Are there any other methods of improving the visibility on the fixed sights on a S&W 38 Model 10-6 that does not require grinding off the front sight?

I'm a great fan of the bright model paints on the front sight, white, orange, you pick. I look at the rear sight too much already to add any color to it.

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Science plus Art

Paint is probably your best option. I use Testors enamel paint. Some people use nail polish. If you're going to use a bright color, like red or orange, it'll work better if you apply a white base coat first. The nice thing about it is that you can experiment with different colors to find something you like without having to spend a lot of money. Once your sight is painted how you like you can apply clear hard coat nail polish for added wear resistance.

Testor's Blaze Orange (don't remember their name) lasts for many many years. I clean the area with Denatured Alcohol first to remove all oil, apply a light coat and then after a day or two letting it dry, I apply a second coat. Rarely a third, but allow to dry thoroughly in between coats. It stands up to oil, solvents and years of shooting. When it gets beat up or you want another color or restore to original, just use a new razor blade to remove the upper portion of the paint without scratching the bluing, then some paint remover and a soft bronze brush or tooth brush to remove the remaining paint. You can use a sewing needle to get the stubborn paint from between the grooves.

Years ago I'd cut the dovetail in the front sight and apply the Brownell's color kit, but the Testor's paint works so well, I don't bother anymore. The paint allows easy restoring of the original configuration too! It's impossible to make any permanent mistakes with the paint for those with limited ability and or confidence.

I forgot about that step. I did the same before painting my sights.

Yes, that would be me.

I used to paint mine. After a good cleanup, I put a thin coat of white Testor's and let it dry thoroughly. Then a coat of flourescent orange and let it dry. Finally clear coat nail polish. The clear coat seals the paint. Without it, dirt gets worked into the paint and you have to redo it more often. With it, you just wipe it off with a cloth and it's like new again.

Nail polish called "Traffic Cone"

I second the "Blaze Orange" found in the paint section at the local hobby store. I use a base coat of flat white obtained from the same source, after drying then apply the "Blaze Orange". The base coat of flat white really makes the "Blaze Orange", or whatever hi vizibility color you choose, stand out,

When the Hi Viz color gets dull just hit it with some 400 grit abrasive paper to brighten it up, or touch it up with some more hi viz paint.

I'm very happy with this system, which is easily removed, so it can be used on vintage or collectable guns. Hope this helps.

PS: The Testor's Bottle is so small and light I keep it in my shooting bag that goes along with me on Hunts, and shooting vacations. It does need to dry for 24 hours before shooting the gun but if on a weeks stint it's better to wait one day than a week.

With a ramp sight, would you paint the entire length
or just what is visible with a good sight picture?

I use a piece of colored tape to establish where I want the paint to be applied. Get a good sight picture and then move the tape up from the bottom of the serrated portion of the blade until it just becomes visible at the bottom of the notch. Then count the number of notches in the serrations from the bottom and don't paint those. It should look like this when done

I will second the message to put a base coat of white on before the finish color. It will make it stand out much better.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I clean like posted , paint bright white first . But have started using a bright lime green on front sights . Many of the bullseye targets are red/ orange centers and the small stickys we use to cover up previous bullet holes are orange . Some targets have a black center , so again black wouldn't work on the front sight . That's why I went to bright lime green .

Liquid paper or White-Out works well as a base coat. I used some , intending to go over it with a color , but the flat white worked just fine and the stuff doesn't seem to easily wear off. Easy to find and cheap. Those paints sold as bright sight paints were a little pricey .

Rather then painting the sights, is there some add on aftermarket carry sights that can be added?? My 581 has painted sights and would be a tad better if they were taller. I remember seeing some in the past but don't remember who offered them. Larry

/\/\/\/\ This .... back in the day I used Correction Fluid on the front sight of my Issued Model 19-3, worked well and was easy to keep current. Now, Correction Fluid is a lot harder to find, so I have been using Bright Neon Green Fingernail Polish. YMMV

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Retired & Livin' my DREAM :)

The Bic White-Out correction pens are easy to find , office supplies , and the pen makes application EASY , you can even use the pen to make perfect dots.

Whenever I need nail polish for a sight , I wait until my daughter is with me , then start asking her to help me pick the perfect shade ...she claims having to help your father buy fingernail polish is soooo... embarrassing !
Gary