[rosharb]

Has anyone installed a HiViz sight on their 617? If so was it something that a gunsmith has to do ? I have a hard time seeing my sight when in the woods . Also do they come in different heights and if they do what height do I need? Thanks for any info

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

It's something that can be done home easily. The blade height is .150 tall or something close. Try Brownells if they carry one for the 617.
Place the new sight blade on the gun, then you can drill from both ends so you don't damage the revolver itself.
The sight will need to be drilled using a #54 Drill. Use the same drill bit to press out the pin, if you don't have a cupped punch (radiused tip so you don't flatten the pin end).
When done drilling put a drop of thread loctite on the pin and push it in.

 

[rosharb]

Thanks magnum. Can I drill this freehand or should I use a drill press? Don't own a drill press.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Free hand. Go half way from one side then drill it on the other until it breaks thru. This way there is no chance of hurting the gun.
I've done many and it's really easy to to. Just take your time.

 

[Clem]

Being a klutz, I slightly damaged a gun by drilling a new front sight. Now, I clamp the new front sight blade to the old blade with a vice grip, and drill the new one while not in the gun. I then use the pin, as well as loctite to secure it to the barrel.