I took my mid-'80s 586 to the range today. As in several trips in past years, it shoots way to the left , with the rear sight as far to the right as it will go. Before Cataract/astigmatism surgery a couple of years ago, I thought it was just my eyes, but now I know there is something else that needs correcting.

It is one of the models with the integral front sight. How to do that?

I would like to center it, and not spend a mint doing it. I think my two options are: File the right side of the front sight until it centers; or, file the rear sight notch on the right side until it groups in the middle of the target.

Any alternative suggestions?
Thanx!

The front sight is pinned in the ramp.

Does the barrel appear to be indexed properly? Or, to put it another way, is the barrel canted?

__________________
Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Before you file, grind or alter that gun in any way, the next time you go to the range, see if a friend, or the range officer can take a few shots with it and determine if they are having the same issue that you are having.

If they do, bring it to a smith and have them go over the gun.

Nope; no pin in the front sight, and the barrel does not appear to be canted.

How far to the left is "way"? What distance? I would also recommend having another shooter try it out R/E POI. Unless the barrel / frame is bent, you should be able to zero with your adjustable sights.

My guess is you are jerking the trigger. Groupings to the left is common with right handed shooters when doing so.

And you are right, the front sight is fixed, not pinned. I always thought it was pinned, but after reading your post, I pulled out my 586 no dash, and yep, no pin. Sometimes the front sight pin is so polished that it is hard to see, but not in this case.

Filing the rear sight leaf notch would work, but with it already adjusted all the way to the right, how much more would it take? So, as I said, I'll go with it being a trigger control / grip issue.

Larry

Larry;
"Way" left is between 1 and 4" to the left of the bullseye on an 8" target. This was fired single action at 18 yards from a rest. By using Kentucky Windage, holding halfway between the bullseye and the right edge of the target, I was able to center them pretty well.

You may be right...trigger control could be an issue...will need to have another shooter try my gun, and check that out.

Thanks , all, for the advice.

BTW; are you the Fishinfool that did the excellent moccasin-making videos on Youtube?

Just do not drink coffee before going to the range!!! I had a problem like yours and I began to realize I was nervous and jerking the trigger! I then remembered I had a cup of strong coffee just before going to the range.

I appreciate all the suggestions that have been given, and I have been doing some thinking re: my "lefty" problem. Now that I think of it, the problem seems to have arisen after I installed a set of Hogue rubber finger scalloped grips on my gun. Before that, no problem with the Herrett's Shooting Stars that I foolishly traded off. Sooo... now, I'll look for a set that are approxmately the size and shape of standard S&W factory target grips, which always seemd just a bit too large, Pachmayers, and see if that could be a solution. I'd sure like it if it was!