How to groove front sight

[megasupermagnum]

I have two front sights that I would like to re contour, not just shorten. This is done easily enough, but will leave a smooth surface. How can I make the grooves or slits on the face to reduce glare?

[JSnover]

A thread file might work.

[Bazoo]

The best way is with a checkering file if the surface to be grooved is flat or slightly convex. If your deft you could use a needle file and do each groove. Probably the only way if it's a concave surface.

[Nueces]

Do a google image search for "checkering file", which a pro would likely use. Or, you could do a few jobs with a thread repair file, some images of which will come up on that other search.

[Wheelguns 1961]

I used a 40 lines per inch checkering file. The trick is to get the first line perpendicular to the sight. Then all the rest will fall into place. I then use a small triangular file to deepen the cuts.

[country gent]

Checkering files will work and do the best job. a thread file does good and will do a larger section. On the thread file threads per inch is also lines per inch. The problem with most jewelers files and small files is the radius between flats is to large to get a really crisp job done. I normally do them in the mill with an engraving point. I can have the lines per inch I want crisp clean edges and corners

[stubshaft]

I've made many a front sight with Brownells 40lpi. checkering file.

[megasupermagnum]

Thanks a lot, that looks like a great solution. One sight I want to make a ramp, the other, a slightly undercut patridge. Both will be a flat face to work with.

[bobthenailer]

I have chekering files they are to large ! I use needle files and magnafication