How To Darken A Stainless Front Sight Blade

Whit

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Unfortunately old eyes don’t see stainless front sight blades of Smith revolvers so well, even though the blade has a colored insert. How might a sight blade be darkened? Is painting an option? If so, what kind of paint? A darkening process would seem to be the quickest and most economical answer. Just curious if anyone has the same issue and solved it.

Having a new blued or black sight blade installed is a solution. However there is a good deal of expense involved not to mention that it alters the revolver from its original configuration. But it is an option to consider. Is there a source for blades? What might the cost of sight blade replacement run? Is there a particular gunsmith who might “specialize” in this type of work or is well known for such modifications?

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Stay safe and have a blessed day.
 
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I had my local Smith put on night sight, F & R, on a 629 and 57. Works great. I believe they were millet sights. Be Safe,
 
The gun that went with me when I took Grant Cunningham's revolver course in Phoenix last November, was a 681 L-frame with the sights like you have.

What they did was to color the sight with Magic-Marker. It worked fine, and it came off.
 
Testors Model paint in whatever color you choose. Wipe sight down thoroughly with alcohol first. When paint is dry, cover it with a liberal coat of clear Hard-Nails finger nail polish ( available at Wally-World ). Works great, long lasting, and resists oils, solvents, etc. :)
 
Yeah the lacquer air plane model paint is durable.

I put a couple of layers on and then used a checkering file to put the serrations in it which also removed the shiny surface: 40 TPI to match the factory serrations.
 
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