Sprucing Up Front Sight - Paint or Plastic Inserts?

[JNewell]

I'm want to improve the visibility of some front sights. It's the over-40 thing. I'm thinking white, instead of the existing black serrated ramps.

I'm interested in opinions on:

• paint (either the purpose-sold stuff like Brightsights (plain, not glow-in-the-dark) or other painst (hobby, car touch-up, whatever), or
  
• plastic inserts (either home-cooked or from the plastic sheets sold by Brownells)

I'm leaning toward paint because (1) it's cheaper, (2) I like the idea of maintaining the serrations on the sight, which will be harder with the plastic, (3) it's completely and pretty easily reversible if I don't like the results.

Your thoughts? Any experience with the regular Brightsights paints or the Brownells plastic sheets???

 

[GrandmasterB]

I have used both paint and inserts and both work well.

If your front sight is easily removable/replaceable, then buy a spare from Numrich and try the plastic insert. It really isn't too hard and I think they last better in the long run than paint.

If you choose paint, I have found that Testors hobby/model paint works better than Brightsights. If you want a color like orange, paint the sight white first and then orange. It will be brighter that way. Also, I have found that using a toothpick to spread the paint on the sight is much easier than trying to us a small paintbrush. Just get the toothpick good and wet with paint and roll it on the sight. When it dries, cover it with a coat of clear fingernail polish to help seal it and help it last.

Good luck with it!

 

[groessebaer]

I would agree with GrandmasterB and I have hit way beyond 40. I tried the Bright Sights and found Testors was better. In the case of lower light or target shooting I found some flourescent spray paint in orange that seemed even brighter but it needs to be sealed. The best seem to be the flourescent plastic sight inserts(orange, green) or bright white (depends upon the use).
On a defense gun there are the XS Express Sights with Big or Standard Dot, too.

 

[tbeb]

I use fluorescent orange Testors acrylic paint. I apply it with a toothpick. (I've tried white and yellow, but orange rocks.)

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Good tips.

 

[B36]

Twice 40

Not yet, still a few years to go.

Testers has been my choice for many years. Also cut plastic from the Brownells sheets. I have used a checkering file to serrate the plastic inserts, or plastic sights.

The clear fingernail polish is the best sealer I have found.

 

[Texian Pistolero]

Do you prep the sight first, e.g. clean with alcohol?

I have a blue steel Police Six, i have really considered the dab o paint.