I am getting consistently low impacts with my 39-2. I'm shooting a 124 gr JHP, (Precision Delta) over 4.5 gr 231. It has been very accurate from several different guns. The impact is about 3" low at 12 yards, from a sandbag rest.

The 39-2 has no elevation adjustment. Is there a easy method (other than replacing the sight blade), to adjust the elevation? I don't want to file the front sight.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Look around for a factory fully adjustable rear sight.

Attached Images

39adsight.jpg (80.2 KB, 50 views)

I see five avenues to take:
file the front
change the rear blade
switch ammo
live with it
sell the gun.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Kentucky elevation works for me! But try some 147 grainers.

Before you do anything rash or expensive ,
1.) maybe a grip adjustment, how you hold the gun or a different set of grips might help .

2.) Try different loadings , increase / decrease your powder charge , try a different powder , try a different bullet .

I can usually get a fixed sighted S&W to shoot to the sights with enough fooling around with grip/grips/powder /powder charge / bullet weight and profile .

I managed to get a fixed sighted WWII Walther P-38 to shoot dead on with a Lee 105 gr. cast SWC sized .357 over 4.7 grs. Unique ! This load will take the X-Ring out of a target , dead center ... now if that's not the strangest 9mm Luger load I don't know what is .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Try heavier bullets.

I've posted this range report before, but my 39-2 shoots almost exactly the same as my Browning Hi-Power. I use pretty much Winchester White Box, 124 grain, FMJ (stated 1140 fps).

My targets at practice sessions are set at 10 yards (electronic), indoors so no wind, standing, off hand.

Have you tried a box of factory ammo (any brand) just to see if there may be a problem with the handload?

Seems like a lot of drop to be 3" low at 12 yards. I'm not sure (don't have my exploded view handy) but if the windage attachment screws at rear sight are loose, or something jammed, could that "tilt" enough to cause different site picture?

Attached Images

	BHP-1.jpg (83.8 KB, 34 views)
	Browning Hi-Power full size 2.jpg (68.5 KB, 32 views)
	M39-2A.jpg (87.2 KB, 33 views)
	Mod 39-2 right side.jpg (65.3 KB, 39 views)

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

Change your sight picture. Do you use a "6 o'clock" hold, where the bullseye is parked on the tip of the front sight? If so, try changing to a "sunrise" hold, where the bullseye is hidden behind the top of front sight. At 12 yards, that would be about right to bring the POI up where you need it.

With no adjustment for elevation in the rear sight, you'll have to change your sight picture anyway as you increase the distance to the target.. Once you know how much 'hold-over' you need for a given range and load, it gets easy.

I read on here years ago that Smiths were considered self-defense oriented and were regulated to shoot low.

My Model 439 is regulated for a center hold at 25 yards. Seems to me that the 39-2 I had many, many years ago was the same. My 6946 is also regulated for a center hold at 25 yards.

Make sure you are not over-gripping the pistol and pulling the muzzle down as you fire. Align the sights on the center of the "X".

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

As I mentioned in my original post, it was shot off of a sandbag rest. The group is just fine, sub 2". I have also been using a center hold POA, as I do with all my non bullseye pistols. I don't want to alter the load as it was worked up as my accuracy load, and is shoots fine from 3 other 9mm's.

I'm probably going to alter the front sight slightly.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Only problem with lowering the front sight is that there is not a whole lot of front sight to lower. Filing it down is a permanent alteration to the slide, no going back.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

This is why I made the effort to put the factory optional adjustable rear sight on my 39-2. It is a reversible mod and I can adjust the gun to the ammo and not the other way around. It’s also easier than trying to replace the forged front blade!

People often complain about adjustable sights being easily broken or knocked out of adjustment, but this has never been a problem with any firearm in my possession, and I consider the flexibility worth the “risk.” JMHO ~ YMMV.

Froggie

Easiest method. Start shooting at 25 yards.

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Expect the unexpected