The black (blued) front sight on my FA is impossible to see against a black background (hog.)

I've considered nickel plating it, but I'm curious as to what other surface treatment (color) you guys would recommend (aside from fingernail polish!)

I had to make this decision myself for the same reason, and consulted some of the guys at the range and a couple smiths - the consensus choice was white. It worked well on my SBH for deer in early morning light and is OK on paper targets depending on what kind of sight picture you're doing. I've also got white on my Smith Model 41 and it worked well for squirrel in thick woods in fading light (I made a 50 yarder at any rate).

The main drawback for me at least is, I think the white looks awful. Personally I would have preferred red, which is what we're all used to.

I asked about gold and silver and was advised against those. The problem is the color disappears unless they catch the light just so.

That's a nice looking 97. I may get the oct barrel myself in the .41. FA has some fiber optic sights, which I'm considering if I get serious about buying one.

Maybe a Gold Bead, or if you want to keep it "square" a gold colored inlay, kinda like the old S&W "red ramp".

In truth red "fingernail polish" or some gold paint is a good thing to try to see what your eyes like best.

I like them black. Ive yet to see any advantage to any colar on the front blade. What i like is a thin black blade that allows some light between it and the back sight. If you need sights later in the day then that id recomend you go with trinium.

Flat black, smoked for target.
Second choice would be flat white, no shine at all wanted.
Made the mistake long ago when I built my long rifle. I used brass for the front sight and could not shoot a deer in the PA forest because all I seen was a huge glow at the end of the barrel.
Same when I designed the lighted bow sights, made them too bright and could not see a deer past the lights. I turned them down to a bare glow.
The very worst sights are the ones on the S&W 29 and the SRH. Any ramp sight can be bad, I like undercut sights.
Any sight made to slip out of a holster is hard to see.

I like dayglow orange, you can try it with testors model paint. If you don't like it you can wipe it off with acetone (finger nail polish remover).

I prefer black, less mirage and more accurate. I have never shot as well with colored sights

I much prefer a gold bead front and V rear sight.

quote:

Originally posted by Grumulkin:
I much prefer a gold bead front and V rear sight.

I have shot the rear V sights on Freedom M-83's and in fact my M-357 41 mag has them, not a very accurate sight in my expereience

Like Buckeyeshooter, I paint the sight with Testers model paint. It is available in a variety of colors and is quite durable.
About 15 years ago I done some rather extensive testing of sight colors in low light. Flourescent orange and white showed up about the same as the light fades, and both are far better than black. I agree that black is the best under good light conditions on a target, but, in the field on various game animals and low light conditions, painted sights are a huge benefit.
If you paint the sight with care, you can make a lower reference line, you will see black at the bottom of the sight if you raise the front sight too high.
Another tip. Whatever color you choose, prime the black sight with white first. Then paint your color choice over the white. I have found that painting the sight with a flat toothpick allows the best control of the placement of your paint. Testers model paints are almost unbelievably durable. Use care to avoid soaking with gun cleaning solutions and your sight will stay painted for years. If it ever chips or wears, just touch it up with paint on a toothpick.
I hope this helps, Randy

For hunting I really like a green fiber optic front sight. It is visible in all light conditions and, for me, is as accurate as any sight that I have used when combined with a V-notch rear.

I've got a yellow sight on one of my Dan Wessons. In any kind of sunlight it's not there!