File recommendation

[Dave Shooter]

Anyone have a recommendation on a specific file to use for opening the rear sight on a Colt hammer?  Picked up an Uberti 1861 last year after wanting one for some time.  Like it, but no way to see all of front sight thru that notch.  I've used Dremels and cutoff wheels on others, but was hoping to find a knife file of the proper angle to deepen/widen the notch.

[Gray Fox]

I use a set of diamond needle files that I got at Harbor Freight.  Rather than the knife shape, I use the narrow flat edge of the flat tip flat file to give me a square bottom in the hammer notch.  I just stuff a cotton ball in the hammer slot with the hammer at full cock to catch any minute filing dust.  By putting latteral pressure on the file you can enlarge the notch to either side giving you a bit of windage adjustment.  When I'm satisfied I degrease the notch with brake cleaner on a tissue, then apply Birchwood Casey liquid blueing with a paper match cardboard.  I do that until I get the color I want, then kill the process with a bit of oil on a tissue or cleaning swab.  It doesn't take much time and can be done on the range.  GF

[Captainkirk]

I have the same set of files and have used them for a number of BP tuning tasks.

[ShotgunDave]

I have those files too, and they work great.

[Hawg]

I've probably got the same files but I got mine at Lowe's.

[mazo kid]

Yep, I have those files too. Inexpensive and work great. Good for smoothing burrs in slots and also areas on moving parts. Not so much to remove metal, just smooth surfaces.