Help in choosing a Fiber Optic or Tritium Sight on S&W 686+ Pro Series

Rick F

New member
Hello ppl,

My fiance has a 686+ Pro Series 5" Slabsided S&W that she wants night sights for. All of our other handguns have dots, and we shoot in a poorly lit range against black Shoot-N-C targets. Does anyone know for a fact what will fit, and are there any recomendations? I contacted MidwayUSA, and they would not commit, and Trijicon, Meprolight, and Hi-Viz either would not commit, or did not answer. I'm guessing it's because it's not the standard model. Please note it has plain black sights, not the red ramp.

Thanks,
Rick
 
I don't see any model exactly like what you describe on the S&W website.

Is it an older model?

Call S&W , tell them the model and serial #info stamped on the frame.

They can tell you if the front sight used on your gun equals that used on a more common model.
 
Your 686Plus Pro Series 5" has a Classix DX Interchangable Front Sight from what I can tell.

The only Tritium sight I was able to find was an XS Big Dot
Midway parts # 282-892

http://midwayusa.com/

Check that one out.

Fiber Optic DX sights are not a problem to find, again Midway Source.

Hi-Viz
149656 Green .250
312669 Green .310

SDM
874812 Green .250
639359 Green .300

Bob
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info! Here is the model:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57895_757775_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y

178038_01_md.jpg
 
How do I measure the size? Is it from the mounting base to the top of the sight? I don't know how I feel about the XS sight rear . . .
 
Just in case someone does a search for this particular revolver, I ended up with an SDM fiber optic sight. It is indeed the interchangeable front sight, and the .250" height is correct.
 
EasyHit makes a fluorocent fiberoptic front sight for S&W revolvers that I just love. I have them on several S&Ws and they're the best, most visible front sight I've ever seen.
Here's my 686SSR.

PachmayrsandFOfront.jpg


The problem with the sight is, EasyHit doesn't show it on their website. You have to call and they don't always have them in stock. Last time, I bought 5, just so I'd have spares.
 
Hi Japle. That looks bery interesting, but I prefer the small dot for assisting with accuracy. I would put money on yours having the faster target acqusition though.

8507856499_9fcdce7a85_z.jpg
 
Rick,

Yeah, it's very fast to pick up, excellent for hunting in thick brush or for Steel Challenge.

I have one on my 327PC and people at matches say things like, "Your gun's on fire"!

It seems to work, though.

With20122ndplace.jpg
 
Get the fibre optic.
I have not seen a range dimly lit enough for tritium night sights to show up.
Except, of course, when we turn the lights out so you need them and/or a good flashlight.
 
Get the fibre optic.
I have not seen a range dimly lit enough for tritium night sights to show up.
Except, of course, when we turn the lights out so you need them and/or a good flashlight.

Yeah, I got the FO in the pic above. You are right about the tritium at the range. I really just like the contrast dot as opposed to all black sights.


And Japle- that is a great looking revolver.
 
Rick F, you said you got the .250 SDM. What was the exact part #? Was it C250R or P250R?

BTW I have the exact same gun.

Thanks
 
A nice feature on your 686 Pro is the front interchangeable sight....I switched my stock front sight on my 627 Pro to a Hi Viz green fiber optic one and really like it so far ! I'll probably try some of the other suggestions posted on this thread as well ( why not ) ! I do have a tritium sight on another handgun and as already mentioned is really at its best in the dark of night !
 
Last edited:
My question is what is the correct type of sight for this gun? When you look for sights for S&W revolvers 2 types are shown. Does anyone have a picture of the correct type of sight before it is installed so I can see the shape of the base?

Thanks
 
When you look for sights for S&W revolvers 2 types are shown.

The half moon shaped extension under the sight base version is designed for pinned sights ! The more triangular shaped extension under the sight base is designed for the interchangeable version . As you might already know , you can see samples of this on the S&W website under sight accessories ! No pictures at the moment but I hope this helps...the more triangular shaped version that fits in the slot is designed to be pushed back and slipped in flush then it locks when released forward under spring tension !
 
Last edited:
So even though the front sight has a pin we are supposed to use the interchangeable (triangular) one? I could see how that pin would cover the front area of that shape to hold it in. You can see the pin I am mentioning in the pictures above. That is how my sight area looks.

Sorry for asking multiple time I just want to be clear. I wish I had a punch at home small enough or I would remove my existing sight to see what shape it is.
 
Yes , revolvers with the interchangeable front sight base have a pin but its function is not to directly retain it by going through the sight blade's under extension ! ! You should also see a hole in the very front of your sight base on the barrel !
 
Last edited:
Yes I can see the front of the sight and the pin that runs in front of it. So how do I remove the sight? Just push it backwards and lift the front edge over the pin?
 
Yes , push it back firmly and lift up the front....mine was a bit of a pain at first ( there isn't much slop in it for wiggle room ) !
 
Thanks for the help, it sucks when something is so simple but not intuitive. It seems there should be directions somewhere about all this.

Thanks again.
 
Back
Top