Sight Picture

[ArkSlim]

Greetings Sigma fans. Just got my 9mm and would like some info. Untill now I gave been a revolver shooter and am unfamiliar with the new Sigma's sight picture. I aligned all 3 Dots fired 10 rounds at 7yds aiming at a full size tgt. 6 rounds were scattered across the bottom of the target no idea where the rest went (I was aiming at the chest). on the 2nd 10 rounds I elevated the dot on the front sight to the point that it was just above the dots on the rear sight, and all but 3 rounds were inside the 8 ring 2 in the 7 ring and 1 just out of the 7 ring all were mostly to the left of center. I realize part is me but shouldn't the dots on the sights be level? Any and all info. will be appreciated. Glad I've found this site!

 

[angel71rs]

I do the lollipop sight picture on my 9VE, that is align the dots, put the center of the bull right on top of the front post. Some do better aligning the dots, but covering the center with the front dot.

You can't stage the trigger on Sigmas like you can a revolver, a smooth pull all the way thru is required. Try the quarter on the end of the barrel practice technique when dry firing to help work on a smooth pull. Dry firing is not a problem with these pistols.

Low and left is common to new Sigma shooters. I still do it sometimes on the 1st few shots when I take it to the range. But then I settle down and concentrate on proper technique and the rounds start going where I want them.

You will commonly hear that shooting the Sigma makes you better with other pistols. I've found this to be true. I never shoot something with a lighter trigger like my Buckmark 1st. I do the 9VE, then the Buckmark, do much better with both pistols that way.

Welcome to the board. If you're not familiar with TGT, might want to check it out too:

Texas Gun Talk

 

[Quanah]

My 40 does right well out to 25 yards if you align the top edges of both sights, center the front sight in the rear notch, and then halve a 3" bull with the center of the front sight.

Of course you must maintain this picture, without disturbing it, while you finesse the trigger straight back in one smooth motion. If you can pull it off however, the results are rewarding.

 

[leejack]

Welcome to the club!

What you described is common for a new sigma shooter; even experienced shooters that are new to the gun. We've heard this many times before.

Many people here say to line up the 3 dots, but cover the center of the bullseye.

I would suggest (if you're right handed) to apply a little forward pressure with your right hand and counter with a little rearward pressure with your left hand to steady the gun (the opposite applies if you're left handed). Concentrate on the front sight, front sight, front sight as you pull.

With practice and patients the sigma can be shot quite accurately.

As stated earlier, put the old coin on top of the slide behind the front sight and shoot the bad guys on TV with an empty gun. I did this when I got mine and it was a helpful excersize.

I suspect that you will improve by leaps and bounds with practice and focusing on your technique.

Let us know how it goes the next time out.

Good luck & enjoy the sigma! Once you get the hang of it, it's nothing but fun!

 

[TDR911]

Here are a couple of things that will help.

 

[Bat Guano]

I am not a big dot fan, as looking for the dots tends to distract you from a good hard focus on the front sight. I blacked out the rear dots with a magic marker and left the front alone (for now). I don't have a problem witht the front dot per se but I am concerned with sight alignment first and foremost. To me a 6 o'clock hold with my 9VE and my handloads puts the rounds about 1" high at 20 yds which is what I prefer with my revolvers.

When I had a Glock 17 (of evil memories) I put on a set of Novak steel black on black sights. Still couldn't hit a bull in the butt with the thing.

 

[PDL]

Sigma sights are regulated to be on the target, not lollipop. Otherwise you should be focused on the front stight and the target. Top of both sights even and the front sight centered in the slot of the rear sight.

 

[ArkSlim]

Thanks guys for the good information. Hope to go to the range next week will re-read and attempt to use your suggestions. Thanks again!

 

[HspncElvis]

First trip to the range with my SW9VE I was all over the board. Since I've settled down, applied some techniques and off I went. I find my Sigma 9 to be accurate and very reliable.

Good luck and welcome to the Forum.

 

[writerinmo]

Mine shot low no matter what, I installed a HiViz fiber optic front sight made for a Glock on it, not it hits where I point it, the HiViz on being a schoosh shorter.

 

[ArkSlim]

Addendum to post of 12/4! Went to the range last night to qualify for CCL. Time form start to finish a little less than 10min. Had one jam(chamber didn't close completely?) Had 4 rounds off target (low) 5 in the 7 ring all the rest were 8 or better all low and slightly left of center? I qualified. "3rd time to shoot" More practice required.

 

[SocialD]

Mine shot low no matter what, I installed a HiViz fiber optic front sight made for a Glock on it, not it hits where I point it, the HiViz on being a schoosh shorter.

I have the same problem. I installed Mepro light sights hoping to fix the problem, but it is the exact same as with the stock sights. I'm hitting about 3-4" low at 7 yards. I even tried it off of a rest with the same results. I'm considering modifying the front sight to make of the difference, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

-D

 

[hammeredbean]

I shoot an M&P high all the time. At 10 yards I can put a pretty tight group inside a 2" circle....but about an inch or two high. I can put a larger (but still consistent) group 3-4" high at 20yd. The other day I put a 1 gallon antifreeze jug on a tree, lined the top of the post with the tops of the rear notch, and leveled them with the bottom edge of the jug. I shot 10 rds over the top of it (35-40yds). So I moved to 25 yds and did the same thing....lining everything up at the bottom edge of the jug. All the rounds went in the jug but still high on it.

I practice dry firing at home while keeping my kids with a spent case ballanced on top of my front sight....I can squeeze the trigger and dry fire without it falling off...so I'm not pulling or shaking too much. I thought about getting a taller front sight and fine tuning by filing it as needed, but I hate the Novak 3 dots anyway....they fuzz out for me while taking slow aim... So I am ordering som Dawson Precision Perfect Impact black serrated adjustable target rears with a .100x.265 tall front (black serrated) sight... Then I won't have any excuses or reasons to "blame the gun"! I want to be able to bust a 12 ounce can at 30 yds with my trusty M&P compact. As for social work, I won't be concerned about the sight picture while crapping my pants..just kidding. I hope this helped...knowing you are not the only one with results that aren't acceptable with a new gun.