Does your 3" S&W 65 shoot low?

[rustypigeon]

I have a 3" model 65 that shoots 2-3 inches low at 25 yards. Even with 158 grain bullets it shoots on the low side.

I am just wondering if this is common with the 3" or is it just my gun? I figure maybe the front sight height was intended for the 4" barrel.

 

[Faulkner]

Mine is right on at 25 yards. I have to qualify with it semi annually so I'm shooting it fairly regularly. All I shoot is 158 grain loads.

 

[Texas Star]

Fixed-sighted guns are a risk in that regard, although I've had excellent luck with most S&W's.

Try adjusting the amount of front sight you hold up, or take a center hold instead of a six -o'-clock hold on the bullseye.
Different ammo brands may also vary.

S&W .38's are intended to hit center with a six-o-clock hold on the bull at 15 yards, with standard speed 158 grain LEAD ammo. I THINK that also applies to their fixed-sight .357's.

T-Star

 

[AKAOV1MAN]

Almost all S&Ws in 38/357 are supposed to be regulated with 158 gr bullets. The speed of the bullet dosen't seem to matter much. Of course the magnums are faster, but until recently there were very few magnums with fixed sights(by recently I mean 1980-that is recent for us old guys). If you are shooting very fast ammo it might hit lower.

 

[tekarra]

Mine too, shoots to point of aim at 25 yards. Also use 158 grain bullets 90% of the time.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Easy fix, find the ammo you will use and very carefully a little at a time, file down the front sight untill the point of aim is obtained. If you choose to do this a little goes a long way and the only way to fix it if you take off too much is to replace the front sight, a gunsmith job for sure.