Night sight restoration

[TOM1911]

Going to try my hand at restoring the tritium vials on my 392, when, and if the order from Ant Designs arrives. A previous attempt, from the Taiwanese source was unsuccessful as the order never arrived, and the link has been closed. Ordered up 3x 1.5X6mm vials. There are a few tutorials on the web describing the replacement process and I believe I can accomplish this task. Wish me luck.

 

[JackFlak]

I looked into this as well a while ago, but lost interest. Hope this goes well. Keep us informed and show some images

 

[TOM1911]

Initial removal of old vials, and epoxy. Ordered up some Norland 81 to pot the vials in. And, a 365nm UV light to cure the adhesive.

 

[TOM1911]

With vials installed, and epoxy capped. Just waiting on the clear optical adhesive for the transparent lenses.

 

[Jmacken37]

TOM1911, I like your little jewlers stand/magnifier. Great work!

 

[TOM1911]

Results of optical adhesive potting..Once the adhesive cures after 24 hrs. Reinstall the sights on the rifle..

 

[timkel]

So this would be better?
UV glass glue

 

[TOM1911]

So this would be better?
UV glass glue

I would imagine so.. I can’t attest to the brand of your choice but, I personally went with a known manufacturer in Norland. Just make sure your UV source can produce 365nm wavelength light, as it is specifically called out in the directions from Norland.

 

[TOM1911]

Final results.. As this photo is taken with an iPhone camera, image light enhancement makes the tritium pop beyond the real life image.

 

[JackFlak]

Very well done, looks great man

 

[Paul Kersey]

I did my IMI Galil Arm sites many years ago (like 15 years) and do not remember it not being that hard to do. I remember I did not like drilling out and breaking the vials, but I use the radiation as an excuse for some of the stupid things I do at times. But- if I remember right- I just sealed the vials with super glue and that worked great (it it clear and has stayed that way). I have a second/extra set of old sights (long burned out) and I may take another stab at ordering the vials. Most likely a good winter project.

 

[slimshady]

There is virtually no danger from busting open a night sight vial unless it's brand new and you're using your teeth to do it. There is a minuscule amount of tritium gas inside, and by the time they get dim over half the gas has turned into helium. The particles emitted don't even penetrate the skin, you have to breathe it in basically to cause any harm and it dissipates into the air harmlessly.

 

[timkel]

Replacing the tubes took less then 1 hour. The UV glass glue worked quickly/perfectly.

 

[Paul Kersey]

There is virtually no danger from busting open a night sight vial unless it's brand new and you're using your teeth to do it. There is a minuscule amount of tritium gas inside, and by the time they get dim over half the gas has turned into helium. The particles emitted don't even penetrate the skin, you have to breathe it in basically to cause any harm and it dissipates into the air harmlessly.

Thanks - good to know.