Sighting in issue with 24-3

[Kaumheimer]

I've got a 24-3 (6" .44 special) that I can seem to get "sighted in". It came stock with a ramp sight that I replaced with a patridge. It shot "high" with the stock sight and continues to do so with the patridge.

The rear sight is dialed down all the way and the front is .243 inches--the largest they make. (When I replaced it I assumed this would solve the problem).

It shoots at the top of the paper if you line up the bullseye at 6 o'clock. I was told by the Brownell's people that I'd either have to get a custom patridge sight made (taller) or shoot lighter bullets with a light load. I'm shooting 200 gr Rainiers now. All the printing is 4-5" too high depending on the load.

Seems strange that you have to work around this problem by loading light bullets with a light load. This doesn't allow you a lot of latitude. I've not run up against a sight that couldn't be adjusted with any of my guns.

Anybody got any ideas?

mahalo

 

[thedane]

I think you want the bullet to exit the muzzle at a higher velocity i.e. heavier load. As the bullet exits the muzzle the barrel is climbing in recoil. The longer time it's in the barrel the higher the bullet strike will be. If you're handloading, what powder are you using and how much?

 

[Kaumheimer]

I've tried a number of different loads for the 240 gr Rainier with 231 starting at the lowest recommended amount. I'm on the road now and don't have the data in front of me. I think it was around 5.4 gr. I've also used AA #5 at 6.3 which I found on this forum. (Note that I mentioned in my initial posting that I was using a 200 grain bullet but I was incorrect. It was a 240 Rainier.)

 

[Alk8944]

Are you aware that the rear sight blades come in different heights? The standard sizes are .126, .146, and .160. Bet you have a .160 in your gun. If it is shooting that high order a .126 kit from S&W or Brownell's and bet the problem goes away.

I am amazed none of the other knowledgeable posters didn't mention this!

 

[borntoraisehogs]

http://stevespages.com/pdf/s&w_28.pdf

Copy of the old manual at the link
No offense meant , but I had my model 27 sight damaged by someone turning it the wrong way at the same time it was sticking . If you are wondering if it was me , no and I was young and stupid , but it still wasn't me . I don't remember who it was , other than definitely not me .

 

[Dave T]

I have a 5" M24-3 that had the same problem. I was going to get the shortest rear sight blade Smith makes as it was still shooting high (about 6") at 20 yards when I cranked the rear sight all the way to the bottom of it's travel. Before heading off to the Brownells catalog I tried some Blazer 200g HPs instead of the more standard 240g loads I was shooting. The point of impact moved down to exactly where I was aiming. I may eventually get a lower/shorter rear sight blade but this was a quick fix and I like that load anyway.

Dave

 

[tomcatt51]

The rear sight is dialed down all the way and the front is .243 inches--the largest they make. (When I replaced it I assumed this would solve the problem).

625's come stock with a .278" patridge. Brownell's doesn't carry them but Midway does. Or S&W.
Smith & Wesson Revolver Pinned Front Sight Black Patridge .278" Height - MidwayUSA

 

[Kaumheimer]

Are you aware that the rear sight blades come in different heights? The standard sizes are .126, .146, and .160. Bet you have a .160 in your gun. If it is shooting that high order a .126 kit from S&W or Brownell's and bet the problem goes away.

I am amazed none of the other knowledgeable posters didn't mention this!

Obvious point. I discussed this with the Brownell's guy. The rear sight appears to have a very low profile. I don't know how it could be much lower but I will have to ascertain what exactly it is.

tomcatt51's comment about the larger front sight blade from Midway is interesting. I will order one and see if that helps.

I would like to try and fix this without having to change the bullet if that is possible. Otherwise it's more like the tail wagging the dog.