I have mounted a steel unfinished NECG rear sight , barrel band and front site on a factory Winchester stainless barrel. I don't like the looks of blued sights on the stainless, and would much prefer the natural steel color, which blends fairly well with the stainless finish of the barrel. Any suggestions what to use as a clear coat to keep the sights from rusting, or is this a dumb idea? I figured it beats Cerra-coating the whole thing.
thanks
Rick

I've used thinned TruOil as a protective coating on case coloring, would probably work just as well for your application.

Back in the '90s I put together a 270 on a 98 Mauser in a synthetic stock. I bead blasted the metal and coated it with a spray coating from Brownells called, Accra Coat or something like that. It was clear and a bake on finish. It held up surprisingly well, even on the moving parts like the bolt. It would be my choice for your project. I am sure you can find it if you look in the metal finishes of the Brownells catalog.

Duracoat makes a satin clear coat and a glossy version. It should look great if airbrushed on. A cheaper alternative is automobile satin lacquer. I've had it on a gun for many years and it is still going strong.

I used spray lacquer on a steel 1911. Worked out well. The brand name was Permalac.

Electroless Nickel plating would be the end all solution. Nothing to wear off. Can lightly glass bead to match SS color.