ETA: Mods, I was initially thinking of putting this in the ammo forum, but since it focuses more on defensive shooting technique and "practical accuracy," I posted this here instead.

Is it just me, or is the 130-135 gr. bullet weight ideal for a fixed sight J-frame using a flash sight picture where you're focusing almost entirely on the front sight?

I bring this up because I've noticed that, while aiming using only the front sight (with an unloaded firearm, natch), the POA is a couple inches above what the actual and desired POI would be if I were shooting 130 or 135 gr. rounds.

I tested this out on the range with Federal AE 130 gr. ball firing at a fairly quick cadence, and the result was better than practical accuracy. Almost all of my shots were nicely clustered within the vital zones of an anatomical silhouette, and the flyers (which were my fault; I blame it on letting my trigger control get sloppy) were still within "minute of felon."

I'm not a "seasoned operator." I'm not preaching that this technique is "the right way," either. I'm just curious if anyone else has made this observation with their J-frames. I will admit, though, that I'm really pleased with the actual results and that I am loving the trigger characteristics with a 9 lb. mainspring.

With lighter bullets such as the 130 grain your J should print below point-of-aim. That is because the front sight is regulated for 158 grain loads.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

At 10-20ft. is there really any appreciable difference?

That's always been true in my experience, at least with my particular J-frame (a M36 Chief's Special). I'm not sure if the newest ones are regulated for lighter loads or the old stalwart 158 gr. bullet.

Yes, it does make a difference. On a B27 silhouette, a 2 to 3" low POI doesn't mean much, but on an anatomical silhouette where I'm trying to place shots in vital organs or the CNS, it is a big deal. I want my shots to hit exactly where I instinctively point to without needing to adjust my sight picture.

I like running a 140 or larger grain bullet in my Smiths when I'm able, even in my J Frame. I'm currently working with my reloader on a 158gr standard pressure round for carry. I like the slower, heavier bullets for a little more "thump" and a little less "zing".

Makes sense. I've been more or less preparing myself to live with the new light-for-caliber wonder loads from Speer and Winchester since Remington may have ruined my preferred carry load.

As I posted earlier, I'm now carrying the Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 grain LSWCHP-GC .38 Special. Virtually identical to the good Remington stuff ballistically--some people say they have clocked it a hair faster--with a nice soft lead bullet. Low-flash powder, and safe in any .38 Special revolver. What's not to like, other than the price?

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Oh well, what the hell.

For anyone trying to figure out what exactly I'm rambling about, try this: With an unloaded J-frame, point at a target and aim using only your front sight. The blade should rest immediately below your POA. Now, without moving the sight, slowly line them up. If you see what I've personally observed, you'll notice that the actual POA is about an inch or two above where you want the POI to be. If you were using a 130 or 135 gr. load in a "J" regulated for 158 grs., they would hit low but strike the desired POI.

My question is: Am I just imagining this or is this really what happens when you aim using only the front sight blade?

Speaking only for myself, a few things actually, but I respect you and your choice. I also don't want to stray too far off-topic by elaborating on that.

That is my second preferred load also. I carry my revolver loaded with Buffalo's hard cast 150 grain wadcutter and my speedloaders have the 158 grain LSWCHPGC. The "GC" is for "gas check," makes a lead load clean like full jacketed load.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

This is what happens when you aim using only your front sight. It is referred to as "looking over your sights" causing you to aim high.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Much obliged. I didn't know there was actually a name for this until now.

I was somewhat surprised and pleased that the Speer 135gr +P hits pretty close to point of aim for me at seven yards. I've shot standard pressure 130gr loads that dropped three or four inches at that distance. Also, it isn't any less pleasant to shoot than the standard pressure 158gr loads I'd been previously using with that gun. Of course, ymmv.

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

You're spot on about the recoil characteristics. For me, it feels virtually identical to shooting FBI loads with maybe a tiny bit less push than the latter.

My particular M36 only "likes" 158 gr. bullets. Anything lighter shoots low. Now that I know that aiming over my sights by using only the front blade puts the lighter ones exactly where I want them to go, I don't feel as apprehensive about using the GDSB or PDX1 loads. If anything, it's useful in that I'm not spending as much time aiming to achieve virtually the same results, which seems like a welcome boon in a self-defense scenario.