Front sight paint

[Cal44]

I went to an indoor range today to shoot my 431pd.

Couldn't hit a thing.

The light level was really low and I just couldn't see the front sight.

I need to paint it a color that will stand out on that black gun (same finish as a 442).

What's the best color to use.

 

[robs9]

I bought some florescent green glo in the dark paint for one of my guns frt sites. Very easy to see in the dark and day.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[Mike McLellan]

Finger nail polish. Lots of gaudy colors to chose from.

 

[walkinghorse]

I have found that painting a base coat of white then using your choice of color balls make the color choice pop out more!

 

[ContinentalOp]

I use Testor's enamel paint. I start with a white base coat, then fluorescent orange on top. Some people like yellow, green, yellow-green, or red. You may need to experiment to see what color works best for your eyes. Whatever color you choose, a white base coat will help make the color "pop."

I like to paint only the portion of the front sight that's visible in the rear notch. Makes it easier to get a quick sight alignment.

Once I decided on the color, I then applied clear nail polish over it for added durability. I painted my sights a few years ago and despite numerous draws and holsterings, it still looks good as new.

 

[cgt4570]

If you don't like fingernail polish, I've used gold flake craft paint from Hobby Lobby for a more vintage look.
No one being covered by your gun in a legit def situation is gonna challenge your choice of front sight color.
Try several. See what works for you. They're like a buck a piece. Acetone will remove almost anything except factory blue. It won't hurt stainless either. Just add some oil after rubbing with acetone to prevent flash rust.

 

[BourbonCowboy]

I bought some Glow-On for the front sight of an old Charter Arms Off Duty Special. It works great.

 

[wrangler5]

I have found that painting a base coat of white then using your choice of color balls make the color choice pop out more!

This. I found a white base of some sort in the same aisle I got the bottle of orange coral (I think it is) fingernail polish. Been using both for about 10 years and it looks like they'll last the rest of my life.

 

[AzShooter]

I use Testers as well. For a good florescent paint I like green best. Your eye will pick up green faster than any other color. It's great indoors and out.

 

[gwpercle]

For a flat white base coat you can use Bic White-Out Correction fluid .
I find the correction pen easier to use than the little brush .
I keep a pen in my shooting box ... for black bullseye target shooting the flat white works just fine .
As a base coat for the glow colors it does make the color brighter and easier to see ... so use a base coat if you want the brightest glow color .
Gary

 

[Execpro]

I use Testor’s bright yellow enamel model paint on all front sights that aren’t of a a three dot sight system. First clean the sight with Testor’s paint thinner ( I use Q tips), let dry, then paint (I use a pointed toothpick to apply the paint). Next I block the gun up between two large books and put a small book or whatever is needed to be sure the front sight is level (VERY important to get an even bead of paint on the sight). Been doing it for 30+ years.
Those are the only three guns I have pic of.
P.S. I forgot to mention that I painted the 2 white dots on the 9mm EZ rear sight with Testor’s flat black paint.

Left pic is my 9mm EZ. Middle is my M&P 380. Rt my Taurus 856 ultra lite.

Be SAFE and Shoot Often.

 

[VaTom]

I use Testor's model paint. Been doing it since 1976 when I became a LEO and carried a Nickel Model 10. Red Fluorescent is my preference. Also used white to touch up sights on my 1985 Berretta 92F.

Left to Right: Model 10 Nickel, Model 64 2" (stainless), Model 15.

 

[vmtcmt]

I bought some florescent green glo in the dark paint for one of my guns frt sites. Very easy to see in the dark and day.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

Put down a base of silver or white Testors paint or nail polish first. It will glow noticeably brighter.

 

[Boudiepitbull]

I tried artist's paint, a flat titanium white acrylic in a little tube. It did not hold up for more than a trip or to the range and the subsequent cleanings. Bummer...

 

[hostler]

Bright orange nail polish with clear polish over it so it holds up better.

 

[Stroker468]

Another vote for Testors. I used flat red. Applied with a modeler’s detail brush. Used lacquer thinner to clean before application.

I knew those model building skills I developed as a kid would come in handy one day!

 

[OLDSTER]

Finger nail polish. Lots of gaudy colors to chose from.

YEP; I use white simply 'cause it works for me. Just one more tip; after the sight has been cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and the fingernail polish applied, let it thoroughly dry, then apply a liberal coat of Clear Hard Nails ( available at Wal-Mart). You'll have a sight that is impervious to oil, solvents, chipping, and lasts a long time.

 

[Iggy]

I put Testors red model paint on the front sight of my model 58 in 1966. Carried it for 13 years. Paint is still there.

 

[vmtcmt]

I put Testors red model paint on the front sight of my model 58 in 1966. Carried it for 13 years. Paint is still there.

Yeah but back then, Testors probably had some radioactive, cancer causing, Godzilla creating, chemical that made it hold up.

 

[Austinpaulster]

Always a good and easy question to answer. It's been adequately covered 10x over, but maybe a fresh post will make it easier for someone to find.

FWIW, I have landed on cheap fluorescent yellow fingernail polish for my needs (colorblind, terrible night vision, and 60 yrs old).

Now on my new 629? Nothing is going to touch that front sight! The red paint it came with works well enough for me. Besides, it's just too pretty to defile.