No 4 sights - removal of blueing

[WanderingKiwi]

Looking for some insight as to removing the blue finish from the face of a MkIII micrometer sight. In its native form (blue/black) it is difficult to read the range markings. I have seen examples of this sight with bare metal fronts and the range markings in black which is much easier on my aging eyes!

[browningautorifle]

You can use a very fine machine paper with oil and wrapped around a small flat file to polish the face...or a very fine stone. Doesn't take much. That way the flats remain flat. Then a good clean after and it'll look new.

[Roy W]

Or, rub a white wax pencil over the markings then polish the excess off ands you will have clear white range markings on a dark background.

[WanderingKiwi]

Thanks to browningaurorifle and RoyW for the replies. I will try the RoyW option first and the sanding option of that doesn’t work out! Tired eyes are not fun things to adapt to!

[ssgross]

For me, depends on if I'm shooting outdoors or indoors - low light or plenty of daylight. I keep a little bottle of talc in my range bag. A little dusting on your finger, wiped over the front of the sight is all it takes. It will stick in the engraving, and comes out with one pass of an ap brush before you leave the range - I really though use this trick only for windage graduations on a2 or m1 sights or similar.

If you are talking about a mk. 1 sight, I have found the absolute best approach is to bring pencil and paper to keep track of how many clicks I've moved the sight over the day relative to my zero. I know this doesn't answer your question about seeing the markings on the ladder, but the markings on these sights mean absolutely nothing with handholds or commercial ammo. Even if I could find good surplus 303, I wouldn't let my rifles touch it. We've all seen what cordite does to no.4 barrel throats in short order, and I plan on my rifles lasting long enough as wonderful shooters for my kids, grandkids, great grandkids,..... enjoying them. Not worth the risk.

Any info I need to begin sending accurate rounds downrange at any distance as quickly as possible I put on a slip of paper, rolled around a small pencil like the ones you take from a golf course, with a rubber band and keep it in the buttstock. For ladder sights without stops, m1903, krag, etc., an easy trick is to write down how many thous. per MOA and/or any distance stops, and use a small digital 4" caliper (standard range bag kit). Nothing fancy, cheap one from amazon or harbor freight will do.

[browningautorifle]

the sanding option

I think you have the wrong picture of "Sanding" in mind. How about if I said "Fine stone" to clean the surface...like a ceramic.

I keep a little bottle of talc in my range bag.

Well, his question WAS "Looking for some insight as to removing the blue finish from the face of a MkIII micrometer sight"...

[ssgross]

removing the blue finish

Was the factory finish on the No. 4 Mk 1 and Mk III micrometer sights always the same? My No. 4 I took out of the mummy wrap the face of the ladder was and is in the white - so at least it was when mine was built.

This was also the original finish on Krag and m1903 ladders - at least I have always restored them as such. After bluing I gently rub the ladder face on a piece of 800 grit emery cloth glued to a block of hardwood. I finish with a piece of 1000 wet/dry. No need for a mirror finish. Don't let the swarf build up on the paper or it will take the bluing out of the markings, which you are trying to leave there.

[browningautorifle]

My No. 4 I took out of the mummy wrap the face of the ladder was and is in the white - so at least it was when mine was built.

But when refinished or a gunsmith reblue...or even aging patina will cover it. Yes, they started nice and clean.