Model 10 shoots to the left

[LAK38]

My two other fixed sight revolvers shoot right on, so I though the used Model 10 (police retirement) I bought would too. However it shoots 4" to the left at 7 yards.

Is fixing this a big expensive deal? I bought this gun to used as a cheap entry into some IDPA matches, planning to get something better if I liked the scene.

 

[robertrwalsh]

Depends what you call fix. Assuming it is in fact the sights you can file out the rear sight to one side to move the sight picture over, file down the front sight on one side to move the sight picture over or twist the front sight sideways a bit.

 

[breakerofwind]

My old 10-5 shoots about 2" to the left at 10 yards, so I shoot 2" to the right.

 

[bgrafsr]

One way to fix it is to bend the barrel with a lead babbitt, but that is for an experienced 'smith to do. S&W armorers do it if necessary. Don't laugh, cry, or cringe, because if done correctly it works.

 

[gtoppcop]

LAK38,

Is this Model 10 a Heavy Barrel or the Light Contour Barrel? If it's the latter, bring it to a gunsmith and have him/her bend the front sight with their bench vise.

Sounds like a crude way of doing it, but it'll work. They should have a decent formulae to deduce how much. It's usually midway between a bit and a bit more...

If it's the Heavy Barrel, the gouge you received above is good. The best way is the Babbitt (prefereably by somebody who's done it before), as it doesn't mess-up the finish. The second best is a gentle filing to open up one side of the rear sight channel.

Stupid question, but I'll be "that guy". Have you tried 2-3 loads to see which one is closer? Have you also enlisted others to see if the gun shoots differently? How do you shoot? Offhand or rested? It makes a modicum of difference.

I get irritated when my fixed-sighted guns have windage issues.

 

[LAK38]

LAK38,

Is this Model 10 a Heavy Barrel or the Light Contour Barrel? If it's the latter, bring it to a gunsmith and have him/her bend the front sight with their bench vise.

Sounds like a crude way of doing it, but it'll work. They should have a decent formulae to deduce how much. It's usually midway between a bit and a bit more...

If it's the Heavy Barrel, the gouge you received above is good. The best way is the Babbitt (prefereably by somebody who's done it before), as it doesn't mess-up the finish. The second best is a gentle filing to open up one side of the rear sight channel.

Stupid question, but I'll be "that guy". Have you tried 2-3 loads to see which one is closer? Have you also enlisted others to see if the gun shoots differently? How do you shoot? Offhand or rested? It makes a modicum of difference.

I get irritated when my fixed-sighted guns have windage issues.

Lol! I tried a second load and it was only 1-1/2" to the left.


I am going out tomorrow to shoot it with several loads and my wrist on a sandbag.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Depends what you call fix. Assuming it is in fact the sights you can file out the rear sight to one side to move the sight picture over, file down the front sight on one side to move the sight picture over or twist the front sight sideways a bit.

Sorry, but none of these are the correct fix.

Often, right handed shooters wrap their hand around the right side of the gun to get a better reach on the trigger to gain leverage. This takes the wrist from behind the revolver where it belongs to the right side of the grip, leaving the revolver to recoil to the unsupported side, the left side. This causes the wrist to flex to the left during recoil, which will place the shots left of the point of aim.

Assuming the OP is not doing this, then the appropriate fix is a knowledgeable gunsmith with a lead babbitt bar, and decades of skill. I suggest not watching the procedure.

 

[chasmatic]

Good advice all. One thing almost overlooked is using a pistol rest when test-firing the pistol. Eliminate as many variables as possible: the only things that should be moving while in the rest are the hammer and trigger.
One thing I know about my own technique is that when I have zeroed the sights using a rest and then shot the pistol freehand, I will be off oh, maybe an inch or two @ fifteen yards. That is due to my grip and trigger pull. I keep basically the same grouping, it's just my hold pulls up a bit or down, ,or over, so forth.
With adjustable sights I can set the sights but with fixed sights pistols I have to hold over or wherever. That was good advice, filing a wee bit off the rear and/or front sight. A little at a time, a few strokes and patience. Can't put metal back once filed away.

 

[Jaymo]

I think you need to eliminate human error and/or ammo issues before you have someone fix what may not be broken.

Where is that chart when I need it? You know, the one that shows different POI vs POA and the human error reasons for them.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Here you go. . . .

 

[Jaymo]

That's the one.

Also, I'd probably check the muzzle crown for damage.
If the gun has been dropped on the muzzle and the crown damaged, that can throw off accuracy.
Don't know if it would cause it to shoot to one side, but most anything is possible.

Anyway, I'd consult the chart that Shawn McCarver has so kindly posted.

 

[RV4driver]

I thought you meant this one...