Sights: Fixed vs Adjustable?

[tiptoe2lups]

Which sight do y'all prefer for a basic SD handgun?

 

[Meeteetse]

Personally I prefer the look of a fixed sighted gun but finding a load that shoots to point of aim is often difficult and then you must stick to it for best results. Adjustable sights make this point moot as you just adjust for the load.

My method for sighting a fixed sighted gun is to use a rest for my hands and arms, not the gun. Once I find a load that shoots to POA I then shoot the gun without the rest to see what the difference is. I have never been able to sight in a fixed sighted gun as tight as an adjustable, but for self defense situations I have gotten it close enough that it doesn't make a difference.

I suppose fixed sighted guns were popular with hard use situations but LE and military often use adjustable guns. The newer adjustable sights are much more durable than the early sights which probably explains why early adjustable sights were not popular in rough conditions.

 

[Dogguy]

At one time, I would not own a gun with fixed sights. That was back when I handloaded and I did a lot of experimentation with various loadings. Nowadays, I own few handguns with adjustable sights. For self-defense, I want simplicity and reliability. I want to be able to handle, point and fire the self-defense weapon with as little there to go wrong as possible. Pinpoint accuracy is secondary. If the threat is so far away as to require pinpoint accuracy to hit the target, it is likely wiser to escape and evade (i.e., run like hell). So, I vote for fixed sights.

 

[OKFC05]

Are sights adjusted by moving a grouping around, shooting hand held? Or are specialty items used, like Ransom Master Rest required?

Weren't the fixed sights the typical LEO issue, while the Adj. sights were for the target shooters?

1. I adjust sights first up close, then fine tune at 50 yds for adj sights.
The exception is silhouette .22, which are set for 100yds, and hunting handguns. I like to rest my forearms, as resting the gun throws off the shot (guns vibrate away from hard objects).

2. Like most generalizations, that's not entirely true. The military M15 revolver had an adjustable sight. Quite a few "target" pistols used in IDPA and USPSA have fixed sights. A fixed sight that shoots to point of aim with the chosen load is very handy and rugged in a "run and gun" action sport.

 

[Evil One]

I prefer fixed sights for a carry/SD gun.
For my M21 TR I was able to pop softballs at 40 yards.
For SD I see 15 yards at the usual maximum, 20 feet in my house.
Fixed is good enough for me.


Jim

 

[SmithSwede]

There's nothing wrong with fixed sights, especially if you mostly shoot loads that are "regulated" to the fixed sights---like 158 grain standard pressure .38 Specials. And there's something neat about a fixed sight M&P---a classic, no-frills revolver.

Personally, I prefer the adjustable sights. Partly that's because I can see them better. On a lot of the adjustable sight guns, the front sight is situated higher, and the notch in the rear sight tends to be deeper, which means I can see the sight faster, both in a hurry, and when I'm taking my time.

The other reason I prefer the adjustable sights is that I've concluded that one significant reason for shooting a revolver in the first place is to take advantage of the increased precision and accuracy that a revolver usually offers over a semi-auto. If I just want to hit reasonably close to a moderately large target, then a semi-auto or a fixed sight revolver is fine. But an adjustable sight revolver permits you to adjust things so you can consistently hit a very small target, regardless of the loads you use, the manner in which you grip the gun, or how your own eyes "see" the sights.

 

[rkjent]

I did not think I would like my Model 10 because of the fixed sights. I love the gun now. In fact I am on the look out for a good Model 13.

 

[Nightowl]

I personally prefer the S&W adjustable sight. The only gun I have with fixed sights is a model 60. If I could find one with adjustable sights I would buy it. Smith sights are a lot more rugged that most give them credit for.

 

[RightWinger]

C&S makes a great fixed sight for carry, but here is the problem, unless you are willing to spend the money to have your front sight milled off, and have a dovetail sight installed, your accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. I installed one of these on a 686 and it looks great, and is super durable, but I am shooting 6 inches to the left at 15 yards.....some people may not worry about this but I'll probably go ahead and get it fixed just to make me happy....I'll get a night sight installed most likely!

 

[old medic]

I learn the gun with fixed, bench it with Adj and find tune it

 

[Joe in SC]

I prefer adjustable sights. I own both and my favorites are all adjustable. I shoot OK with fixed, don't feel handicapped with them. Several of the guns I carry on my person have fixed sights. I make sure I know exactly where they hit with the ammo they are loaded with.