Is there enough metal to dovetail a P Jr / Lightning 38?

[Cowboy Bob]

I was going to pick up a Cimarron Lightning but before I do I wanted to confirm this just in case.

The barrels on the 38 special are pretty thin. Is there enough metal that most gunsmiths would feel comfortable cutting a 3/8 dovetail front sight, if needed???

[Blair]

Cowboy Bob,

What gives you cause to believe you will need to install a dovetailed front sight?

Also, the 3/8th dovetail is not the depth of the dovetail, but rather the length of the cut that will accept the sights base.
The depth can vary somewhat depending on the thickness of the sight base that "you" select for this adaptation you want.
Depth of the gut can vary from as shallow as 1/32 to as heavy as 3/16th. (that is a pretty deep cut for any barrel diameter/thickness!)
  Blair

[Shotgun Franklin]

I'm guessing that your worried about elevation? I used to carry that little .38 as my off-duty gun. Out of the box it shot great as is. You could adjust your loads as easily as messing with the front sight.

[Cowboy Bob]

Thank you, I knew the 3/8 was not the depth but I was not aware the depth could vary. Every dovetail I have is towards the thicker side.

If need be, I was looking at a Marbles bead sight. I figure I'd use the one designed for the ramp since it's not quite as long across as the barrel mounted design. I think it's about 1/8" narrower which would help maintain the slim lines of this gun. They're both a 3/8 dovetail.

This Lightning I don't want for cowboy shooting; I just want a little 20 ounce tacklebox gun with a western flare. I'm wanting it mainly for small varmints, snakes, and target shooting.
Primarily, I am worried about windage because as you said the elevation can be changed with the load. Every single action I own pulls to the left in my hands. I wouldn't mind adjusting it to shoot just a hair to the right up close and close the difference 50% at 25 yards. I might get lucky and it shoot dead on though.

[Shotgun Franklin]

You can also turn the barrel if you just need a minor adjustment.

[Cowboy Bob]

Gunsmithing is expensive around here. Pay 50 dollars to turn the barrel one way and next week spend another 50 to turn it back the other cause it went too far 

Once the barrel is dovetailed, I'm comfortable messing around with the sights.

[Abilene]

... Every single action I own pulls to the left in my hands. ...

Bob, if every single action you own shoots to the left, possibly it is your hold.  If your trigger finger contacts the trigger at the crease of the joint, it will pull the shot low/left (right handed shooter).  The trigger should be contacted by only the pad of the trigger finger.  Good luck.