Got an old Model 36 that shoots off to the left a couple of inches at about 10 yards or so. Looks like the front sight may have a very slight right hand bend to it. I know it's hitting close enough for most purposes, but I want it closer to zero.

Barrel is pinned and looks straight and top-centered.

What is the best way to give the front blade a little bend back, without damaging anything?

Thanks.

I had a similar problem which I cured in a primitive manner. I clamped 3/4 of the front sight blade tightly in a smooth faced vise. Then I gently hit the barrel with a nylon faced mallet until it moved a bit in the right direction. Nothing broke and it worked........

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Thanks. I think I am limited to adjusting the front blade or the back notch, because of the pinned barrel.

I could open up the rear notch, and I may, but I'd rather just slightly move the front blade, if I can find out how others have done it without reinventing the wheel or ruining the old model 36.

Just a guess on my part but I found w/JFrame guns I tend to shoot low right unless I change the grips. I have large hands (glove size XL) and the stock grips are a challenge. Oversize combat make a huge difference. For what it's worth I'd try that, or ask a friend to shoot it, before bending anything.

tacotime - I think what one eye joe is explaining is that he bent the front sight slightly to fix the problem. I do not think he turned the barrel.

Old Cop makes a good point. If you have a L or XL hand, you may be suffering from too much finger on the trigger. Might be worth trying a different set of grips before you start bending or removing metal.

Old Cop, what grips work the best for you? The best I have found for my L hands so far are the Badgers.

I see about the sight bending not the barrel twisting. That may be the way to go. I'll try a bigger Pachmayr grip I already have and see if the hands and grip are the cause first.

That's EXACTLY what I meant, Broadside.....

__________________
'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Blue19: I'm using an older pair of "Bananna" Combat [wood] Grips from the early 80's that I picked up at a gun show for around $35.