Flame brushing the front sights?

[rhodesbe]

I was watching Band of Brothers just now, and there is a scene in 'The Last Raid' where some GIs are using cigarette lighters to burn the front sights of their rifles.

I imagine this puts a layer of soot all over the crown/sight of the barrel, but I have no idea why they would be doing this. Does it cut down on muzzle flash or something? Anyone know?

 

[TwoForFlinching]

"No helmets, nothing jingles, nothing shines"

 

[338Shooter]

Front sight blackening knocks down glare and gives you a sharper sight picture.

 

[scottstre]

I was watching Band of Brothers just now, and there is a scene in 'The Last Raid' where some GIs are using cigarette lighters to burn the front sights of their rifles.

I imagine this puts a layer of soot all over the crown/sight of the barrel, but I have no idea why they would be doing this. Does it cut down on muzzle flash or something? Anyone know?

It cuts down on the glare from the front sight, which would make it easier to get a good sight picture. Flat black (from the soot) will be much more distinct then blued metal.

 

[becker_atc]

http://www.sbsdistributing.com/index.php?pr=Ray-Vin_SuperSmoker

To get no glare on the front sight. This is still done as was shown to do it the the day I bought my M1 (met the guy at a garand match to try 'er out). If the sun is right the sight will shine pretty good when looking through the sights I noticed shooting times after then. we used the ray-vin sight smoker. Uses calcium carbide and water (or spit) to make acetylene. Makes gooood smoke!

 

[Mitch Rapp]

I smoke the sight on my M1 before shooting it or taking it hunting. It doesn't always help depending on conditions, but it never hurts.

 

[ExtremistPullup]

I the Marines we had a can of sight black but matches work good.

 

[SMS]

I believe he was blackening the gas cylinder. They are notorious for losing the finish and giving off glare.