Model 36 Front Sight Height Issue

george_lehr · Jul 1, 2013

I have a Chiefs Special that shoots okay, but requires use of a modified sight picture to place shots at the correct elevation. At 50' using a target with a 3-1/2" bull, I have to have to sight the top of the front sight even with the top of the bull and the top of the rear sight even with the center of the bull. Otherwise, all the shots are too low.
I've searched and read some threads about this and realize it could be the result of shooting my mild reloads, but I don't have the same problem with either my 2" M&P (pre model 10) or my 4" Model 10-2.
It bothers me enough that I'm thinking of spending an afternoon at the range with a file to cut down the height of the front sight.
I'd appreciate any comments you all can offer.

gboling · Jul 1, 2013

Before filing the front sight I would shoot two boxes of different high quality defense ammo to determine if it is the gun or the ammo. If the sight then needs alteration adjust the front sight for the most important situation you intend this gun to be used for

There are surely more experienced gun smiths than me on this forum. However, it has been my experience that guns with fixed sights often will not shoot to point of aim. For that reason I have kept only one S&W revolver with fixed sights and have replaced the Novak sights on two 3rd Gen. autos with adjustable sights. I have at least 8 S&W revolvers with adjustable sights and each one can be adjusted to shoot to point of aim at any useful distance with any ammo I chose. For me, adjustable sights rule.

hotrod150 · Jul 1, 2013

I found that 110 gr JHP factory ammo shot low out of my 2" Chiefs- maybe 2 to 3 inches low at only 7 yards. 148-158 gr handloads shoot to point of aim. I'm change ammo, or maybe add a CT laser grip which can be zeroed. I saw a model 10 at a gun show that had it's front sight "zeroed" for light ammo by filing down and it looked horrible-- ruined it for shooting heavier loads too.

george_lehr · Jul 1, 2013

My hand loads were 158 grain lead RNFP and SWC. I just recently loaded a few hundred 148 grain wad cutters. I'll try them, but don't expect much to change. I haven't bought factory ammo in decades. My personal defense loads right now are some old Sierra 125 grain jacketed soft points and hollow points slightly more robust than my normal target loads. I can only shoot them on the outdoor (25 yard) range and could barely get a couple shots on the paper. I need to spend some time with large paper targets on the variable distance "sighting in" range. The thing is that my other fixed sight guns shoot to POA just fine with my hand loads.
I appreciate the comments, but if I can get my gun to shoot my normal loads without using a special sight picture, I'll be very happy and will probably never get rid of the gun.
My favorite shooting is on the plate range. The usual ambient lighting makes special sighting very difficult and results are very disappointing.

Model 36 Front Sight Height Issue

george_lehr

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gboling

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hotrod150

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george_lehr

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