USA Gun's & Gear

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Which M&P Do I Have? A Guide to Identifying Your Smith & Wesson Confused about which Smith & Wesson M&P you own? Our guide breaks down the differences between the M&P 1.0, M2.0, Shield, and Shield Plus, including critical magazine compatibility tips and OEM part identification.

Blog: S&W Revolver Rear Adjustable sights by model & year

To correctly identify the adjustable rear sight for your Smith & Wesson K or L frame, you must match the tang shape and the front leaf screw location.

S&W K & L Frame Rear Sight Evolution Chart

Generation Era Dash Range (e.g., Model 19) Tang Shape Screw Location (Distance from Step)
1. Early Square Pre-1967 No Dash to -2 Square Forward Position (approx. 0.450" - 0.500")
2. Late Square 1967–1993 -3 to -6 Square Rearward Position (approx. 0.650")
3. New Style 1994–Present -7 and later Rounded Standardized (3-hole Drill & Tap frame)

1. Early Square Tang (No Dash to -2)
These models use a square-ended tang where the front mounting screw is located closer to the front of the revolver.
K-Frame Models:
14
(No Dash to -2),
15
(No Dash to -2),
17
(No Dash to -2),
19
(No Dash to -2),
48
(No Dash to -2).
Compatibility: These sights are unique to this era. A sight from a -3 or later will not line up with the factory-drilled hole in your frame

2. Late Square Tang (-3 to -6)
In 1967, Smith & Wesson standardized the mounting hole by moving it further back (toward the hammer) to accommodate a more robust design.
K-Frame Models: 14-3 to 14-5, 15-3 to 15-6, 17-3 to 17-5, 19-3 to 19-6,
66
(No Dash to -3), 67 (No Dash to -2).
L-Frame Models:
586
(No Dash to -4),
686
(No Dash to -3).
Measurement: The critical distance is from the centerline of the tang screw hole to the edge of the body section.

3. Round Tang (-7 and Later)
Starting in 1994, S&W transitioned to "Drill & Tap" frames. The front of the sight leaf was rounded to fit the new CNC-machined pocket on the top strap.
K-Frame Models: 19-7+, 66-4+,
617
, 648.
L-Frame Models:
586
-5+,
686
-4+.
Identification: If you open the cylinder and see three holes coming through the underside of the top strap, your revolver uses the modern rounded-tang sight

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