Very interesting about the sights note, buckstix.
We've found a 45 degree angle on a brass or silver soldered rear sight surface works every well in the bush, on our trail walks with the muzzle loaders.
Not wanting to take from this thread, and I fully share your chagrin at removing that o-so-important white paint.

This is a picture taken with no flash, just the ambient light on the sloped surface of a brass bead. I believe this is why Elmer preferred the "Sheard" gold bead, which was actually in a post (I believe), but shared the back sloping angle as well, for showing well in poor light.