Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > S&W-Smithing
o

Notices

S&W-Smithing Maintenance, Repair, and Enhancement of Smith & Wesson and Other Firearms.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-19-2011, 09:59 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default Adjusting Fixed Sights

On a fixed sight revolver that shoots to the left a couple inches-how do your correct? Can you file the right side of the rear sight to enlarge the area so that you're forced into pulling the front site more to the right in order to have POI where you want it?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-19-2011, 10:19 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

There are a few different options. You can file the rear sight slightly to create more clearance on one side and change your sight picture, shifting POI slightly. I wouldn't recommend this. You can bend the front sight to one side. I wouldn't recommend this. The best option is to have a gunsmith put the gun in a vise and turn the barrel slightly in the appropriate direction. Done correctly, this will true up your sights and not damage the finish anywhere on the gun.

Another easy option is to try adjusting POI through your load. My 10-6 shoots slightly right with WWB 130gr jacketed, but dead on with my 125gr cast handload.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-19-2011, 10:35 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8,158
Likes: 3,605
Liked 5,199 Times in 2,172 Posts
Default

I had the barrel turned several degrees on one revolver that the front sight was obviiously cocked to one side.

I've helped several people select more suitable ammunition, or in some cases, convince them they were the cause of the "sight problem" and correct their technique. Few people want to even consider they are pulling to the side.
IMHO, cutting on the rear sight is nearly always a mistake.
__________________
Science plus Art
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-19-2011, 10:52 PM
cp1969's Avatar
cp1969 cp1969 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Kansas
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 279
Liked 63 Times in 42 Posts
Default

I wouldn't cut it. If you do, you'll have to cut it twice as much as the sight would move if it was adjustable; i.e., a 1/64" movement of an adjustable sight would necessitate 1/32" worth of filing on a fixed sight to achieve the same result. You'd end up with a really wide slot, with a lot more daylight on each side of the front sight than you're accustomed to.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:14 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

Looking at the top of the barrel where it goes into the frame, it seems it could be turned in clockwise looking at it from the front as there's a slight cant to it. The front sight itself is ok. I think turning the barrel in a bit more may correct the problem. I don't think I'd want to attempt it, however.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:21 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

It is easily done by a gunsmith with the right tools. Just a matter of if you want to spend the money on having it taken care of. I hate having guns shoot off POA/POI, but it's just one of those things we deal with in fixed sight revolvers.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:29 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

I wouldn't mind spending the money but you'd think this kind of thing should have been addressed before it shipped. I don't know how they determine when enough's enough as it couldn't take more than a few thousands of an inch to correct...if that much.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:46 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

I bet their tolerance on this is larger than we would like. I can just imagine that the barrel is screwed on until it looks somewhat straight, then sent to someone else in a batch of guns to be test fired. If it hits somewhere on whatever they use as a target it is boxed and shipped. All or nearly all of my fixed sight smiths are off some.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-19-2011, 11:52 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

I'm wondering if a local smith could fix this rather than having to send it off. There's a very good one at the range I go to. I may ask him about it next time I'm out there.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-20-2011, 12:01 AM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

Sounds like a good plan. If he's into revolvers he's probably done many in the past.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-20-2011, 12:08 PM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

ColColt:

What Model is this gun, what is the barrel length, and what is the distance you are stating that it is a few inches off to the left from? The other important thing here is what is the intended purpose of this revolver?

For instance...........

If this is a 2" model 36, 37, 60, etc. (2" J-frame) and is a CCW weapon, and the distance you are a few inches off from is let's say 50 feet, I would not do a thing, because you are not going to shoot someone at 50 feet in a self defense situation and a few inches off at 50 feet is not much, and will be more than accurate enough at 5 or 10 feet. Conversely, if this is a 6" Model 10 that will be used for small game hunting or target shooting, my personal preference would be to try different 158 grain loads and see if you can change the POI that way. If not, (IMHO) the least noticeable correction would probably be to remove enough metal from the rear sight notch to move the POI over to the right and correct the discrepancy.

When the barrels are turned to correct the POI it drives me nuts to see a "crooked" barrel - more so than a widened rear notch.

Chief38
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-20-2011, 01:57 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

Chief-It's a little Ruger SP101, 3 inch. Purpose? Mostly just recreation and a possible bug. The distances I shoot are normally 7-15 yards as I'm no Elmer Keith or Hickok45 for distance shooting and at 65 my eyes can't discern the sights and target as well as before. I still like to hit what I'm aiming at regardless the purpose or distance.

These are a couple of examples of where it's shooting at around 10 yards. At 25 yards I think perhaps the group may be even more to the left.






Just as an after thought, the top of the barrel/frame junction looks like the barrel could be turned in a bit more to the right(clockwise) and that may correct the problem. There's more "metal showing on the right than left side of the frame.


Last edited by ColColt; 02-20-2011 at 02:41 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-20-2011, 04:41 PM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

ColColt,

You might have just lucked out because if the barrel is turned in the direction it needs to be so that it is perfectly straight, it should move the groups to the right. How much to the right is anyone's guess, but at least the barrel is currently off in the direction you need to turn it. Give it a try and see where it shoots. Goo luck with it.

Chief38
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-20-2011, 05:07 PM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

I hate sending it back and am a bit chicken to try it myself. Leaves little option doesn't it?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-20-2011, 10:52 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,474
Likes: 88,978
Liked 24,786 Times in 8,483 Posts
Default

Your gunsmith may have the tools necessary to turn the barrel in a tad without damaging the frame. Ask him.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 02-20-2011, 11:04 PM
Dragon88 Dragon88 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 107
Liked 456 Times in 205 Posts
Default

Yup, just have your local smith do it. An experienced one can probably eyeball the adjustment without even test firing it and get it pretty close to dead on.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 04-08-2015, 06:03 PM
JER357 JER357 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: South Central Kansas
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
Liked 9 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I would recommend sending back to Ruger. All you'll be out is the shipping and probably just one way.

I purchased a new Blackhawk several years ago and found a ring of rust inside the barrel an inch from the muzzle. Anyhow I contacted them, sent it in and got it back with new barrel, a bag with replaced springs and a letter explaining that since it was there they ran it through the custom shop.

Just my 2cents
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 04-08-2015, 07:44 PM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

The S&W armorers kit contains a babbot bar. The purpose is to slightly move the barrel. It isn't easy to watch the barrel being beaten on with a lead bar.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 04-08-2015, 10:07 PM
MichiganScott MichiganScott is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: God's Country
Posts: 4,711
Likes: 1,235
Liked 3,535 Times in 1,770 Posts
Default

Try different loads. You may very well get lucky and find one that will land in the X-ring .
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 04-08-2015, 10:43 PM
sw dan sw dan is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: delaware, usa
Posts: 269
Likes: 22
Liked 137 Times in 58 Posts
Default ruger

hi folks,
just an idea, I would let someone else shoot the gun, and then see where it groups. I have seen many times when someone else shot a gun, it shot right on......sw dan
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 04-09-2015, 09:17 AM
snowman snowman is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
Default

To the last several posters:

Pardon me for interrupting, gentlemen; I just wanted to make sure you have checked the date on post #15. It's possible that the OP still has this issue on the back burner, but I would rather doubt it. Just want to be helpful.

Regards,
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 04-12-2015, 11:58 AM
ColColt's Avatar
ColColt ColColt is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
Posts: 1,299
Likes: 27
Liked 284 Times in 131 Posts
Default

Just to lay this to rest, I ended up filing a bit on the rear, ever so slightly, shoot and file a tad more. It corrected the problem but, I have since then gave it to my neighbor since I seldom shot it.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 04-14-2015, 01:41 AM
stantheman86 stantheman86 is offline
US Veteran
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 6
Liked 473 Times in 236 Posts
Default

It's the common Ruger factory method to file off part of the rear sight notch on a fixed sight revolver to get it to hit to POA.

I have many Ruger Service Six series revolvers and most have the rear sight a little off to the right or left, the Ruger techs just hit them with files to get them on. These are service revolvers, not Korths......No complaints here, knock on wood........so far all of my many S&W and Ruger fixed sight revolvers hit close enough for govt. work, I can't see any real issues.

I have a 1930's production Colt Police Positive that's almost off the paper at 10 yards......

Last edited by stantheman86; 04-14-2015 at 01:42 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 04-14-2015, 07:08 AM
chief38's Avatar
chief38 chief38 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
Default

Yes and old thread, but since it's back up let me just say this........

If you have a problem with groups shooting left or right with a fixed sight Plinker that is NOT used for self defense than yes a different load, bullet weight or configuration could and might correct the point of impact.

For a self defense and/or carry weapon my priority would be the load itself and if said load did not shoot POA=POI then I would look to correct the revolver to do so. I would NOT want to use a poor or less effective load just to move a grouping over a few inches if there were better options available. Just my opinion of course........
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 08-22-2016, 08:04 PM
rchrd53 rchrd53 is offline
Member
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

The man wants the revolver to hit where he's pointing it. Is that too much to ask? Presumably he's shot enough ammo to determine this. Besides getting a new revolver, does he have any alternatives? This is the question.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 08-23-2016, 08:28 AM
Tom S.'s Avatar
Tom S. Tom S. is offline
Moderator
Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights Adjusting Fixed Sights  
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: SE Michigan
Posts: 18,476
Likes: 8,386
Liked 17,059 Times in 5,594 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rchrd53 View Post
The man wants the revolver to hit where he's pointing it. Is that too much to ask? Presumably he's shot enough ammo to determine this. Besides getting a new revolver, does he have any alternatives? This is the question.
If you look back through this 5 year old post, you will see several answers to that question.
__________________
So many S&W's, so few funds!!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
ccw, gunsmith, model 10, ruger

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Adjusting a fixed sights gun Rafter-S S&W-Smithing 25 12-12-2016 11:33 PM
Adjusting Sights A2 Stippling Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols 11 04-27-2012 06:27 PM
Adjusting load for fixed sights Warren Sear Reloading 13 01-15-2012 11:43 PM
Adjusting 457 sights? RicT Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 0 10-20-2011 12:36 PM
Adjusting sights Beaver S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 9 09-18-2009 11:15 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:30 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)