What is the best way to make Model 66 no dash stainless sights easier to see?

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M25max

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What is the best way to make the stainless sights on a model 66 no dash more visible. I have seen mentions of using hobby store model paint and that could work but might not be so durable. It seems that back in the day the rear sight blade was swapped out for a black/blued blade but it is stated in several posts that is not reversible because the screw is broken on removal and S&W doesn’t make the special stainless screw anymore. Is there a specific brand of paint that is tough and durable or another approach to take?

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I have just used wife's nail polish on the front sight.. but as mentioned, it is just a temp thing.. other than the swap, I can't imagine anything would be truly "permanent"
 
Your options are limited. What you have there is a very nice , early Model 66. The stainless sights look nice , but the fact that no one could see them limited their utility. That’s why S&W changed them to the blue sight. These guns are fairly uncommon so please don’t swap out the stainless blade for a blue one. As you note . You can’t go back. If you can find a blue rear sight assembly you could swap them out but those older type are becoming hard to find also. You do not want to do anything permanent to this revolver.
 
If I wanted to shoot it often, I would replace the entire rear sight assembly, carefully preserving the original, and installing a red insert in the front sight. For occasional range use some carbide smoke or spray sight black. Those original stainless sights are just impossible to see in sunlight!!
 
I think the use of model paint or nail polish being only a temporary solution is a good thing. Easy on and easy — with acetone, or nail polish remover (same thing) — off. It keeps the value of the original sights while allowing you to shoot it seeing the sights all you want.

I had one. Painted the rear sights black and the front yellow for the range, then removed the paint for display.
 
Were it mine some flat black Testors model paint on the front and swap out the rear. If the paint wears off touch it up. It’s not a high wear area and one bottle will do many many sights.
I believe the front screw hole on your original rear sight was not a standard spacing. Take a measurement on yours to get match if you decide to replace it.
I would not permanently alter the front sight.
 
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I think I will look for a rear sight assembly that will fit. In the interim I will just use some paint. Thanks for the different views and options.
 
As others have mentioned, colored finger nail polish or model paint for the front and a black Sharpie for the rear. Works fine even today. Back in the day, we used the same methods. The length of time the Sharpie stays put partly depends on your holster design. No problem to touch up or reapply either, when one is doing maintenance cleaning on said revolver.
 
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