Model 18-3 front sight

[HansJ]

as a new owner of above mentioned gun I notice that the ramped front sight often lack desired contrast when used in partially covered range. I am considering blackening or applying a small (removable!) white plate or paint of sorts. Has anyone out there done a modification that left the gun in its original state? Curious ever, HansJ

 

[Capt. F.]

Brownells sells a kit to install a colored insert, in different colors I believe, in the front sight.
Add a white outline rear sight which can usually be bought on Fleabay or possibly from the mother ship and you'll be good to go.
Installing either of these is easy for anyone with average manual dexterity.

 

[Grayfox]

While front sight inserts are fairly common, they do permanently alter the gun as you have to cut a notch into the metal.
Many shooters simply apply a small amount of model paint or nail polish to the front sight. There's also special front sight paint available in florescent colors. Check e-bay or Amazon. Works fine and is easily removed.

 

[series guy]

Paint it with fingernail polish. Comes right off with fingernail polish remover. Many colors to choose from.

 

[M29since14]

To keep your gun as original as possible, I'd suggest paint. I use Testor's model paint. It holds up very well, but can be removed whenever you like without damage to the weapon.

The problem really is more the shape of the blade than anything else. The Baughman ramp on the Model 18 will never present the crisp sight picture of a Patridge blade. Unfortunately, to get that, modifying the gun is necessary. Pinning in a new blade is not a terribly big job, and it is a useful change, but it is a mod to the gun that most people will recognize.

 

[StrawHat]

With the ramped and grooved front sight it should be possible to paint the top 1/2 or 1/3 to present a square bead picture.

Not sure why there is a big aversion to actually altering the front sight? I enjoy revolvers with the front sight altered. It shows me a previous owner thought enough of that piece to make sure it hit where aimed.

Kevin

 

[Baxter6551]

I use finger nail polish. A white base with a color underneath. I have used model paint over the white base also. Get a good sight picture to figure out which area to paint. Don't paint the whole blade - just the area that appears in the notch of your rear blade. I have a crafters magnifying headset and use a toothpick. Trial and error to get the technique for perfect result. Take a small drop off the bottles brush with the toothpick and let it float onto the metal. The bottle bush will apply WAY too much product. Easily removed with polish remover. Go with fluorescent colors for the top coat. As stated previously many colors to choose from. It's not necessary to go crazy masking it off like I did initially.

 

[elpac3]

Have you tried using a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight? Many (older bullseye) shooters (including myself) use a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight that produces a crisp, sharp sight even in lowlight conditions

 

[HansJ]

Blacken the front sight:

Have you tried using a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight? Many (older bullseye) shooters (including myself) use a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight that produces a crisp, sharp sight even in lowlight conditions

I have matches and a lighter which I use to blacken my 210s - I shall try that as a starter then move on to nail polish or paint as many have suggestet. Thank you all for your rapid response, much appreciated! Hans J

 

[HansJ]

Not too bad...

My first try at 25m after blackening the front sight with a lighter- type blackener. Now I have to look up how to adjust the rear sight - as you easily can tell

 

[pharmer]

My first try at 25m after blackening the front sight with a lighter- type blackener. Now I have to look up how to adjust the rear sight - as you easily can tell

25 meters, I'd be happy with that group @25 ft. Ausgezeichnet Hans. I've used "White Out" correction fluid with success in the past, still have it on my Model 65 that I haven't fired in 20 years. Joe

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

as a new owner of above mentioned gun I notice that the ramped front sight often lack desired contrast when used in partially covered range. I am considering blackening or applying a small (removable!) white plate or paint of sorts. Has anyone out there done a modification that left the gun in its original state? Curious ever, HansJ

Finger nail polish is your friend.........Cheap. Works. Easy to remove. Many colors.

 

[stanmerrell]

That's a good result at my age. Congrats on the 18. It's a great gun.

 

[EricR]

I use finger nail polish. A white base with a color underneath. I have used model paint over the white base also. Get a good sight picture to figure out which area to paint. Don't paint the whole blade - just the area that appears in the notch of your rear blade. I have a crafters magnifying headset and use a toothpick. Trial and error to get the technique for perfect result. Take a small drop off the bottles brush with the toothpick and let it float onto the metal. The bottle bush will apply WAY too much product. Easily removed with polish remover. Go with fluorescent colors for the top coat. As stated previously many colors to choose from. It's not necessary to go crazy masking it off like I did initially.

I think the above is a great description of the process I used. And, before you start you can use different length "slivers" of masking tape on the ramp to figure out precisely how long a length to paint. That is if you're as fussy as me.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Have you tried using a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight? Many (older bullseye) shooters (including myself) use a carbide lamp to blacken the front sight that produces a crisp, sharp sight even in lowlight conditions

Having been a competitive shooter most of my adult life, I'm all about a very black front sight. Carbide is your best choice, unless it is raining, but spray on black is also quite good, particularly in inclement weather.

Carbide smoker:WATERS RIFLEMAN CALCIUM CARBIDE SIGHT SMOKER BLACKENER

Spray on: Birchwood Casey Sight Black 8.25oz Aerosol

By the way, I'm a huge fan of the Model 18 and its sister the Model 17. Super revolvers for small game and targets.

 

[Dvus]

Fingernail polish on mine. Very durable and easily removed. My favorite color is "Traffic Cone" orange. Shows up very well under all conditions