Blackening sights in the military?

Published on September 18, 2025
Duration: 0:56

Military doctrine has historically included blackening firearm sights to reduce glare and improve sight picture distinctness, contrary to some modern claims. Field manuals from 1960 and recent Marine Corps standards explicitly detail this technique, often using a flame to deposit lampblack. This practice ensures clearer aiming, especially under varying light conditions.

Quick Summary

Military doctrine has historically included blackening firearm sights to reduce glare and improve sight picture distinctness. Manuals like FM 23-35 (1960) and MCRP 3-01A (2012) detail using lampblack from a flame for clearer aiming.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Viewer Claim vs. Military Practice
  2. 00:14Historical Military Documentation (FM 23-35)
  3. 00:30The Technique of Blackening Sights
  4. 00:43Modern Marine Corps Standards (MCRP 3-01A)

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the military teach blackening sights on firearms?

Yes, historical military doctrine included blackening sights. Army Field Manual FM 23-35 (1960) and modern Marine Corps standards like MCRP 3-01A explicitly detail this technique to reduce glare and improve sight picture clarity.

How were firearm sights historically blackened in the military?

Sights were typically blackened using lampblack, created by holding the sights over a flame (like a candle or lighter) to deposit soot. This process aimed to eliminate distracting glare and create a distinct silhouette of the sights.

What is the purpose of blackening firearm sights?

The primary purpose of blackening firearm sights is to reduce glare from ambient light sources. This creates a sharper, more defined sight picture against the target, which is crucial for accurate marksmanship, especially in varying light conditions.

Are there specific military manuals that mention blackening sights?

Yes, key manuals include the Army Field Manual FM 23-35 'Pistols and Revolvers' from July 1960, which details the technique in Paragraph 84, and the Marine Corps MCRP 3-01A, which still requires blackened sights.

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