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Old 03-11-2016, 08:14 AM
Wizeone Wizeone is offline
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Question Fixed Sights need Fixed

I am a new owner of a new M&P 40c. When I line up the dots my pistol shoots 5" low at 30 feet. I have to make a pretty large triangle with the front sight covering the target to get close and that leads to a relatively large group. I believe the front factory installed sight is the lowest possible. Raising the rear sight is what I think I need to do. Is there a simple fix for this that I'm not recognizing and that doesn't cost $70 or $80 bucks for an adjustable rear sight? Any input is appreciated.
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Old 03-11-2016, 09:29 AM
Magload Magload is offline
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Are you putting the front dot on what you want to be POI or the top of the front sight? The M&P line of guns, Military and Police, are set up as combat sights and the dot on the front sight should cover the POA. I don't like that either as the dot covers up what I want to hit but for SD and the range it is used for SD it is ok.
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Old 03-11-2016, 09:30 AM
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Man that's a bummer. Sure the front sight is short?

The rear sight is fixed, so I don't think it can be raised. Hate to drop money on sights, but there are some great options out there.

Assuming operator error is not a factor.
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Old 03-11-2016, 09:49 AM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
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I recently had a student who was used to 1911 single action guns, and he was shooting hat sized groups a foot low with his new pistol at 10yds (30 ft).
He wanted me to shoot it and help him get a new sight.

I benched the gun and shot 3 shots into 1" dead center.
In my experience with new striker fired pistol owners, about 10% of the time problems have been the gun, 90% shooter technique.

A fellow IDPA shooter, who outshoots me in ESP with a single action custom gun decided to shoot SSP in a match, bought a 5" M&P 9 Pro like mine, and embarrassed himself by stringing shots down the target at the match. He was experienced enough to realize the light gun and long trigger was throwing him off his game, but the gun was not defective.

Suggest you make sure your gun is defective before changing parts.
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Old 03-11-2016, 11:51 AM
sschrick sschrick is offline
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shoot the gun from a bench rest or set of sandbags. Take out as many variables as possible. Shoot a little closer than 10 yards. Have someone else shoot it as well to see if they get similar results.

IF you can confirm it is indeed shooting too low, then return it to S&W for repair.
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Old 03-11-2016, 12:34 PM
retired2006 retired2006 is offline
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You may also want to try different bullet weights, if I remember correctly, lighter bullet weights tend to shoot lower than heaver bullets, probably more some in a compact pistol than a full size.
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Old 03-12-2016, 07:31 AM
Wizeone Wizeone is offline
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I shoot off a solid rest for sight in, two handed grip, thumb over thumb, with the front sight covering the center of target. The ammo is Winchester 180 Grn FMJ. This was the least expensive target round available at that store. And I figured 180 grn would be the most readily available at most stores for consistency. I plan on switching to a lower weight JHP for actual carry and defense. In combat and defense type situations I always aim for the base of the neck. That gives the entire head and torso for an impact area, so I know it will be effective. Windage is not a problem with a three to four inch rapid fire group at the ten yard mark. I will have to spend more time in the back yard to be sure but 50 rounds thru it and it's not climbing up there yet. I also considered ammo brand, cause we all know every gun likes to eat different flavors better than others. I have two boxes of Blazer Brass to try and maybe find a simple cure? Thanks for the input gentlemen. I'm not going to jump to any conclusion just yet but if anyone else thinks of something or has the same problem I will appreciate the input.
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Old 03-12-2016, 09:01 AM
Magload Magload is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wizeone View Post
I shoot off a solid rest for sight in, two handed grip, thumb over thumb, with the front sight covering the center of target. The ammo is Winchester 180 Grn FMJ. This was the least expensive target round available at that store. And I figured 180 grn would be the most readily available at most stores for consistency. I plan on switching to a lower weight JHP for actual carry and defense. In combat and defense type situations I always aim for the base of the neck. That gives the entire head and torso for an impact area, so I know it will be effective. Windage is not a problem with a three to four inch rapid fire group at the ten yard mark. I will have to spend more time in the back yard to be sure but 50 rounds thru it and it's not climbing up there yet. I also considered ammo brand, cause we all know every gun likes to eat different flavors better than others. I have two boxes of Blazer Brass to try and maybe find a simple cure? Thanks for the input gentlemen. I'm not going to jump to any conclusion just yet but if anyone else thinks of something or has the same problem I will appreciate the input.
My Remington R1 1911 had the wrong front sight installed and their CS sent me the proper one. I dislike not having a rear sight that is not adjustable for elevation but I guess on these SD guns ad the range we need to shoot them for SD from 5 yards in I don't need sights.
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Old 03-12-2016, 09:44 AM
Wizeone Wizeone is offline
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I live rurally and I have to admit that I'm not going to wait until an aggressor is 15 feet or less away unless I have no choice! If "The push comes to shove" I'm going to engage and cover as early as I can to avoid holes in my old fat body. Having said that, I, like most others hope desperately that the presence of my pistol will deter the aggressor enough to allow escape without fatality. This isn't the "old west" and standing up exchanging rounds till someone collapses isn't my idea of self defense. But barring that exchange, I really want to be able to hit my target an incapacitating wound on the first attempt at 50 feet or more. If that requires an investment of $70 or more, so be it.
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Old 03-12-2016, 02:42 PM
boomerguy49 boomerguy49 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Magload View Post
Are you putting the front dot on what you want to be POI or the top of the front sight? The M&P line of guns, Military and Police, are set up as combat sights and the dot on the front sight should cover the POA. I don't like that either as the dot covers up what I want to hit but for SD and the range it is used for SD it is ok.
I found this out from trial and error. I don't really care for it either since my M&P 9c is my only pistol that has this trait. But, it is what it is and as long as I remember it, it won't be a big issue.
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