Cleaning Meprolight sights with Ultrasound

[Dakbroadbent]

I have been cleaning my 1911's for a couple of years with a Lyman ultrasonic cleaner using their proprietary water based detergent. Works Great. I bought a Kimber with Meprolight nightsights and I'm wondering if these sights will tolerate the ultrasound cleaning. I phoned the US distributor for Meprolight and Kimber; neither could give me an answer. I emailed the manufacturer in Israel with the question; no reply yet.
Anyone have experience or an opinion on this?

 

[chris in va]

Considering ultrasound creates microscopic 'explosions' on a surface, I wouldn't risk it. IIRC the tritium vials are sealed with some sort of clear polymer.

Just a guess though, maybe someone in the know can comment.

 

[Paul K]

I've done it all the time with guns and it's no big deal.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Paul K's answer seems definitive -- but if that isn't good enough, simply call or email Meprolight.

 

[Destructo6]

With heat and too much time (over 10 minutes) it will remove paint and some finishes.

It's unlikely that it would harm the tritium inserts themselves, but if the sights have painted dots, they may be gone when it comes out.

Take a look at the instructions for the cleaning agent. It should list safe times for various finishes.