This question is directed towards the members here that have shot either 3 pistol or high power rifle matches, and smoked their sights (to improve contrast).

I have a quart container of calcium carbide that appears to have broken down to powder, there are no easily found "rocks" in the container. Would this calcium carbide still be usable for firing up my carbide lamp, or would I be wasting my time?

Thank you!

__________________
Judge control not gun control!

I think you are wasting your time. I opened a 2/3 full can a few years back and the "stones" of calcium carbide had broken down to gritty dust. I tried it in a lamp but it just turned to mud when water was applied. Not much, if an, gas was generated. Since then I just use the little spray cans of sight black.

I guess no matter what we say here the only way you will know is to try it. I've got one of those Carbide Lamps from my Dad but never used it. I don't recall seeing any Carbide though - not that I looked that hard.

Let us know if it works!

A plastic utensil when lit on fire produces a very heavy carbon flame and is great for smoking sights.

I used a candle to black my sights when I was shooting bullseye. Worked very well.

One pound can of pea grade lump carbide is about $17 on ebay so dispose of the carbide powder.

I liked the lamp soot on sights much more than the spay can.

__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

I found the flat black paint sticks worked as good and lasted much longer.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I, too, have found new cans of calcium carbide on both eBay and Amazon. What I didn't expect was that calcium carbide has to be shipped as a hazmat product, so you get hit with both a shipping charge and a hazmat fee, just like gunpowder or primers.

I have used both the spray can sight black and my carbide lamp, and I find that I get better sight contrast using my carbide lamp.

__________________
Judge control not gun control!

I have enough carbide to last a good long while as long as it does not turn to dust!

I need a new generator though, does anyone have one for sale, or know where to find one?

__________________
Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102