Why night sights last about 12 years
Tritium is an isotope of hydrogen which has one proton and two neutrons. It emits beta particles only and has a half-life of 12.3 years. The maximum beta energy is 18 keV, and the mean beta energy is 6 keV. A beta particle with energy of less than 70 keV will not penetrate the dead outer layer of the skin. Therefore, tritium is not an external radiation hazard, but when taken into the body it becomes an internal hazard. This is why night sights need replacing about every 12 years, the radiation is used up at that point. Just an FYI thing for all you readers. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
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We replace them after 7 years on mortar and artillery pieces if they haven't already been broken. 0 -
The tritium in my Yugo SKS has long since passed the 12 year mark. But, if you take it into a dark room and look closely, it still does give off a very slight glow. 0 -
...My plutonium night sights are going on 20 years now, and still going strong.
...Ive gotten used to the bleeding from several orffices. On the upside I dont have to turn the light on when I get up at night, and the green glow is kinda pretty...[;)]
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