Adjustable sight issue 16-4

PoorKnight · #1 04-14-2012, 09:19 PM

OK please don't flame me too badly I did do a search for a sticky and for old threads BUT how do I adjust the rear sight on my 16-4? I had the cylinder re-bored to .327 Federal magnum and now it is shooting high and left at 25 yards (but a great group) and I have loosened the screw on the right side and tried to move the sight. All the adjustable pistol sights I have used before you turned the screw one way for left and another for right and had a second screw on top for elevation but these S&W rear sights aren't like that.....

CALREB · #2 04-14-2012, 09:28 PM

PK, thats exactly how the sights should work. Unless the screws are broken or an aftermarket sight has been put on.
Move the rear sight the direction you want the bullet to go. So turning the elevation screw, clockwise,should move the sight down, turning the windage screw clockwise should pull,or move ,the rear sight to the right, if these things are not occurring the sights locking nut or something is messed up. Good luck. bob

peyton · #3 04-15-2012, 02:19 AM

Welcome to the forum!! What 327 ammo were you using and what grain? How did the 16-4 group with 32 H&R? Are you using a six oclock or center sight picture? A lot of question I realize, I converted my marlin to 327 and it shot high depending on the bullet grain.

Alk8944 · #4 04-15-2012, 11:05 AM

Poorknight,

Unless your gun has some odd after-market rear sight I am not aware of, the stock rear sight works just like any other. Your post makes no sense.

"All the adjustable pistol sights I have used before you turned the screw one way for left and another for right and had a second screw on top for elevation but these S&W rear sights aren't like that....." And that is exactly how a S&W sight works too!

The screw on the right is the windage screw. You do not "loosen" it to move the sight, it is a jack screw that moves the sight blade when turned, unless someone has tinkered with it and the nut on the left side was not properly staked and is missing or loose. Turning the windage screw clockwise (as in tightening) moves the sight blade right, and vise-versa.

On top of the sight leaf you will see what look like two screws. The front one holds the sight on the gun and must be kept tight. The rear one is really a nut, that looks like a screw, but that doesn't make any difference. Turn it clockwise (tighten) pulls the sight down and lowers the bullet strike. Turn it left (loosen) and the sight rises. It's just that simple.