Question regarding regulation of fixed sights for S&W 357 magnum

[ken p]

Models 13/65 581/681 and 520 all have fixed sights.

They are regulated for the 158-grain bullet and designed to shoot to a certain POA/POI.

Is this supposed to be 15 yards or 25 yards?

Is this supposed to be a 6-oclock hold or a center hold?

Is this the same distance for all of the fixed sight model 357-barrel lengths (4-inch models and the 3-inch models)?

 

[WR Moore]

Most fixed sight handguns are sighted to put standard weight for caliber bullets about 2-21/2 inches high at 25 yards if you're doing everything else right. Lighter bullets will shoot lower, heavier bullets higher. Unless-like with the obsolete 200 gr .38 Special load-the velocity was adjusted to keep POI close to that of the "standard" round.

It's been decades since I shot our issued 681's. We were issued the 125 gr Federal .357 load and, by foggy memory, it shot reasonably close to point of aim at 25 yards. BUT: the 581/681 were developed after that load started destroying K frames and the sights may have been set for that load.

 

[remshooter]

my 1980's M-65 hit point of aim with 158 grain magnum loads, if i remember right ,hit 3-5 inch. low with 125 gr. magnum loads ,