I prefer to remain with open sights and keeping the cost down. However, I like the looks of the grip - what brand is it?

 

huntsman22,
Did you need to d&t the topstrap to attach that sight base?
gkn

 

Yeah, on the older ones you need to D&T. Newer ones are ready.

 

I don't care for the "setting sun" effect of the too-large diameter fiber-optic front sight insert paired with the too-shallow rear sight notch. Unfortunately, there isn't much to be done with the rear sight. From what I could learn, the rear blade is unique to this model and isn't commonly available. Also, I believe that S&W revolver rear sights are commonly disassembled by tightening until the windage screw breaks and then reassembled with new parts, which S&W won't sell.
I think your best bet might be replacing the front sight.
I haven't checked with Dawson Precision, yet, but they might make a replacement fiber-optic front sight for this gun. It is worth a look.
Please update us with any solutions you find. Thanks.

 

Update:

I resolved the issue by purchasing a rear sight assembly from Midwest and filing down the notch with a little round file from a cheap set I purchased at Harbor Freight. I then touched up the notch with Birchwood Casey flat black paint. I can now see the entire orange dot thru the rear sight.

I thought about and researched replacing the front sight. But, acquiring an aftermarket front sight (no factory ones available) and having a gunsmith install it since it is such a delicate process made the cost more than my method.

It can always be restored to factory with one screw - the front sight option not so much.

Some updates that may require a gunsmith are to replace the hammer with a target version and ditto with the trigger. S&W really could have done a better job with this version of the 63. For now I will just shoot it and determine whether or not to go forward with any more corrections...er...changes.

 

Haven't fired my new one yet, or my new Victory, but I find it kinda interesting that the fiber optic on the Victory, is many times brighter than the 63.) I see that the Victory fiber is open at the front and the63 is not. I would prefer that it be as bright as the Victory.

I doubt there is a wider version of the hammer, and for me, that's just as well. I installed a set of Nills, and their relief for the hammer only accommodates the small hammer spur.
I also doubt there is a different trigger.

 

Update II:

Sent 63 to S&W service yesterday, 4/18, after two trips to the range, as it was near impossible to fire. The rear of the cartridge case being positioned to fire at the top comes into contact with the lower part of the firing pin bushing, causing a near freeze-up condition of the cylinder requiring both hands to rotate to top position. The bushing is very slightly rounded, just enough to raise the middle of it above the frame with insufficient clearance for the cartridge case.

I had read reviews regarding how S&W quality and QC have gone south over the years. But, these are few and far between and I really wanted a good SS .22 revolver. So, I took a leap of faith. I was quoted 4-6 weeks turnaround time, which is probably optimistic.

I will update again after receiving it back from service dept. and a trip to the range.

 

I have a new 63 and Victory. Need to get them to the range soon, just to satisfy that question of good function. I did check the 63 for barrel canting when I picked it up and it was ok.

 

Any updates on this? It’s been a little more than 6 weeks…

 

See my June 18 update.

 

Glad to see S&W took care of you.

 

I have a new 63 and the SA pull is quite good but the DA pull is probably 12#'s or so. Is there a spring kit or a mod I can do to lighten up the DA pull with out compromising the reliability for ignition?
speaking of sights my new 63 came with a post front sight that makes a nice sight picture with the standard rear sight.

 

If you do not like that red insert in the front sight, Brownell's offers a little kit to fix/replace one that was broken or lost, but not black It seems as though all they have are hiviz colors. I think you might make one out of a piece of black plastic

 

Old thread I know, but I never liked the 'fiber-optic' S&W sights, so I solved that problem by buying older models w/ the standard sights.

 

Wolff offers spring kits for the S&W J frames as well as an assortment of trigger return spring weights. The J frames don't generally get super light DA pulls more because of geometry (small parts equal less leverage) than springs though. And I'm not particularly fond of S&W's red/orange front inserts so swap them for basic black. Other colors are available. Orange, white, S&W red/orange, green, orange, black, yellow and pink.