Quick question—how remove paint from front sight?

[dogcaller]

I picked up a S&W 22-A from a local pawnshop for a song yesterday. I wasn’t looking for one, but it was too good to pass up. Anyway, previous owner attempted to pain front sight white (and made a real mess of it). Appears to have a painted on type of finish which is why I’m asking… If I use acetone or something like that, will it take off all of the finish, or just the white? Ideas. Thanks!

[AKDoug]

There honestly is no way to tell. A q-tip with acetone is where I'd start. If it's blued under the paint, acetone shouldn't harm the blue. The worst case scenario is the you'll have to use some cold blue or sight black on it.

[RevolverRob]

22As have a very thin painted on finish. Acetone could well result in removal of the finish if you are not careful (ask me how I know...). Hoppes #9 certainly will...

I would take a Q-tip with a very small amount of WD40 and try that first. Then dilute acetone.

[okie john]

I think those are pinned in. Might be best to remove it before you work on it, or to replace it.


Okie John

[txdpd]

Mask around the front sight and sand, wire brush, or use a wire wheel in a dremel and remove the paint, then apply your own. The factory black on black 22a sights are pretty terrible.