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S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 3-Screw PINNED Barrel SWING-OUT Cylinder Hand Ejectors WITH Model Numbers


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Old 10-03-2014, 12:59 PM
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Default Fixed Sights vs Target Sights

Another thread brought up the subject of sight radius. It occurred to me that my 4" fixed sight gun likely has the same sight radius as the 3.5" with target sights.

It's pretty damn close.
Fixed Sights vs Target Sights-20141003_121615-jpg

Fixed Sights vs Target Sights-20141003_121443-jpg

Fixed Sights vs Target Sights-20141003_121512-jpg

I also hear it referenced often that target sights are "more accurate" than fixed. If the sights are regulated properly on a fixed sight gun there is no reason that one should shoot better than another.

As far as these guns are concerned, as long as there isn't a bright light source casting a glare over the rear of the frame on the fixed sight gun, they work just the same. Frame glare makes it a little tougher to concentrate.

This is placed in this section as one is older and the other newer.

Any personal observations, let me know.
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Old 10-03-2014, 01:31 PM
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I'm not one to fiddle with the adjustable sights on any of my handguns. I did that to some extent when I use to shoot in competition, particularly for IHMS and bullseye. For punching holes in paper nowadays, I just shoot for groups. For day to day messing around at objects or bullseye, I prefer my fixed sights. I think they look better too.
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Old 10-03-2014, 01:41 PM
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To me, adjuatable signts are good for regulating for multiple loads, major changes in shooting conditions, or holdover at long distances. A highly visible set of fixed sights are good for just about anything else or other situation, although I try not to drop my guns on hard surfaces or use them as clubs .
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Old 10-03-2014, 01:50 PM
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I can see no reason that fixed sights, at self defense range would not work as well as adjustable sights. That being said all of my revolvers, with one exception, have adjustable sights. I hope to change that one day; I don't know if Smith and Wesson ever made a 2' - 3" M 581, but I would sure like to have one if they did.
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Old 10-03-2014, 02:47 PM
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Generally, self defense fixed sights, hobby stuff, adjustable. For me.
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Old 10-03-2014, 04:58 PM
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My 2-J's are fixed sights as well as my 64. The rest are adjustable. I really don't mess with them though. Not doing bullseye shooting. Steel plates at 25 yds. is fun to me. Bob
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Old 10-03-2014, 05:11 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick_A View Post
I also hear it referenced often that target sights are "more accurate" than fixed. If the sights are regulated properly on a fixed sight gun there is no reason that one should shoot better than another...
Yes, but only for the specific load the fixed sight gun regulated is for; all other loads the adjustable sight gun will have the advantage of being able to tune to.

Quote:
...Any personal observations, let me know.
I greatly prefer fixed sights; the rear sight obscures my view of the target when I'm instinct shooting.
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Old 10-03-2014, 07:23 PM
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That's nothing a simple hold over/under can't fix. At close range that's a non issue.

My adjustable sights never get touched again once set to my load(s) of choice. That goes for rifles and pistols.

Aside from a 22lr, I have but that one adjustable sight handgun left. Luckily the windage is perfect on my fixed sight revolvers and both my 22-4 and 1911 use the same holds for elevation.
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