Sight adjustment issue with 24-3

[Kaumheimer]

I recently purchased an ANIB S&W 24-3 with a 6.5" barrel. Took it out today for the first time to test a few loads and to sight it in. It has the ramp type front sight--not the classic patridge target blade.

So here's the deal: It was shooting way high, perhaps 2- 3 inches above the bullseye when I sighted in at 6 o'clock (at the bottom of the bullseye). This was the case even when the adjustment screw was turned counterclockwise, as far as it would go. That means it was flush on the frame.

I checked the frontmost screw on the sight to make sure it was cinched down but it was pretty tight. Perhaps it needed only a half turn to tighten it all the way. In other words the sight wasn't loose which I've experienced before and cured with loctite.

I am thinking of putting on the patridge sight because I like them better but it seems that you should be able to adjust this properly without going that extreme. Had no problems sighting in other models (ie 27, 19, 15, 625, etc) with similar ramp type front sights.

Any suggestions?

mahalo

 

[DCWilson]

I wonder if you have the wrong front sight blade installed on your gun; sounds like it might be too low. If you can mike the height of your sight above the centerline of the barrel (or above the top of the sight base), you might be able to order a slightly taller sight from the factory.

2-3 inches low at what distance?

Have you considered asking someone else to shoot some rounds from your gun to see where they group?

I have an old I-frame target revolver from the 1920s whose front sight is too low -- looks like it might have been filed by someone who took a bead off the top in order to get the sight picture he wanted, but went too far. Very frustrating.

Good luck.

 

[Kaumheimer]

David,

Appreciate your comments. As write this, the tsunami siren is piercing the air in Honolulu! (I'm high on a hill so should be fine).

I have already ordered a patridge site from Brownells that will be considerably higher. The distance I'm shooting is 25 yards. Sure I'll let my shooting buddy try the gun out. The gun is supposedly stock. I think the newer 24-3s came with Baughman sites (what I have) but I'm not sure.

 

[tomcatt51]

With a 6 1/2" barrel a .030" change in sight height will give you ~3 3/8" change in point of impact at 25 yds.

 

[thedane]

I think the elevation adjustment screw should be tightened down clockwise to lower the group . That gun probably had a patridge sight originally when it was nickel plated and the front sight converted to a ramp (I think I remember this gun). The rear sight blades are different based upon the type of front sight and barrel length. If you replace the ramp with the patridge, and put it back the way it was, I think you'll be OK.

 

[Kaumheimer]

The elevation screw is completely cinched down (clockwise). I did tighten the second screw that keeps the sight on the frame, after shooting. Will see if that helps. And yes, as soon as my blade comes in from Brownells, I will swap it out.

In the meantime I'll see what kinds of groupings I can get.

mahalo