Silver for front sight

[Mauser06]

I put on of Stan Hollenbaugh's pure silver front sights on my last build.  I've come to really enjoy the silver. It really seems to do well in hunting situations. 


Now, working on a rifle and thinking of parts I need to finish it...


I don't know if coin silver will have the same brightness as Stan's "pure silver"?? 

If so, there's tutorials on making a front sight.

Is there a source for pure silver dovetailed front sights?   

Will coin silver be "just as good"?? 


Is there a source I can buy a little piece of silver to make front sights from?   


Not opposed to making one if there isn't one available to buy....just not sure what to use to obtain the same effect. 


Thanx!!!

[smylee grouch]

Would an all silver quarter work, make the blade out of the silver. Make base out of copper,steel or brass.

[Mark Elliott]

I use approximately 1/16" thick sterling silver sheet for the blade and rivet it to a brass base. 

[Gun_Nut_73]

Coin silver is usually .900 fine, sterling silver is .925 fine, and Mexican sterling is usually .920 fine.  The alloy is to make the silver harder.  While sterling silver may be slightly brighter than coin silver, sterling silver also tarnishes faster.

IMO, a silver dime or quarter would make a fine front sight.

[Mauser06]

Thanx all!   


I wasn't sure how coin silver would compare.   

Tarnishing isn't of high concern. Right before the season I check the gun and polish the sight blade. The one I have from Stan has a nice brightness to it. 


One way to find out is try coin silver and Sterling. 


I'm in no hurry on this build. Just trying to do it right and turn out a nice rifle that'll spend many hunting seasons with me. So making a sight doesn't worry me...

[David Rase]

I use approximately 1/16" thick sterling silver sheet for the blade and rivet it to a brass base.

Me too!
David

[M. E. Pering]

I use silver for my front sites.  Coin silver tarnishes a bit faster than fine silver, but coin silver will wear better, not that a front site gets that much wear.  Sterling is fine too.  But I usually go for coin, of .900 for my sites.  It can take many polishings.

Matt

[Goo]

For correct info on precious metal purity please refer to the precious metals % purity charts at the weblink for this metal refining company.
Scroll down about 1/2 way  www.mgsrefining.com

[Daryl]

Brass bead with 45 degree sloping angle works fine for me.

[BarryE]

I have used both and prefer coin silver.  I don't know about your eyes, but thicker is better for me, with apologies to historical correctness.

[smart dog]

Hi,
This sight is made from fine siler (99% pure).  The base is dovetailed into the barrel so the fine silver is easier to peen into the dovetailed mortice.


I find that I like this very white colored fine silver as a sight.  I've used the gun on several woods walks and the sight is clearly visible in bright sun and shade.

dave

[Tim Crosby]

  http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=28967.msg276589#msg276589

[Dan Fruth]

I always make front sites with coin silver attached to a brass base. They show up really well in low light. I polish them up before assembly, and don't touch them once on the gun. I have not had any issues seeing them, even a bit tarnished.