Model 640 Pro Shooting Low

[gclunde]

I recently purchased a new S&W Model 640 Pro and am extremely happy with the quality of the weapon. However, it is shooting low and am wondering if it needs to go back to S&W to have them make adjustments or if there is anything I can do...? I am not too keen on the costs associated with shipping a brand new weapon back to the factory or having it out of commission until it is returned.

FYI..it consistently shoots about 1.5-inch low at 7 yards. I have tried several different weights of factory loaded ammunition and it seems pretty consistent. Further out, it is obviously worse...

Suggestions?

 

[chief38]

Small J Frames are not as easy to shoot and have shorter sight pictures than longer barrels along with more felt recoil which does not help accuracy. You did not say exactly what ammo you are shooting but I would try some standard velocity 158 grain lead bullets and see how they shoot. They basically use this load as POA = POI.

While I do believe what you are saying, bullets dropping just after 7 yards is counter intuitive to the ballistics tables as they should actually arc higher out to at least 50 - 75 feet then level off and drop as they range out. If you Google .38 special ballistic trajectory you will see charts and graphs and understand what I am saying. Again, I don't doubt you but you may be holding different sight pictures at different distances which could account for your stated results.

If after trying all different ammo brands you are still consistently shooting 1.5 " low at 7 yards, give Smith a call and see what they have to say. I'd also let someone else who is a known excellent & accurate shooter take a dozen or so shots and see how they shoot with your ammo. With iron sights everyone sees sight pictures a bit different. Smith could conceivably shoot the gun and get POA = POI spot on hits while your eyes see things differently. Smith may have different height front sights and they may be able to install a shorter one that will raise your groups.

 

[gclunde]

Thanks for the recommendations and suggestions. I'm new to owning snub nosed revolvers but never had any issue with other revolvers or semi-autos. I'm going to try shooting from a bench and see what that yields...

FWIW, I was using 110 gr Remington HTTP, 125 gr Golden Sabers, and 158 gr American Eagle all in .357 magnum when I've been shooting. Hopefully it is a technique issue that I can resolve.