 1, 2011, 12:46 PM	#1
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Sights for a S&W 625 I recently acquired a 625, and have a few rounds through it (fun fun fun!). I did notice however that after cleaning it, the black finish on the front and rear sights is basically coming off. It doesn't hurt functionality, never the less, it bugs me. I've done some Google searches on parts, and haven't had a whole lot of luck. I found a light pipe front sight on Brownells... but what about the rear? Anything out there or am I SOL? Another post in another forum mentions one by Millett, but I can't find it. Update: Ok. I found these: http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=6...00_TALL_TARGET Last edited by WWWJD; March 1, 2011 at 12:59 PM.

March 1, 2011, 10:50 PM	#4
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,828	Somebody paint your 625 sights with black paint? I can't imagine any normal solvent taking the black finish (blued aren't they?) off. Got a picture? __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

March 2, 2011, 04:01 PM	#7
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,828	I would be tempted to run those pictures by Smith and Wesson. I've never seen anything like that. Maybe someone has "customized" them, but it looks like something is wrong with the finishing process. Can't hurt to ask. __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

March 1, 2011, 01:06 PM	#2
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	What are you using to clean your gun that it's taking the finish off the sights? As far as the rear sight, you have a couple options: 1. A Weigand replacement blade. 2. Bowen Rough Country rear sight 3. SDM semi-adjustable rear sight 4. Millett rear sight. These are outstanding rear sights; unfortunately, they stopped making them, but they turn up now and then on gunbroker, etc. BTW, you can also get gold bead or Patridge front sights. A very slick set-up is to have a gunsmith install a Weigand interchangeable front sight base on your gun. With this installed, you swap front sights in seconds.

March 1, 2011, 06:48 PM	#3
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Nothing out of the ordinary; I've used CLP on just about everything for years, and occasionally hoppe's nitro. It almost looks like someone painted the parts with Krylon or something. The metal below appears to be oxidized. I noticed a tinge of rust wiping off of there as well. My old Marlin model 60 has a painted receiver, and it's never offered to do anything like this. I'm out right now, but I'll try to post a pic later.

March 2, 2011, 12:45 AM	#5
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	Never seen this happen.. do you think that a previous owner at some point tried to refinish them or something? All I did was hit it with CLP; it probably sat for 10 or so minutes before a wipe down. It looks like a crappy paint job to me.. wouldn't expect to see this happen to a factory finish.This is what they looked like the day I bought it: Thanks Borland for the links.

March 2, 2011, 01:30 AM	#6
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	How about an old fashion parts re-finish job or some spray on sight black? Yikes, the pics of the rear sight remind me of my Navy days and chipping paint -- that damage looks impact related.

March 2, 2011, 05:43 PM	#8
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	Try this link, http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/...spx?catid=8072

March 2, 2011, 10:24 PM	#9
stevieboy Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2008 Posts: 1,695	I wouldn't be surprised if S & W ships you free replacement sights in return for those.

March 2, 2011, 11:29 PM	#10
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	I emailed pics to S&W tonight. We'll see what happens.

March 3, 2011, 10:37 PM	#11
drail Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2008 Posts: 3,150	I have been shooting S&Ws for enough years to "wear" the original finish off the sights and have always been able to bring them back to like new using a good cold blue. All of the old finish (yours looks like some one "painted" them) must be stripped off and they need to be thoroughly degreased. It also helps to heat them up a little (hairdryer will do). Apply cold blue with a Q tip and lightly wire brush the new finish. Repeat until you get the darkness you want. Keep them (and the rest of the gun) lightly oiled. I have used CLP since it first came on the market and have never seen it attack bluing.

March 4, 2011, 07:49 PM	#13
WWWJD Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Central KY Posts: 552	That's the plan then. I know Hoppes makes a bluing kit; good enough or is there something better?