k-38 shoots to high,need advice

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JIMBO1950

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I have a k-38 circa 1951,which shoots to high and sight adjustment is all the way down. It has a non pinned front site,
and a stock s&w read sight. I do not want to file front sight.Is there a rear sight or blade available for more adjustment???
 
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I reload 148 grain dewc, and cast my own bullets. I have tried other bullet weights and still shoots too high. I need a different solution,or advice.I am sure that with all the members on this forum,and there knowledge some on can help. Thanks for your input!
 
Hi:
How high at what range does your Model 14 group?
Are you using a six o'clock sight picture ?
Have you had another shooter test fire your revolver, and if so does the other shooter shot group high also ?
What powder charge are you using for your reloads ?
 
It shoots 3 inches high at 25 ft. I use 3 grains Bullseye with a 148 dewc seated flush with case mouth.Others have sot it with similar results.I also use 6 oclock hold on target.Windage is perfect,right on target.My last resort is filing front sight,but would like it to remain original. thanks,Jim
 
If you file the front sight, the group will go higher still.

Try increaseing the velocity, or try a tighter grip.
 
7 replys and no one even mentioned installing a lower rear sight slide! Unbelievable, but typical. It seems none of the "well informed afficionados" know different heights of rear slides are available for just this reason.
 
You did not say if it is a Combat Masterpiece (4") or a Target Masterpiece (6"). All front sights were pinned to the barrel in 1951. You will have to hold it in the light just right to be able to see the pin as they were ground flush before bluing.
The correct rear sight height for a 4" barrel is .106 and for a 6" barrel is .126. The rear sight may have been replaced if it does not match these heights.
Good luck;
Mike
 
Jimbo have you compared some different factory ammo types to eliminate the possability its your handloads?
Do you have another .38 revolver to compare the point of impact with both loads as well ?

toyman-albums-s-w-gallery-1-picture523-dry-fire-sight-adjustment.jpg
 
Not sure which rear sight blade you have now, but you can go to a lower blade and the POI will be lowered as well. If you need additional help, contact me at [email protected]. Thanks - Judge NOTE: Do not file the front sight, it will RAISE the POI if you do.
 
The original sights were set for a 158 gr bullet at normal velocity. Using a lighter bullet at a slower velocity will make it print higher. I'm thinkig you need a replacement rear sight.
 
Nearly all of my S&W revolvers shoot high for me; even with the rear sight screwed down. Seems to have gotten worse as my eyes get older. I am pretty sure it's my inability to focus well on the front sight. Red insert sights are the biggest problem. I'm experimenting with some +1 diopter lenses to get a better sight picture. I think I need to go to +1.5 or 2.0 to get a good focus on the front sight.
 
Simple rear site change should do it. Last 28 I picked up shot so low that I was afraid the rear sight elevation screw was about out of threads. Replaced the rear blade with a higher one and now it's in the middle of its adjustment range. Go to Midway and look up their site blades, you can get several different heights, black or white outline. Get the kit. its cheaper than buying the screw and nut separately.
 
Alk8944 said:
7 replys and no one even mentioned installing a lower rear sight slide! Unbelievable, but typical. It seems none of the "well informed afficionados" know different heights of rear slides are available for just this reason.
Click to expand...

The other problem is the startling practice of attempting to "sight-in" at 25 FEET, instead of 25 yards. Due to the trajectory of some rounds, trying to sight in at too close of a distance presents certain unexpected results.

For example, the .223 will need to be zeroed a couple of inches LOW at 25 YARDS in order to be on or a little HIGH at 100 yards. Seems strange until you think about trajectory. I do not know the trajectory of the round used by the original poster, but it DOES enter in to the discussion and the potential solution.

I suggest the following before making ANY change to the revolver, and I urge the original poster NOT to attempt to file on the front sight: Sight in at 25 yards (not 25 feet), use a 6 o'clock point of aim and if the shooter cannot hold a 2.5 to 3 inch group at this distance, then have someone else do it. If that still results in an elevation problem, a new sight slide (blade) is the obvious answer.
 
I, too, would suggest you sight in at 25 yards for starters. Then, if possible, move out to 50 yards, wadcutters or not. I think one point that is often forgotten when moving sights - we only change where we look - the gun shoots where it shoots. We only change where we look. Lighter booits, higher velocity, lower point of impact. And as one person pointed out - longer barrel, more pronounced difference. And do concentrate on a tighter grip, if you're not doing that already. Hope this helps. Mike
 
It sure seams simple to me. If the gun shoots that high, and for his friends also, and it being a K-38 that should come into adjustment for a wadcutter.

THEN HE NEEDS A NEW REAR BLADE. (Rear sight listing)

Even at @25ft the gun should shoot low with the sight down all the way. Rifle comparisons don't apply because their trajectory is so different. Also the only reason for them to shoot that low is usually the scopes height to the centerline of the bore.
 
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