best way to lower front sight on a j frame

[priddin]

My wife has a 640-1 revolver that shoots low. I have a bore sight to align the barrel but I was wondering if the front sight is a soft metal material or a hard metal material. Do I use a hand file of something else?

[iPac]

I assume the gun is a fixed sight one, so that would require the sight be modified if you need to change elevation.

However, if you care about the originality of the gun, you might not want to do that. Depending on how much low it is shooting, I would try adapting my POA to better align with the POI. Meaning you might have to position the front sight blade differently in the channel than normal.

If that isn't an option, then altering the sight maybe required. Others will hopefully chime in with more experience. I have really never had a gun that was not accurate, fixed or adjustable sighted.

[murphydog]

Welcome! Unless you are restricted to one load, I would suggest trying different bullet weights and velocities before altering the front sight. Since the model 640 is still being produced you may also ask the factory for which load the sights are regulated. Hope this is helpful and thanks for your service!

[H Richard]

The 38 caliber S&W are made to shoot to point of aim with 158 gr standard velocity rounds. If you are using 125 gr or +P rounds they will shoot low. If you are never going to sell it, and will never use anything but the lightweight high velocity rounds in it you could file the front sight down, the metal is soft enough for a standard file. But first make sure it is the gun, not just your wife pulling it down or seeing the sight picture incorrectly. Have a known marksman shoot it from a rest to find out.

[Pisgah]

There's not a whole lot of sight to begin with. Maybe you already have, but I would certainly address such things as bullet weight and shooting technique before I took a file to it. A very common problem is an unconscious tendency to flinch downward to counteract recoil. And before you say, "Oh, no, not me" let me tell you that I said the same thing for a long time with the first small-frame DA revolver I owned until it was proven to me that I had this bad habit.

[jimbo728]

I agree that if you are using 125 or 130 gr bullets,that going to 158gr bullets will shoot higher than the lighter projectiles.
Hope this helps.
I would not modify a front sight that cannot be replaced.
Jim

[chief38]

As H Richard states, ANY fixed sight gun will shoot to different points of aim depending on bullet grain weight, powder charge, bullet shape & design and last but not least the manufacturer.

S&W J Frames were originally designed around the obsolete 158 grain RNL bullet (Standard velocity loads). What you need to do is to first find what bullet you want to carry. Second, if you guys can handle that load proficiently in your J Frame and see where it shoots. Then make your decision weather or not you want to carve up the front sight or if it is even required.

I'd hate to see a perfectly good J Frame ruined only to change POA / POI with an ammo change.

[crankyoldlady]

If your wife is concerned about shot placement, she might, without realizing it, be pulling the barrel down whilst "peeking" at the target.

A good test is to have her complete the 5 round string before looking at the results.