New style adjustable vs. old style adjustable sights (S+W)

[bofe954]

I am trying to find a replacement rear sight for a 686 no dash. I am interested in the Bowen adjustable and C&S's fixed.

It appears to have the old style sight. It has a flat front. The Bowen says that it is not for use in the old style sight. The C&S says nothing, but the sights have a rounded front.

What is the difference other than the shape? The sight on the 686 looks like it just lays flat on the frame so I don't think having a round front would hurt anything. Is there a reason why a fixed like the C&S could be used on new or old, but the Bowen adjustable can't?

I'll give C&S a ring Monday, but I figured someone here knows as much as them anyway...

[S&WIowegan]

The guns you refer to as "old-style" are not drilled and tapped by the factory as are the new guns. Therefore, at a bare minimum you will need to drill and tap your 686 top strap to accept the C&S mounting screw. I have not tried this so I don't recommend it as a home project but it's certainly possible. C&S will probably be glad to do it for a small fee

Bob

A16841

[Toolguy]

The front to back location of the mounting hole varied with different old style models, the new ones (round front) are all in the same place.

The old screws are smaller than the new ones.

[Carmoney]

The new-style sight assemblies can be mounted on the older guns by drilling and countersinking a new hole in the sight. This leaves you with another unused hole in the sight, but it doesn't look bad and it's much easier than drilling and tapping the gun.