Front sight insert, how to ?

[Marshal Too Sweet]

I have seen a couple of times people talking of making a colored sight insert out of a toothbrush handle. Can someone explain this process to me ? PMs welcome

Thanks,

 

[Marshal Too Sweet]

Thanks Mac,
I have done this using 5 min. epoxy, but never tried the toothbrush deal.

 

[rugerguy]

the 5 min epoxy is the way to go, the plastic press into a dovetail does NOT hold up well for the most part, and years ago, they used to sell through brownells ,etc pieces of different color plastic, which gave way to the "poor mans" use a piece of plastic from a brightly "colored" toothbrush or any other such item......never looks 'right' or as good as the '5 min epoxy way..some time back there was also some stuff called 'Lees Red Ramp' kits, but he died and they went out of business...........

 

[DeletedMember275]

the 5 min epoxy is the way to go, the plastic press into a dovetail does NOT hold up well for the most part, and years ago, they used to sell through brownells ,etc pieces of different color plastic, which gave way to the "poor mans" use a piece of plastic from a brightly "colored" toothbrush or any other such item......never looks 'right' or as good as the '5 min epoxy way..some time back there was also some stuff called 'Lees Red Ramp' kits, but he died and they went out of business...........

FYI, Brownells still sells the plastic for inserts. They also have a couple of different mixtures to DIY.

 

[edlmann]

I have seen a couple of times people talking of making a colored sight insert out of a toothbrush handle. Can someone explain this process to me ?

State of the art, 35 to 40 years ago.

1. File female dovetail in front sight

2. Carve matching male dovetail from toothbrush handle

3. Super-glue plastic into sight

4. File/sand to fit

Makes sense if you can still get bright orange toothbrush handles. :lol:

 

[rugerguy]

Must remember, the "downside" to this "modification" is it can and will 'lessen' the value ( detract) in the future and you can accomplish the same thing, maybe BETTER by just painting the top ,downward part of the blade with ANY color paint that works for YOUR eyes......many folks like the DayGlo orange paint from Testers (any model shop has it) and you can fix it , remove it, change it, ANYTIME you need to..........................

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

What rugerguy said +1. Fingernail polish remover will take it right off if you don`t like it.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Here is one I did with a Lees kit around 1978. Lee did pass, but Brownells has a kit. This is a 30 Carbine Blackhawk which went to the range today. I seem to have a problem with a light srtike now and then Trigger spring is strong enough and I am shying away from attacking the firing pin. Anyway, stocks are Hippo Ivory, and I have yet to decide whether or not to add medallions.

 

[eric conrad]

Light strikes are common on 30 carb. factory or surplus ammo. This is a SR primer and cci are the hardest ones out there. Trim length is Very important and making sure the primer is seated all the way. I use Fed. or Win. primers and a factory main spring. I find polishing the chambers and watching the trim length is a BIG help. One of the most fun and accurate Rugers you can own. I also shoot 32-20 with my NMBK.
Eric

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Light strikes are common on 30 carb. factory or surplus ammo. This is a SR primer and cci are the hardest ones out there. Trim length is Very important and making sure the primer is seated all the way. I use Fed. or Win. primers and a factory main spring. I find polishing the chambers and watching the trim length is a BIG help. One of the most fun and accurate Rugers you can own. I also shoot 32-20 with my NMBK.
Eric

Eric, I have had the problem with factory, assorted, and reloads, using winchester, and CCi primers. IMHO, 'common' should not be the answer. In checking my other Rugers, it seems the firing ping may be a tad short. I might see if a longer one can be used. Maybe so, maybe no. Bad part is, once struck, the round that doesn't go off cannot be broke down and used again. I use a Hornadt short jacked bullet and the bullet will come out, but not the jacket. I sold my carbine long ago so that would not be an answer. I haven't checked the shoulder on the chambers to see if it is the same ones all the time, but guess I need to do that. Chambers seemed polished enough, with plenty of room, until the shell is fired. Last loads were 14.5 grains of H110 -- Older loads were with IMR 4227 -- all with the same results. Trim length is another matter. if they are not going off now, I dont't think being shorter would help. I tried giving the primer pocket some attention by making them uniform, no help there either. Had a problem with AMERC brass and high primers. Everyone I talked to laid the problem at the door of the brass.??

 

[DeletedMember275]

Had a problem with AMERC brass and high primers. Everyone I talked to laid the problem at the door of the brass.??

Amerc brass does have a terrible reputation for consistency/quality. I scrap any that I find.

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

I got site kote-red, from Brownells and it's easier than the insert method. If you don't like it take it off with finger nail polish remover. I did mine and it helped these "older" eyes. Good Shooting!

 

[bedrockfred]

is your sight blade held in with a cross pin? i have a set of different colored plastic replacement blades i will send to you.___bedrockfred