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Thread: Replacement sights for US made DE .50AE with 8-slot rail?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Posts
    9

    Default Replacement sights for US made DE .50AE with 8-slot rail?

    I've decided I don't like the factory sights on my DE. The sights are all black, and as I primarily shoot at an indoor range, nearly invisible against the target...

    I saw a nice looking set of Trijcons, but they indicate they are not compatible with the 8-slot rail barrel. I was thinking of putting a small, inexpensive reflex sight on, but after chatting with one of the salespeople at the range I go to, he didn't think a cheap one would survive on a DE (he admitted he couldn't say for sure, as I couldn't give him a comparison as far as the recoil goes, his first thought was to look at ones intended for rifles or shotguns.)

    I took a look at some of the ones on MRIs store page and MidwayUSA, and I'm not sure I like those...

    So then I thought, what about putting some enamel, white paint on the existing sights, with a small paintbrush?

    So, the question is (because I've not done any of the above,) any suggestions for sights, reflex or iron, or painting the existing sights (carefully, with a small modelers brush, and masking tape all around the sights so I don't get it elsewhere)?

    Thanks,
    Jason A.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Near the Gila Mountains in SW AZ.
    Posts
    5,550

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by jsona View Post
    I've decided I don't like the factory sights on my DE. The sights are all black, and as I primarily shoot at an indoor range, nearly invisible against the target...

    I saw a nice looking set of Trijcons, but they indicate they are not compatible with the 8-slot rail barrel. I was thinking of putting a small, inexpensive reflex sight on, but after chatting with one of the salespeople at the range I go to, he didn't think a cheap one would survive on a DE (he admitted he couldn't say for sure, as I couldn't give him a comparison as far as the recoil goes, his first thought was to look at ones intended for rifles or shotguns.)

    I took a look at some of the ones on MRIs store page and MidwayUSA, and I'm not sure I like those...

    So then I thought, what about putting some enamel, white paint on the existing sights, with a small paintbrush?

    So, the question is (because I've not done any of the above,) any suggestions for sights, reflex or iron, or painting the existing sights (carefully, with a small modelers brush, and masking tape all around the sights so I don't get it elsewhere)?

    Thanks,
    Jason A.
    Paint is surely the least expensive way to go and it's easily touched up or undone if your not happy with it. If you make sure the sight is free of any oil/grease before you paint it, let the paint cure completely, and then be careful when using cleaning fluids around it I imagine it will be durable enough for your intended purpose.

    You might also contact Dawson Precision. They have a fiber optic front sight listed as "Dawson Precision Desert Eagle XIX Fiber Optic Front Sights - USA Made" (as opposed to another listed as "Israel Made").
    https://dawsonprecision.com/sights/m...search-sights/

    Regards,
    Greg
    [<a href=http://i43.tinypic.com/2n7fnux.gif target=_blank>http://i43.tinypic.com/2n7fnux.gif</a>

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    5,561

    Default

    I have used Testors white on many of my sights. If you make a boo boo, no harm, no foul, it comes off. I always used a toothpick. You need so little paint, and it's easier to see how much paint you have on a toothpick versus brush. You could also purchase some of the fluorescent paints that are out there and experiment. My old eyes seem to always prefer white.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    deeply embedded in Florida swampland
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    5,942

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    Ditto +1 on Testor's

    Stays put till you don't want it to.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    5,735

    Default

    Shoot at a white target?
    ​O|||||||O

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Twin Cities MN.
    Posts
    5,745

    Default

    A late add to this.....I use fishing lure paint....more durable and many bright colors.
    "Life Member NRA"
    I am addicted to brake fluid...don't worry I can STOP at anytime!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Wet & Wild Pacific NW
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    32,466

    Default

    Wife and I both work part time for Dick Night Fishing lures. He sent me a couple jars of lure paint and one of a clear coat.
    I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet but I think it will work really good.

    Guess I need to buy a gun with sights I don't like so I can test it out.
    In Memory of Paul "Dietrich" Stines.
    Dad: Say something nice to your cousin Shirley
    Dietrich: For a fat girl you sure don't sweat much.
    Cue sound of Head slap.

    RIP Muggsy & TMan

    "If you are a warrior legally authorized to carry a weapon and you step outside without that weapon, then you become a sheep, pretending that JOCKO will not come today."

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2018
    Location
    Greeley Colorado
    Posts
    12

    Default

    I know this is an older thread but Ford's Custom Gun Refinishing makes some really good sights for the Desert Eagle.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    lockhart, texas
    Posts
    45

    Default

    I put Williams Firesights on my .50AE Desert Eagle. The front was not high enough so I called Dawson Precision and ordered a higher front sight. He has a formula for figuring how high the front sight should be. He will tell you how to measure to figure it out. They work perfect. I have added a scope to mine since then.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Posts
    121

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by lockhart View Post
    I put Williams Firesights on my .50AE Desert Eagle. The front was not high enough so I called Dawson Precision and ordered a higher front sight. He has a formula for figuring how high the front sight should be. He will tell you how to measure to figure it out. They work perfect. I have added a scope to mine since then.
    This is exactly what I did with a slide of unknown origin I made up from parts specifically for 357Magnum It wasn't the right type for Williams Firesights... I ended up getting a good bit taller (0.305) height front sight from Dawson Precision. My rear sight was running out of travel, so basically I adjusted the rear sight travel to the height I wanted it to be (about 30% from bottomed out) and followed Dawsons calculator for front sight height, and it worked perfectly.

    MrBlackCat

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