First colored insert attempt

[Sol-Invictus]

I recently purchased a no dash 66 2 1/2; Have peened the yoke tight, waiting for cylinder shims, at .004 endshake. Going to go with a .003. I prefer to run at .001. Have been through the action and put on new grips. The original insert was loose and while adjusting it to consider gluing, it fell apart. Decided to try testers fluorescent green. Used exacto blades for forms and 8 to 12 our clear epoxy. Will keep everyone updated. So good so far... the blue is my trusty belray waterproof grease that I am hoping works as a release agent.

 

[ken158]

A sight insert can be made from a toothbrush handle and shaped with a fine file.

 

[Capt. F.]

Front sight insert

I replaced the beat up after market sight insert on a Model 66 2 1/2". Cleaned out the pocket, made wedges from an expired credit card I had put two coats of wax on. Clamped in place with small vice grips. Mixed a dime sized glob of 5 minute epoxy and added two drops of Testors hi viz orange model paint. Filled the cavity, let dry 24 hours.
Insert hasn't moved in 200 rounds and cost less than $10.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

A sight insert can be made from a toothbrush handle and shaped with a fine file.

That's the way I did it..........

 

[Sol-Invictus]

Yes all good methods, my total cost was about 15 dollars for materials.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

Here it is after removing the forms, the grease was a great release agent. Then I used the exacto blades as a guide to trim since there is still some slight pilability. I will sand this up this evening after a Full 24 hour cure. Probably enough material to do a thousand front sights. Based on all the other successful attempts on the cheap with professional results I encourage anyone to give it a try.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

That's the way I did it..........

I had a hard enough time just seeing to trim this up with my bifocals and a magnifying glass. My hats off to you gentlemen.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Sol-Invictus

Please do not think I'm being critical cause I'm not but please, after you have had time to use the revolver with the front sight green insert, share how it contrasts your target well enough and if there is enough contrast when your background might be evergreen trees or grass or anything green. Believe me I have tried to find something to replace the red/orange. Aside from one of the brass/gold bead front sights only the yellow insert color seems suitable for the majority of our shooting situations. Are there any other shooters who have questions or comments with regard to the insert color?
By the way your workmanship is above reproach and your color choice may also be good, just wondering here.

 

[Sol-Invictus]

Smitholdtimer, yes green is not for everyone. It was a lot easier than I expected and if the color poses a problem I will change. Here is the final result. Thank you for your kind comments about my amatuer craftmanship. My wife has been using a green fiber optic on her browning. I have used several colors on my citori and end up preferring the silver bead. Since so many of my snubs are confiscated by my wife for her use I thought I would be steps ahead by just starting with green. Lol

 

[dfariswheel]

I've tried yellow front sights, and green.
Bright green is actually one of the most visible colors under any light.
Red and orange tend to fade to black under dim light.

I finally settled on a black insert with a large oval shaped gloss white dot on the front, and a Von Stavenhagen gloss white bar under the rear sight notch.

When viewed from the rear the oval shaped white front dot appears to be a round circle on S&W revolver sights.

 

[chief38]

Nice job! For years I would use this method but gravitated to using Testor's Hunter Orange paint applied with a toothpick in several light coats. The reason I now favor this paint method is because with some paint thinner and a stiff brush the gun can be restored back to its original shape in a few minutes.

While I do prefer the orangish-red color for indoor shooting, I have gone back to the original blued sights for outdoor shooting as I find the colored front sights turn a gray color (wash-out) in the sun and become self defeating. The paint gives me that option whereas once the dovetail is cut into the front sight it is permanent. At the time I used the above method I NEVER thought about reversing the job to go back to Factory but I now do.

YMMV

 

[Dobie406]

I whittled an insert with an exacto knife from a toothbrush. Dollar store pack of toothbrushes gave the choice of red, green, yellow, blue, purple and green.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Sol-Invictus

I actually do like the green if it remains bright such as it does when its the fiber optic sight. Light gathering capabilities that are absent with the typical poured or tooth brush inserts. dfariswheel's example seems to present a great sight picture and just may be the answer. I also think further study may be necessary to find the perfect front sight with the perfectly compatible rear sight. All this and hoping to not hijack Sol-Invictus's original post, thanks for a thought provoking subject.

 

[BAM-BAM]

If you paint.............. remember to give it a white base coat first

 

[dfariswheel]

Gloss white seems to make florescent Red "Pop" more then flat white.

 

[Marksman]

My first insert was fashioned from a toothbrush handle, slow and tedious way to go about the job. Since that time I have cast inserts in place, a method I learned from a friend who worked in the Pachmyer gunshop. I use hardware store two part epoxy and Testor's model paint as colorant. I apply a couple of strips of double stick tape to a business card and cut two triangular shaped pieces which become my "form" when attached to the sides of the sight blade. Make the "forms" a little taller than the sides of the sight blade, place the epoxy/paint mixture in the dovetail being sure to apply a little extra to allow for shrinkage. When the epoxy has hardened remove the business card forms and trim the top surface with a needle file. If you are concerned with the insert remaining secure you can center punch or drill a couple of small dimples in the bottom of the dovetail. I have never had an insert so made move and some have been installed in .44 Magnum revolvers that were frequently shot with full power loads. There are now kits available with casting material and colors, I got the last one from Brownell's. I believe there are videos on Youtube and Midway's website that demonstrate methods similar to mine.

 

[Trooperdan]

dfariswheel, did you make that insert or buy it ready-made?

EDIT: Never mind, I found enough of your posts to have the answer! Excellent work!