Improved Sights/Night Sight on a J Frame?

**rwb1500** · June 22nd, 2010, 11:44 AM

There is a S&W 642 in my near future and I was wondering if anyone else has an opinion on this. Is it worth putting a night sight on the front? The gun has such a small sight radius, I wonder if its worth it. I'm really not one for laser grips, so that's not really an option, The gun would do double duty as a BUG and as a summer carry/deep concealment option. When it's the only gun I have on me I'd like to have all the options possible.

So what's the story? Anybody do it? Reasons not to do it? And don't tell me that J frame revolvers are strictly belly guns. They can be shot accurately at self defense ranges, it just takes practice. Maybe a laser is my best option. I'd love to hear opinions either way.

**Azzy** · June 22nd, 2010, 11:47 AM

These videos make some good arguments for getting a laser.

http://www.crimsontrace.com/Home/Vid...6/Default.aspx

Granted, they are selling them, but I do see the utility now, and for something like a small pistol, they seem to be a great option.

**Steve_NEPhila** · June 22nd, 2010, 11:54 AM

The 642 has fixed sights, some other J frames have pinned on front sights which can be interchanged with tritium night sights. There is a company that drills the fixed sight and installs a tritium vial although the name escapes me at this moment.

Tritium night sights are important on any defensive weapon. It does not matter how long the sight radius is, if you cannot see the front sight you do not know where the point of impact should be.

I do not have tritium sights on my 642, yet. However, I rarely carry it at night for that reason. The 642 is a fantastic defensive revolver, yet the sights do leave much to be desired.

**CHEMICAL** · June 22nd, 2010, 11:58 AM

http://www.mmcsight.com/custom.htm

http://www.tooltechgunsight.com/

**rwb1500** · June 22nd, 2010, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by Steve_NEPhila

The 642 has fixed sights, some other J frames have pinned on front sights which can be interchanged with tritium night sights.

Right, I assumed some sort of treachery would be involved since the sights are fixed. Is there any validity to the NiteSighters? (I think that's what they're called.) Basically paste on photoluminescent dots that have to be charged before they glow. They are a cost effective option, but they don't glow on their own and I would be suspect of their durability.

I agree that nightsights are a very important consideration on any defensive handgun.

**jcabin** · June 22nd, 2010, 12:16 PM

I love my 642, but it has been relegated to pocket carry when I can't OC and left as a tertiary home defense weapon.

I really, really wish it had some sights, but to get a j-frame with sights you're looking at dropping big money. Money that's not worth it IMO just for sights. The crimson trace is something I may consider now actually.

Anyone try using that glow paint on your j-frame sights?

**rwb1500** · June 22nd, 2010, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by jcabin

Anyone try using that glow paint on your j-frame sights?

Either that or Nightsighters has a strip kit your could place on the front blade. I don't know if you'd be able to outline the back or not.
Edit: It appears you *could* make that work. It would be a poor substitute for real night sights but considering the cost and effort involved perhaps a good alternative. Some very precise cutting would need to be done to get the rear to work.

**CHEMICAL** · June 22nd, 2010, 12:31 PM

http://personalsecurityzone.com/cgi-...roductID=37618

http://ee.ar15.com/ItemView.aspx?iid=14544

**indiandave** · June 22nd, 2010, 12:54 PM

I painted the front sight with bright orange nail polish. Easy to put on and easy to take off. Lasts a long time.

**okinawanfighter** · June 22nd, 2010, 01:52 PM

i also had the same issue with my 642. I ended up just putting nail polish on the front sight and bought the smaller crimson trace grips. Money well spent in my opinion. I practice with the laser on and off at the range to give me options. I also like dry firing the gun with the laser because it shows me exactly where im hitting and how i need to adjust my grip/finger pull to keep the laser from bouncing. If you really want a good sight up front your better off just buying the m&p 340 with the xs big dot. By the time you machine a dovetail in the 642 and add the sight you'll be at the same price as the m&p 340. Buds gun shop has them for $723 shipped. One other option is to buy the 642 with the 2.5" barrel. this comes with a pinned front sight. See my attached pic.