Plating a Cimarron Model P front sight

[ebane]

I'm new to CAS City, but am glad I found this site!

I purchased a new Cimarron Model P in .45 Colt with a 7 1/2 in. barrel.  After a couple trips to the range, I noticed it's a bit hard to "see" the front blade sight, and wonder if there's a way to brighten the front sight, say by plating it in silver or nickel.

Anyone had experience plating a blade sight, or know of a cowboy gunsmith who does such work?

[St. George]

A brightly-plated front sight will always be difficult to pick up - especially in strong sunlight.

Try 'smoking' the front sight, and you'll notice an immediate difference in what your eyes see in relation to the target.

It'll be crisper and your scores should rise.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Abilene]

Ebane, a plated front sight might look a little strange on a blued gun.  And you might be able to see that either, at least in sunlight, as mentioned by St. George.  You might try polishing the rear of the sight (using emery paper or the polishing wheel on a dremel), that would take off the blue and have the same effect to your eyes as a plated sight.  If you don't like it, you can hit it with some cold blue and make it dark again.  I've also seen some folks that have filed small serrations onto the rear of their sights to make it easier to see.  And wider (squared off, not tapered) front sights are available for the Model P which might also be easier to see, although you would likely want to open up and square off the V-notch rear if you had a wider front.  That is generally not a do-it-yourself job.

[Deadeye Dick]

Ebane,
I have a New Vaquero in stainless steel. The front sight is too bright. I dull the front sight, as St. George recommended by smoking the front blade. You can do this with a match or use an old carbide lamp. I tried painting the sight flat black and that helps, but smoking the sight is best.
Deadeye Dick

[ebane]

Thanks to all of you for the advice on "smoking."  Will give that a try!