Smith & Wesson 617 , 686 sight install upgrade

This video shows how to install an LPA fiber optic sight on a Smith and Wesson revolver with a pinned front sight. This specially applies to the Smith and Wesson 617 and 686 revolvers. The front sight is pinned and installing these requires drilling the front sight and this needs to be done carefully. The sights are from LPA Italy. Ozzistraightshooter is experienced at installing many different sights on handguns. Note many Smith and Wesson revolvers have a slip in front sight that does not require drilling and pinning. This video especially focuses on the revolvers that have the pinned front sight!

[@A-Z__124]

I found the hardest part of this job was finding the right size drill bit. I had to order it online, as it is such a size that your regular hardware store won't have it. When you do order it, just order 5 drill bits, as they break so fast you won't believe it. Good video.

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Thanks for your comments Michael. I agree the drill is difficult to obtain. If you get High Speed Steel instead of carbon steel the drill will not break as easily. This is what I use, but hard to find.

[@leokimvideo]

For some reason I had flashbacks of replacing CV joints on a old Subaru. I never knew about these funky sights.

[@warrenrosen132]

Mark the hole position then drill against a flat surface.

[@tonyel99]

Great upgrade! Thanks for posting!

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

No problem 👍

[@john-paulsilke893]

Sweet little kit. I’ve done the same thing with a 629 and I’m toying with either this or a micro red dot for my 686. The 686 has been heavily modified for reliable .38 primer ignition but won’t reliably set off heavy magnum primers so mostly won’t shoot .357 rounds so even a relatively poor quality red dot should survive the much weaker recoil. (I destroyed two red dots on my .44 before it switched to fiber optics because I didn’t want to spend $700-$1,000 for a red dot that could handle the abuse.

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

LPA have a new rear sight that is Fiber and allows mounting of a red dot. LPA sight model WXT02F1. I hope to try one soon. It is difficult to find a good red dot for a reasonable price. Even many of the expensive brands don't last, but you should have no problems shooting 38's

[@john-paulsilke893]

@@ozzistraightshooter9273 I just looked it up. Wow that’s amazing. Now I just need to find a source to deliver to Canada before they ban any more of my guns.

[@nicholascohen852]

Great video, thank you. About to do this to my 627 in Tas.

[@mikepower4113]

Thanks for the video. Just ordered my lpa sites for my 357.

[@natmad]

Great walkthrough. Thanks for sharing. For the drilling could you go half way then flip it over and do the other half? Reduce risk of misalignment? Tbh it is pretty rough that they do not have the hole as part of the manufacturing process. Even if they need variations to match different models.

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Yes drilling from each side of the front site is a good technique and I have installed several front sights this way. Smith and Wesson revolvers seem to show variability in the position of the pin hole. I think this is why LPA don't pre drill the front sight. Thank you for your comments.

[@1911geek]

Hiviz make drop in also, his do it yourself is informative but for the steady hand people becareful when you are drilling is my advise. Get some Harbor Freight rubber ends C Clamp put your pistol on a vise with rubber claws or none marring shims

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Drilling the front sight is definitely the most difficult part of the operation and I agree clamping the revolver will make the job easier. It is a delicate and precise job.

[@thinklikeido]

It #54 drill bit.

[@beanalog8202]

Nice job. I want to do that with my 686 plus. I just wonder if it will fit in my leather holster.

[@gonorsilvet2581]

Thanks!

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Welcome!

[@jwhunter357]

can someone explain why metal has to be drilled out when using the same pin? i understand there is no hole in the new sight, but why is he drilling the metal hole bigger?

[@MrLwr4444]

He should only be drilling through the new sight using existing hole in the gun. Your supposed to set the sight then drill half way through each side.

[@KatoCoyoteCombatWorkshop]

A side view would have been appreciated. There are no images I've found or even videos that provide what this sight actually looks like from the side.

[@DavesIneosGrenadier]

LPA make the same sight and add red dot ready capability. I will be mounting that on my 686

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Hi Dave, Yes I am waiting to test the new LPA sight that allows mounting a red dot. This looks like a great new design.

[@DavesIneosGrenadier]

@@ozzistraightshooter9273 I have just been advised 6 months wait but the US have them ex stock. Typical Grycol.

[@zseeley]

Not happening to my S & W 357.... unless done by a professional... which is not me.

[@PleasantAutomotive]

Thanks for the vid! What model rear site is that? I'm keen to get one for my 617 as well.

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Hi Ryan. The sight I installed is the LPA model: TXT03F1. This is the front and rear sight set with pinned front sight in silver. Thanks for your question.

[@bigtrev761]

🇦🇺😎👍Yes !

[@edbigtruck]

What brand of Grips are on this 617

[@jamesjodimazzuchi926]

Can you add a link to the sights

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

www.lpasights.com/en/products/txt03f1/ The TXT02F1 and TXT03F1 are generally good sets for the Smith revolvers with pinned front sight. In the USA I think there are sellers on EBAY and Brownells has some of the LPA range. Check the LPA web site directly for more information.

[@scooter5940]

Thank you for the video. I put some paint on the front sight of my 617, but overall the sights still need an upgrade. I hate to go through the hassle of changing the pinned front sight. Do you think the LPA rear sight you have would be compatible with the factory front sight post?

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Hi Scott, the LPA rear sight should be OK with the standard front one. I would recommend using a plain black rear sight and not a fiber optic rear. The fiber optic is bright and will take your eye away from the front sight. If you paint the front and have a plain black rear this should work. It is also possible to carefully file the notch in the rear sight to widen it. It depends on how much light you like to see around the edges of the front sight. With a plain black rear sight you have more flexibility.

[@scooter5940]

@@ozzistraightshooter9273 Thank you - I had not considered that and it is a very good point. I think I should have a gunsmith just install fiber both front and back. I have a couple of small semi-automatics with bright front and black rear sights and they work just fine. But for some reason, the black back sight on the 617 and painted front post just don't work well with my old eyes.

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

If you can have your gunsmith fit the fiber optic front and rear I think you will be happy. The visibility is greatly improved compared to the standard sights especially if lighting is not so good.

[@johngrauel1661]

Is the LPA model number TXT02F1? Their website says that fits the 686 but they do not mention the 617. Thanks!

[@ozzistraightshooter9273]

Hi John, The sight should fit most 686 and 617's. If your revolver has the screw holes under the rear sight then the LPA normally will screw straight on. Some older revolvers don't have the second screw hole to secure the sight which makes it more difficult to fit without drilling and tapping an extra hole. Regards

[@equipolosantrax57]

I lost the screws on my sights can you please tell me where i can buy some size please

[@Mr1Alex91]

I would contact the company that made the sights they might supply you with the screws for free, or if your talking about the factory smith and Wesson ones contact them im sure they’d help you out

[@rogeriomoretti3314]

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