22-4/Model of 1950 .45 ACP Questions

Eveled, I've thought about getting a Victory Model, just for kicks, but that's all the further I've gotten with it; a thought. I'm just not ready for more guns. Wait, I am, but my wallet is not.

Rick, I may get into the same territory. Groo gave some good advice: find/decide on ammo, adjust the sight on the gun until it's all good, then go get a ramp made that is the same height.
 
Since last posting, I've gotten a set of checkered Altamont Super Walnut grips to help with the recoil and worked on my front sight focus and trigger squeeze. I had the day off yesterday, so I checked out a recently-opened range and popped a few caps.
I had ammunition from 3 different manufacturers; Winchester white-box, Federal American Eagles, and Magtech blue box, all these were 230 grain. The bullseye targets were (I'm guessing based on how many cinderblocks down the wall I sent the target carrier) about 20-25 feet, and the silhouettes were in the 15-foot range. All of these, except for one of the "dirty bird" targets (top left bullseye), were fired with double action only. The silhouette targets were the last I shot, each had 12 shots fired at them.
When I do my job correctly, the sights work well. I seem to be either tightening my grip as I fire, using too much trigger finger, or dropping my head just as I fire. Or it's some combination of all three. I felt as the Winchesters and Magtechs were slightly better for me, so I went through what I had left of the Federals just to have some reloading brass for later.
I have a lot of practice to go, I know. I'm still not keen on this plain half-moon sight, it's the one thing I haven't been able to modify/replace yet. However, I have new confidence in this revolver and in my experience confidence in the equipment counts; not as much as practice, but now I in no way feel like I have a lemon of a revolver.
 

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It's been a year, so I guess it's time to pick this thread back up again. Today I did a live chat with a representative at S&W and found out some good information.

After giving her the revolver's serial number she told me the correct front sight height for this model is .227. I was looking for a ramp, in any height like .219 or .227, but they are out of ramps in that range. I was told the .219 ramp is discontinued as well. She mentioned a the possibility of a .230 ramp, but when she double-checked discovered it was for the quick-change ramp system and wouldn't work with my revolver.

Ultimately, she found two .228 patridge sights, one with gold bead, the other without. She said they were only a few bucks so she'd send me one if Id like to try it out, free of charge. I said, "Who can argue with free?". I asked for the black one, and she included a few extra pins in case I want to go back to the half-moon.

While she was getting a tracking number for the order, I asked if she could tell me when the revolver was made, and she had it immediately: 17 March 2009. I laughed and said, "St. Patrick's Day?" and she confirmed. I said, well after I finish each trip to the range with it, I should probably have a Guinness. Her reply, "Cheers to that!".

I just wanted to pass along a great experience with a great company. Again, Thanks S&W!
 
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I hope your patridge sights work out, and it's good to hear that you had a good experience with S&W customer service.

If you end up going back to the half-moon sights, here's an example of how you can paint them yourself. I painted the half moon front sight on my 22-4 nickel model, and I'm pleased with the results.

22-4%20close_zpstoiml1ah.jpg


22-4%20far_zpspdvjsdgj.jpg
 
Thanks, Lou! This looks great; especially when viewed from the operator's point of view!

I considered just painting the half-moon, but decided to give S&W a call and check what they might know/have.

I'm still wanting a ramp. I'll probably end up buying one slightly too high and filing it down, because I can't leave well enough alone.
 
Practice with different ammo. Find out works just right or close to it. I normally put paint on the front sight. Old eyes need help. 3 of my guns have F.O. front sights. Helps me. Put them on this, but it is simple, on a JM. Bob
 

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I've tried different brands, but it was all 230 grain; similar results. With more focus and concentration I got closer to the center of my targets.

I think my bigger obstacle is my getting used to shooting revolvers. I can shoot my 1991A1 is much more instinctive, but I like the challenge with this project.
 
Practice with different ammo. Find out works just right or close to it. I normally put paint on the front sight. Old eyes need help. 3 of my guns have F.O. front sights. Helps me. Put them on this, but it is simple, on a JM. Bob

These grips look similar to some I've seen on eBay, made/shipped from Thailand. I like them. They're actually close to the look I asked my woodworking buddy to rework the grips my revolver had when I purchased it.
 
I removed about 25% of the sight to get it zeroed for elevation, and shaved one side to get it on for windage (dramatically improving the sight picture in the process).
I would still like to get some sort of post sight, as all of my shooting is outdoors, and the height and angle of the sun really affects the appearance of the "half nickel".

Reviving this old thread with some info. My TR 22-4 hits perfectly to the sights. Just measured the stock half moon, it is exactly .200"
 
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