Yellow (or red) ramp sight installation
- Thread starter burtsy
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GunarSailors
US Veteran
I hope the helps...
I have had pretty good luck, and it seems I am getting better every time. Click on the link below for a few tips.
S&W Red Ramp Insert-Tips and Pics | Gun Smithing and Repair Forum | The Outdoors Trader
This was my second mix attempt that turned out much brighter than my first attempt. This is the one I kept.
I have had pretty good luck, and it seems I am getting better every time. Click on the link below for a few tips.
S&W Red Ramp Insert-Tips and Pics | Gun Smithing and Repair Forum | The Outdoors Trader
This was my second mix attempt that turned out much brighter than my first attempt. This is the one I kept.
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I've no idea if they're still in business, but there was an outfit called Lee's Red Ramps (they did other colors) that sold epoxy kits to cast the insert in place. They're almost impossible to shoot out of place.
GunarSailors
US Veteran
Looks like a toothbrush to me...
Click on the link above the picture. This picture is of my first mix attempt that turned out a little too dark. So I didn't bother smoothing the top of the insert out (you can still see some imperfections). BTW, that's no toothbrush, and to get it out once it hardens you need to cut it out in pieces. If dimpled and dovetailed properly. The dimples allow the resin to form around and in them, locking it in place. It keeps the insert from sliding from side to side. You just can't push a piece of toothbrush in and have it locked into the dimples once it's centered.
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'Twas a joke, GS -- you may recall the thread in which you last posted these pics had discussion of using toothbrush plastic as a replacement insert.
GunarSailors
US Veteran
Lol, sorry about that. I thought you were serious'Twas a joke, GS -- you may recall the thread in which you last posted these pics had discussion of using toothbrush plastic as a replacement insert.
In all fairness, the screwdriver handle looked really good in my opinion. I'd just be worried about it falling out, because it not being a perfect fit.
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crsides
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I did one using the casting resin method two weeks ago. First try. Looks good except the resin rode up the fences and left a dimple on the top (ramp) side. Since it wasn't too bad to do, I will go for a second try. Yellow is just as easy a red. In fact, there is not a preconceived shade of yellow you have to hit.
My learning curve is to keep the fences as low as possible in profile. The area between the fences is really narrow (width of the sight blade) and it was very difficult to get the resin where I wanted it. I dabbed it in with a toothpick, but there just isn't a lot of room to work there.
Charlie
My learning curve is to keep the fences as low as possible in profile. The area between the fences is really narrow (width of the sight blade) and it was very difficult to get the resin where I wanted it. I dabbed it in with a toothpick, but there just isn't a lot of room to work there.
Charlie
GunarSailors
US Veteran
I had the same thing happen to me, so after that I just watched it for an hour and added another drop. I figured I'd d rather have to shave a bunch off than to have to start over just because of a low spot at the top of the insert. I wasn't able to match the factory orange-ish red that's on my model 29-2
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crsides
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I mixed yellow and red to try to get to the orange/red of the factory sight and I couldn't get there either. Watching the Midway video, it looked like a little and VERY little yellow got Larry to the right shade. Will try some voo-doo on the next batch.
Charlie
Charlie
J. R. WEEMS
Member
Have done hundreds of these in the day, while helping a buddy out in his shop. Lees Red Ramp is long gone as Lee passed away some years back. Brownells has a kit, and I have one, but have yet to use it. I prefer gold bead sights these days, or optic ones. JMHO
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I have installed a few of the red inserts by cutting a notch in the front sight and filling with the red goop, but I no longer do. I now use Testor's Blaze Orange Model Paint applied in two coats with a toothpick. Before applying I degrease with Alcohol to assure good adhesion. The reason I now prefer this method is that there have been a few times I have restored the sight back to Factory original and that would be impossible if it were cut into. The paint stays on pretty much forever, but if removal is desired a little Mineral Spirits, toothbrush and dental Pick takes it off in a few minutes with no damage at all. The other way is permanent.
I also find that the paint actually stands up much better than the molded inserts do on thin bladed front sights like an older M36. YMMV but this works very well for me. If the paint ever does wear off, another application with a toothpick after degreasing is all that is needed. Color change is also simple.
I also find that the paint actually stands up much better than the molded inserts do on thin bladed front sights like an older M36. YMMV but this works very well for me. If the paint ever does wear off, another application with a toothpick after degreasing is all that is needed. Color change is also simple.
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J. R. WEEMS
Member
Oh yes, I also have a kit by name of 'BRIGHT SIGHTS' works fine, if instructions are followed, and I use a tooth pick.
