Set up a SW642 for low light-no laser.

R

riverkeeper

New member
Would like to improve my SW 642 for self defense in dim light conditions without installing a laser.

95% of use is in very dark situations … after dark where street lights are widely spaced but generally enough to see footing…. Sometimes just barely tho. Resale value is not an issue.

Read of installing a bead as front sight and opening the rear sight area to a shallow V ??? Fitting grips and smooth 9-10 pound trigger already done.

Any suggestions?
 
Get a fiber-optic sight put in. They bend (refract) the light hitting it and channel it back - where you are looking at it.

A better way is a tritium sight. They have to be replaced every 10 years, but they can be pretty bright. AO Sights has a very large sight that grabs the attention. I don't know if they have one for a J-Frame S&W, but I bet a smith can attach one up front.
 
I suggest returning it to S&W. Contact them and describe what you need/want. They can do the work better and cheaper in the long run. I suggest when you get it back that you practice drawing and sighting with snap caps in a low light environment. The Hi-Viz sights are bright if ugly though. The rear sight trough should be opened up and deepened but, no V. Ask the S&W folks to bevel the chamber mouths while they have your revolver. A 11 degree forcing cone cut would be a good addition as well.
 
Smith did some great custom work on a 629 for me about 1995. sounds good--will contact them.

Chamber bevel is logical, why do the forcing cone?
 
Read a little and discovered that if the cylinder gap is set to minimum and the cone jobs is good MIGHT even get a few dozen addl fps too -- which never hurts in a 38 snubbette.

Thanks Sir for sharing what you know.
 
There are still a few of us old wheelgun LEOs around. We all learned from the true experts, the wounded survivors of firefights. I am one who knows I only pass on their knowledge. Tricks are simple to perform, living through a hail of return fire isn't. Every advantage should be used. I have learned that it is the internal and added reliability modifications that count. You might check with www.cylinder-slide.com DPris has had great results with them.
 
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