Should I remove the sights before browning a barrel?

[jstedfast]

I'm about to brown my first barrel using Barrel Brown & Degreaser from Laurel Mountain Forge. I've already got the rear sight installed but am still fitting the front sight so it's not installed yet.

Should I remove the rear sight before starting the browning process? Or should both sights be installed first?

The rear sight is iron and I should likely brown that as well, but the front sight is brass if that makes a difference.

[Ted Kramer]

I always blue or brown the barrel with the sights off. My reasoning is that if windage adjustment has to be done there might be a shiny spot that shows up as the sight is moved. Also, it’s easier to do the carding without a sight in the way. But, that’s just my way, suit yourself.

[Daryl]

Ted is spot-on. Remove both sights for browning.

[jstedfast]

Thanks, guys - your logic & reasoning reflects makes perfect sense to me and is what I figured I should do, but wasn't 100% sure.

[Daniel Coats]

You also don't want the Browning solution to seep under the site and corrode. Agreed take em off

[TDM]

Absolutely Yes. Take them off.

[Frank]

No.

[mikeyfirelock]

Either way would be ok.      I prefer to brown with the sights on …..I think it gives better definition when shooting.

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

I remove both sights and the breech plug prior to browning/bluing a barrel, always.  Barrel tenons remain, though.

[Dphariss]

The rear notch needs to be nice and sharp. I hate even filing a notch. Yeah I do it but I prefer to use a thin bar of steel and a hammer to form it. I also rough the rear of the sight with a light hammer and coarse sad paper to give it a mat finish.  I also fire blue the rear sight and the base of the front if its steel.

[Leatherbark]

As a reminder, don't rub that browning solution any at all whatsoever.  Wipe each coat on lightly with one stroke only.  It'll rust up nicely in a humid environment.  Any rubbing will cause a copper sheen and you'll have to do it over.

Bob