Sight options for accuracy?

[DatGuy]

What type of sights are good for accurate shooting a longer distances than the usual 7-25 yards?

I have a 4" 627 Pro that I know is more than capable of accuracy beyond that range, but the wide notch and front blade of most sights I see aren't helping much.

This is really just for fun, but for example I have a 14 inch steel plate hanging from a tree that is 176 yards from my porch that I can hit 3 or 4 times out of every 8 shots. The problem is that at that range the front sight blade is much wider than the target, so repeatable accuracy isn't a possibility (not to mention windage, bullet and load variation, barometric pressure, humidity, ect., ect.).

So, what sights do you guys think would be best to help me "dial it in"?

 

[M3Stuart]

I think the word you're looking for is "scope".

Targets are just a blur to me at 50 yards, much less 176 yards!

 

[ATF]

If you can shoot anything at that distance with iron sights you must have bionic eyesight.

Get a sniper rifle.

 

[6string]

Your target and distance are perfectly reasonable. Metallic Silhouette, at least by IHMSA rules, is 200 meters. You probably want a Patridge front sight (plain black) and a square notch (black) rear. The first rule of sight picture is focus on the sights. Minor errors in sight alignment will result in a wild miss.
The target should be blurry. Sight for a 6 O'clock hold. The target (fuzzy) just sits on top of the front sight.
You'll probably need to experiment with different sight blade and notch widths. The amount of light that shows on either side of the front sight when viewed through the rear sight is largely a matter of preference. And people do change their mind in this regard. A lot of people err on the side of a too narrow front sight or too little light showing both of which fatigue the eye, making focus harder to maintain.
Oh yeah, if you are not already doing it, learn to keep both eyes open.
If you do a search, you'll find free copies of the AMU (army marksman unit) manual that lays out good fundamentals of iron sight pistol shooting, albeit for traditional Bullseye competition.

Best regards,
Jim

 

[DatGuy]

Thanks good info Jim, thank you.

If anyone can point me to some more precision sights that have thinner front blades or rear notch or would work the same way, I'd appreciate it!

 

[Frank237]

Are you accounting for the coreolis effect? Could be why the misses at 176 yds. Not accounting for the rotation of the earth.

Seriously....I have a 5" 627 with the ability to easily switch out the front sight blades. I found a spare blade and had a machinist surface grind it to IIRC, about 1/10". I forget the exact dimension. But it's pretty thin.

Allows one to see more of the target at 100-200 yds, but THEN it's tough to keep the frt , aligned in the now too wide, rear notch.

I've also tried a brass bead type front and if the bead is SMALL I like that. But most are quite large , designed for short range work.

Everyone's eyes and preferences are a bit different. What works for me probably wont work for you.

 

[OKFC05]

Dawson Precision has an excellent selection of sights for all types of shooting. Give them a call. If they don't have it, they can make it.
www.dawsonprecision.com SIGHTS FRONTawson Precision Front Sight Cut Category

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
Shoot your load at 7 yds, is the group smaller than the front sight?
If so , the gun and load will stay in the front sight as the
range increases. [ the front sight covers more of the target]
Is your front sight larger than the 14 in steel?
Is the group in relation to the front sight larger than the steel?
First test your load and self up close , then apply at distance.

 

[one eye joe]

YOUR FIRT PROBLEM IS THAT YOUR GUN SHOULD BE SIGHTED SO THAT THE BLADE DOES NOT OBSCURE THE TARGET, THE PROPER SIX O'CLOCK HOLD, ALLOWS THE PLATE, THE BLACK, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU ARE SHOOTING AT, TO SIT ON TOP OF THE FRONT SIGHT WITH JUST THE THINNEST STRIP OF LIGHT BETWEEN THE TWO. THIS IS A REPEATABLE SIGHT PICTURE, THAT DOES NOT OBSCURE THE FRONT SIGHT AT ALL. BEFORE YOU START FOOLING AROUND WITH SWAPPING SIGHTS, TRY THAT. BTW--THE 6 O'CLOCK HOLD IS THE PROPER HOLD FOR TARGET SHOOTING WITH IRON SIGHTS AT ANY RANGE……...

 

[scooter123]

Since I'll be turning 60 in February I've developed a fondness for Optical Assistance. For distances out to about 40 yards I've found that a Reflex Sight works well and the right setup can work with an off the rack holster with just a minor modification to the holster. BTW, the following are J Point Reflex sights on a mount specific to the S&W new mounting pattern made by JP Rifles.

Then for longer ranges a scope can come in handy. Such as the Nikon Monarch 2 power shown on my model 620. BTW, with a LOT of practice and a sandbag rest I've managed to get down to 7/8 inch at 50 yards with this setup.

Finally, for an Old School Rifle nothing is more fitting than a Rear Tang Peep Sight. Here on my 1892 Winchester and I've managed to shoot 1 inch groups at 50 yards with this setup in full sunlight.

 

[DatGuy]

This is a ton of excellent info. I appreciate it all and would love some more. Thanks guys!

 

[Bill Douglas]

I think you are doing very well as you are Datguy. Keep doing what you are doing and enjoy - happy new year.

 

[karrrhu3]

I have shot to 100-200 meters with iron sights, but only in good sunlight. Can't see the targets very far unless lighting is bright or the targets yellow/orange against dark or something.

 

[DatGuy]

The target plate I use at 176 yards is spray painted neon orange. If it weren't for that I probably wouldn't be able to see it either!