Hi-Viz front sights the easy way

[Lou_NC]

I finally had the SLR out for Christmas and decided to take a few shots of the front sights I've painted on a couple of my S&W revolvers. I've used Testors model paint with good success. First, I degrease the sights with acetone, then apply masking tape for a nice sharp line. I start with a coat of flat white, let it dry overnight, then apply flourescent orange. I use a very small artist's brush, but have read here on the forum that folks also achieve good results applying the paint with toothpicks.

Lou


Here's my 617:

And here's my 22-4:

 

[JLM]

Thanks for posting. I need to try this also.

 

[WisconsinKen]

That came out very professional looking! Most of the ones I have seen over they years look like someone painted it on with a broom.

 

[epj]

Mine are probably those that look like they were applied with a broom. However, many were done 20+ years ago and still haven't needed a touch up.

 

[windypoint]

I have done the same thing on many of my guns that do not have changeable sights. I find a base coat of white (I use my wife's nail polish) followed by the Green or Orange really helps the color brighten. It is a big help for tired eyes.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nicely done...... been doing the same for 20 years now.....the key is the white base coat

 

[vmotorman]

Nicely done! I didn't know about the white base coat. Guess I'll be redoing mine, but I won't use a roller this time!

 

[SAWBONES]

How well does the paint hold up to lots of shooting, since firing residue accumulates a ways behind the muzzle? Can the paint by easily wiped clean without smudging, dulling or coming off?

 

[old&slow]

Nice job. Good DIY description.

I have a Colt Woodsman Match Target I did that to in the mid 80's. Don't know how many thousands of rounds has been thru that firearm and the paint is still on there.
And yes the white base coat makes a big difference.

 

[SC_Mike]

Very nice Lou.

I use auto touch up paint and the tooth pic method. Mine aren't as sharp as yours.

 

[Kevin J.]

You can also get paint pens at a hobby store. They are like fine point sharpie pens but contain actual paint instead of ink. The fine tip worked well for me.

 

[gnystrom]

Look also at the fishing department of Sporting goods stores. Jig touch up paint comes in a lot of very bright fluorescent colors.

 

[AzShooter]

One of the best example of applying paint I've seen. Thanks for the explanation. I think I'll have to do this to my Model 10.

 

[Whitwabit]

Very nice ! The best I have seen done hands down !!

Have you tried any other color paint? and do you put down a white base coat ? Have seen where some did that to make the color pop more ..

 

[jhcii]

Visually spot on and certainly the most accurate way to distinguish sights from target for human eyes.

I have many handguns with simple carbon sights from Colt Frontier Six Shooter to my present SW Competitor (black ordinary sights not even on par with SW red ramp front and white outline rear I ALWAYS harp about.

Problem is when you shoot out in the plains or woods light and distinct colors HELP the sights yet today pistols and revolvers from all come out with no attention to sights and distinct color.

You did a beautiful job to make the most important part of your handgun distinct for surety in shooting what you intend to shoot.

Good job!

Now, I have a 686-6 PC Competitor and I want to go offline with you in mail for you to help me do what you did.....

 

[Lou_NC]

Thanks for the kind words folks, I have to say though, that I actually got the idea from another person right here on this forum. I'd give them credit if I could only remember where and when I read about it!

All I really did was do it carefully, by degreasing first, and applying masking tape so that I would end up with nice sharp lines.

I expect that the paint on the back side of the patridge sight on the 617 will last quite a while. I'm not as sure about the paint on the "half moon" sight on the 22-4, but time will tell. If it wears off on that revolver, I'll just find a replacement hi-viz sight since that sight is pinned and I can swap it out if it comes to that. I did try to keep the paint on the back 1/2 of the sight, so that it would not rub on the holster when inserting or removing it. Time will tell, I guess.

Lou

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
There is a product that paints on that is excited by light [your edc]
and glows for hours.
It is lime green in the day time and has a long life.

 

[joe44va]

The white base coat is a great idea. I haven't been happy with just plain red. I'll take the red off and try your way. Thanks.

 

[JLM]

I was inspired to do two of my own. A 22-4 and a 19-5. I should have let the white base coat dry longer, but it's still a dramatic improvement.

 

[ba49]

I have found that White Out makes a great base. I use toothpicks to make dots if needed. I then use the sight pens (usually orange or green) over the White Out. I finnish with a coat off extra hard clear nail polish. Acetone will remove all if needed but they hold up great and retain brightness with the nail polish coating. I have some still bright after 5 years.