125 or 158?

[DMark]

Anybody know what round S&W used to sight-in the J-Frame with during the 3-Screw, Pinned barrel era?

125 or 158 grain?

Thanks!

 

[Mule88]

During that era, probably the 158 gn. Try both both bullet weights and see which one shoots to point of aim better for you.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

During that era, probably the 158 gn. Try both both bullet weights and see which one shoots to point of aim better for you.

Good practical answer.

I find it hard to believe that S&W sighted in J-frame (or K-frame or N-frame) fixed-sight revolvers. Or adjustable-sight revolvers, either, except in rare cases. Anyone have any evidence that they did so?

 

[BreakerDan]

Good practical answer.

I find it hard to believe that S&W sighted in J-frame (or K-frame or N-frame) fixed-sight revolvers. Or adjustable-sight revolvers, either, except in rare cases. Anyone have any evidence that they did so?

Most likely 158s.

To my knowledge, what he means is that S&W would put a certain front
sight height on fixed sighted revolvers to where the guns would
hit in the general area with common ammo elevation wise.

On Colt SAAs, the first generation guns had to have the sight filed down
on most of them to hit with. For example, most original 32-20 SAAs have front sights ground down to almost nothing for them to hit POA. My new custom shop SAA 32-20 has an extremely short front sight....they got smart. Of all the vintage S&Ws I have shot, none ever seemed to have this problem.

 

[dozerhand]

I have heard for years that older S&W MP and model 10's were sighted in at the factory with 158 gr. lrn, at 15 yards poa. I have found that to be true with the three mod.10's and a mod 64 that I have owned. all hb,4 ". not so with a 4" Hiway Patrolman. dozerhand

 

[flop-shank]

"Regulated" would be the proper term for what weight bullet fixed sight guns shoot to POA.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Good practical answer.

I find it hard to believe that S&W sighted in J-frame (or K-frame or N-frame) fixed-sight revolvers. Or adjustable-sight revolvers, either, except in rare cases. Anyone have any evidence that they did so?

I do not know whether they "sighted them in," in the sense of firing a group and then tweaking the barrel or whacking it with a lead babbett.

However, I believe what the original poster is asking is whether the front sight height is mathematically calculated for 125 or 158.

My answer to that question is 158.

 

[DMark]

"Regulated" would be the proper term for what weight bullet fixed sight guns shoot to POA.

Agree!

I asked because two weekends ago I shot an IDPA BUG match with my late Father's Model 36. I used Magtech 158g FMJ and POA was POI.

I was impressed with the little J-Frame. It did such a good job that to honor Dad, I have carried it as my primary weapon since the match. As my BUG, I've been loading it will Speer 125g GoldDots..., but I'm thinking Buffalo Bore 158g LSWCHP might be the way to go for this Model 36.

And...., maybe I'll also start carrying two J-Frames with one of those no-lock 442 as my new BUG.

 

[bmcgilvray]

It is remarkable that all fixed Smith & Wesson .38 Special revolvers, old and new, that I've ever encountered shot precisely to point-of-aim with 158 grain ammunition. I've always thought of that feature as evidence of a quality product.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

One reason why I posted as I did is that I have owned several S&W revolvers which did not shoot to POA with standard (in .38 Spl, 158gr) ammo. So have others, and they have posted on this web site.

If I remember correctly, others have indicated that K's have a better record than J's, which is also my experience, although I have had one K which was off.

I don't know whether Mac's experience is common or unusual, but it certainly isn't the only thing that can happen.