0.196 Rear Sight Blade for 686-1 - 4"BBL

[overthehills]

I have two 686s that I have tried to make identical as much as possible. It has come together quite well with one exception & to me it is a big one. The second unit has a forged in front sight and ended up needing the ever so rare 0.196 rear blade to get POA to match POI. Unfortunately, the 0.196 blade does not come in a "white outline" configuration that would allow it to match as well as please me personally. I did locate a second 0.196 blade and it too does not have the outline. I had hoped to do the outline some how myself but realize it is way above my skill level. Does any one have any leads or ideas how to get the 0.196 blade with the white outline? The two different sight pictures are more than annoying. Thank you & Safe Shooting - Overthehills

 

[steelslaver]

I can tell you how to etch an outline in the sight blade and then you can fill it with white model paint. First take scotch tape and very carefully cover the blade leaving the area you want the outline. You can just cover the whole area then cut out the outline are with a razor blade whatever. Next take a small 12 volt battery charger and attach the positive lead to a bare spot on the sight. Next take and mix up a strong saltwater solution, dip one end of a Qtip in the salt water and use a paper towel to dry the Qtip till its just damp, clamp the negative lead of the charger to the Qtip so that it touches the damp cotton but, leaves the end exposed. Rub exposed end lightly on exposed area of taped of blade for maybe 20 seconds or so. It will etch the bare steel. Practice on a piece of plain steel first.

I do something similar with stencils to etch my mark in blades.

 

[S.B.]

I can tell you how to etch an outline in the sight blade and then you can fill it with white model paint. First take scotch tape and very carefully cover the blade leaving the area you want the outline. You can just cover the whole area then cut out the outline are with a razor blade whatever. Next take a small 12 volt battery charger and attach the positive lead to a bare spot on the sight. Next take and mix up a strong saltwater solution, dip one end of a Qtip in the salt water and use a paper towel to dry the Qtip till its just damp, clamp the negative lead of the charger to the Qtip so that it touches the damp cotton but, leaves the end exposed. Rub exposed end lightly on exposed area of taped of blade for maybe 20 seconds or so. It will etch the bare steel. Practice on a piece of plain steel first.


I do something similar with stencils to etch my mark in blades.

Wouldn't it be a lot simpler to just remove the blade and us a white lacquer stick?
Steve

 

[steelslaver]

If you etch an outline in it and then put paint in the outline it will be there for a long time. A little time in the beginning means do it once.