Sighting in the Birdshead ACP. Need a File

[redlevel]

I spent some time this afternoon sighting in my new Ruger. My preliminary findings from last week based on twelve shots were confirmed: the gun shoots low and left with 230 grain hardball. Today, I shot 12 rounds each of three different brands; Federal, some 18 year-old UMC, and WWB. I wanted to make sure that changing brands didn't result in a major shift of POI. It didn't. All the groups averaged about 4" low and 1"-2" left. I need a file.

I first fired six rounds of each brand at a 2" bull, using a six o'clock hold, seated, at 15 yards, with hands resting on a thick pistol rug. Then, I fired six more rounds at each bull, with the same loads. I wound up firing a 12 shot string of WWB because my first six-shot string was interrupted by a phone call, and wound up scattered all over. I was glad I did, because the WWB probably wound up with the best group (pattern?:roll eyes: )

Some results. (By the way, I gave the gun a Poor Boy's Trigger Job last night in anticipation of the afternoon's shoot)

 

[feralmerril]

I assume you also have a .45 colt clyinder too? I also assume that if you shoot some 250 grain you will be on the money for elevation. I have a similar one in a cimmeron thunderer.

 

[brucev]

I would suggest that you try out a number of different loads for your revolver. Find the one factory and/or handload that gives you the very best results you seek for accuracy, velocity and on target effectiveness. Then once you've decided on that one particular load or perhaps several that are very similar, file the front sight to obtain your desired zero. I am sure you know this. I only make the suggestion out of concern that possibly someone else might not be aware of it. I have a Smith Corona 1903-A3 on which I installed a very "A" front sight which I then filed down to obtain a very precise 100 yd. zero for use with lead bullet loads in vintage military rifle competition. With that single load, it is a marvelously accurate and consistent rifle. With other loads, sight adjustment are required. JMHO. Sincerely. brucev.

 

[redlevel]

I assume you also have a .45 colt clyinder too?

Actually, no. The Lipsey's BH Vaquero is available in either .45ACP OR .45 Colt. I understand that Davidsons has the exclusive on convertible Vaqueros, so Lipsey's offers theirs in either/or. I bet the frames are all built with tall front sights so they will accommodate the heavier .45 Colt bullets in those guns. Notice that in the photo the gun is marked .45 ACP. My Flattop Blackhawk Convertible, also a Lipsey's offering, is marked simply ".45 Caliber." I intend for this gun (the New Vaquero) to be a dedicated .45ACP, so I will eventually regulate the sights for 230 grain hardball.

I would suggest that you try out a number of different loads for your revolver. Find the one factory and/or handload that gives you the very best results you seek for accuracy, velocity and on target effectiveness. Then once you've decided on that one particular load or perhaps several that are very similar, file the front sight to obtain your desired zero.

Yeah, I tested with Federal, UMC, and WWB yesterday, with similar results from each, all 230 grain hardball. I will try some Wolf and Blazer ammo I have on hand. I also intend to replace the "poor boy's trigger job" with a set of the aftermarket springs. The trigger return seems a little sloppy with the pbtj, and the hammer spring will absolutely wear your thumb out in a shooting session. I already replaced the base-pin spring with a stronger one to keep the pin from backing out under recoil.

Any filing of the sights will be done in a judicious manner, probably over several range sessions. The only other option I can think of would be to install some kind of bead in the front sight blade indicating the proper hold, a la Elmer Keith's long range guns. Also, I am going to have to darken the top of that polished barrel and sight somehow. Even the slightest bit of sunlight causes a heck of a glare.

It might not sound like it, but I really like the little revolver. I think the BH grip is going to call for a little-finger-tucked-under grip, but that's OK with me. I have already put in my order for a Lobo built Threepersons holster, and I can see a lot of fun and utility from the gun in the future.

Here 'tis with the full size frame (Old) Vaquero Sheriff's Model in .45 Colt.

 

[jimmyj]

Not knowing your type shooting and power factor desires, Have you considered a less powder charge? This would give a higher POI.
Also turning the barrel a tweet might help your windage problem.
Jimmy

 

[quneur]

Personally, I would let Ruger deal with it. I would be too afraid of messing with it. Was it Savage that tested each rifle before release?

 

[6pack]

Those birds heads strike a chord in me. Glad to see them back on the market...even in limited runs.

Great looking gun. I hope you get her sighted in to your satisfaction without too much hassle.

 

[6pack]

Those birds heads strike a chord in me. Glad to see them back on the market...even in limited runs.

Great looking gun. I hope you get her sighted in to your satisfaction without too much hassle.

 

[deanodog]

I traded for a S&W model 22-4 thunder ranch ACP and some of the early models came with a too tall front sight and shot low. I filed it to raise POI with 230 gr bullets. S&W changed the sights on some of these but I did want to send it back. I owned two of the later model 22-4s and they shot to POA with the factory. I love the bird's head grips on yours. Very nice gun.

 

[Texas1941]

One thing I might suggest: check the POI from the position and with the grip you will use most often. I have had several fixed sight revolvers that had different POIs when supported vs offhand. If the grip and stance you will use still gives a low POI, then it's time for a little file work.

The windage question is another animal altogether. I have had revolvers bbls that could be turned a bit and have had some that required machine work. It seems to be an individual gun sort of thing. I've never had to bend a front sight, but know several people that have done so.

If you should contact Ruger, I'd really like to know what they say.

Cool revolver by the way...

 

[feralmerril]

You mentioned putting your little finger under the butt. Thats fine, however dont do it if your shooting with your hands resting on the bench or car hood. Like the much used saying, "Dont ask me how do I know?".

 

[Alpo]

Glass-bead blasting on the top of the frame and barrel work wonders for getting rid of glare.

 

[redlevel]

I finally got the chance to "adjust" the sights on the BH Vaq today. Fifty rounds and judicious use of a couple of files did the trick for windage and elevation. I might try to tweak it a little more, but I quit today when I got seven of nine shots on a two-inch bullseye at 20 yards, seated, resting my hands on a rolled up jacket. I used two very close-grained files, a flat file on the front sight and a three-cornered file on the rear notch. I had to remove a good amount of material to get the elevation right. I would shoot three rounds and check, file a little, and shoot three more rounds. I had to remove very little material from the right inside of the rear notch. This is something to do very slowly. File a little and shoot. This gun will be used strictly with 230 grain hardball, and that's what the sights are regulated for now.

Also got the Lobo Threepersons holster. Makes a neat little outfit.

 

[feralmerril]

Looking good.

 

[deanodog]

Good shooting on the sight adjustment. I love it when a plan comes together.

 

[alwslate]

Seems like I remember reading on the Ruger forum that the Vaqueros
were made with a too tall front sight so that owners could file them in
with their load of choice. Sort of do it yourself adjustable sights. I have
a 4 5/8" Vaquero in 44 mag and I had to cut down the front sight to
zero it with my mid range loads.

 

[tops]

You mentioned putting your little finger under the butt. Thats fine, however dont do it if your shooting with your hands resting on the bench or car hood. Like the much used saying, "Dont ask me how do I know?".

That will make you say "ouch, golly and gee whiz". Larry

 

[Gyrene6891]

Both of my New Vaqueros shoot low and left. I thought it was just me...