Vertical stringing 681

[PatriotX]

Hi folks,

Had the opportunity to make some once-fired brass with a buddy, and managed to do the hard work of emptying those cartridges.


The new-to-me 681 [Pigpen] was amazing on the plates and spinners, but I had a hard time on the slow-fire paper targets at longer distances.


At 50 and 75 feet, the groups were better than expected horizontally, but very stretched vertically. Height-to-width was about 4:1. Several different factory loads shot to different POA, but with similar group sizes.


My feeling is that aging eyes are conspiring with the fixed sights to impede a repeatable elevation sight picture at longer distances, but I’d appreciate counsel from those with far more revolver shooting experience than I.


Any suggestions to possible user errors would also be appreciated.


Merry Xmas, and here’s a gratuitous pic of revolver in question:

 

[ralph7]

Maybe get someone else to see if they have the same results?
Could be a lighting problem due to the all ss sights.

 

[Fishinfool]

I would also guess its the front sight. For older eyes, rounded front sights are hard to be consistent with, and often show vertical stringing at longer range. A nice sharp Patridge front sight would probably help.

I doubt its the ammo, as several different factory loads produced similar results.

Larry

 

[SAFireman]

A little bright red or dayglow hobby paint might do the trick.


If all else fails, send it to me

 

[Oracle]

I buy protective shooting glasses that have the top portion of the lens like reading glasses. Your front sight is in sharp focus and you can see the sweet spot of the target. All you need to do is go to a store which has a rack of reading glasses and find which magnification power works the best.

Their website and the product: TOP FOCAL TACTICAL – SSP Eyewear

 

[rockquarry]

First, I'm not an expert on anything, but know what has worked for me.

Probably shooter shortcomings as you suspect, but I'd shoot some groups over sandbags or from a sturdy pistol rest at 25 yards. Also, shoot the smallest target/bullseye you can focus on consistently without eyestrain. This can make a big difference in group size. Too large a target will often work against you when assessing accuracy.

If you get good groups using the rest, then you'll know what to work on.

 

[kaaskop49]

First, I'm not an expert on anything, but know what has worked for me.

Probably shooter shortcomings as you suspect, but I'd shoot some groups over sandbags or from a sturdy pistol rest at 25 yards. Also, shoot the smallest target/bullseye you can focus on consistently without eyestrain. This can make a big difference in group size. Too large a target will often work against you when assessing accuracy.

If you get good groups using the rest, then you'll know what to work on.

^^^what he said! Also, can you have a buddy with wheelgun experience shoot Pigpen for you? That way, you can compare results and assure yourself it is not (or is ) the gun.

BTW, I did not originally agree with your plans for the gun's logo, but am now of the opinion that it looks cool! You've done a good job bringing it back. Happy holidays to you and be safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[PatriotX]

I buy protective shooting glasses that have the top portion of the lens like reading glasses. Your front sight is in sharp focus and you can see the sweet spot of the target. All you need to do is go to a store which has a rack of reading glasses and find which magnification power works the best.

Their website and the product: TOP FOCAL TACTICAL – SSP Eyewear

Thanks very much for the link. That may help.

^^^what he said! Also, can you have a buddy with wheelgun experience shoot Pigpen for you? That way, you can compare results and assure yourself it is not (or is ) the gun.

BTW, I did not originally agree with your plans for the gun's logo, but am now of the opinion that it looks cool! You've done a good job bringing it back. Happy holidays to you and be safe.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Thanks! I was really planning on resurrecting the gun, lined up a replacement 681 barrel, crane and cylinder...then remembered that joke about Houdini’s original wand.

It’s had the tip replaced four times, the butt three, but the shaft ONLY twice.




So I decided to go with the grain -or in this case, the scratches- as opposed to doing what younger me would have done and invested the time, money, and effort into something that would have been ultimately unsatisfying.


Now, it’s a rat-rod. Not for everyone, but it’s...something.

 

[PatriotX]

Maybe get someone else to see if they have the same results?
Could be a lighting problem due to the all ss sights.

It was overcast, so very little contrast; I bet you’re right.


Two-handed from the bench was about an inch wide and four inches tall, straddling Bull at 50 feet. Group expanded to about 2 inches wide and 7-8 inches tall just right of Bull at 75.


I’ll try some nail polish first and report back.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have a 681 , I used fluorescent green on the front sight . I also recommend NOT placing the revolver on a bench rest , bean bag etc . You can lay your forearms on a rest of some sort but not the gun . It does effect accuracy has been my experience . Regards Paul

 

[Jimmyjones]

My old eyes need the paint on the front site, but when I string vertically with a rifle, it's usually my breath control.

 

[rockquarry]

I have a 681 , I used fluorescent green on the front sight . I also recommend NOT placing the revolver on a bench rest , bean bag etc . You can lay your forearms on a rest of some sort but not the gun . It does effect accuracy has been my experience . Regards Paul

I guess I should have been more specific regarding benchresting a handgun, but assumed everyone knew how to do it properly. If you rest the frame only, you'll be okay, but don't let the gun butt or barrel touch the rest at all. You'll get the same effect by doing as cowboy4evr mentions, but the inexperienced may have more difficulty with this method. Try it both ways at 25 yards.

 

[PatriotX]

I appreciate all the suggestions.

 

[kreuzlover]

Revolvers with grips that have finger grooves will sometimes exhibit vertical stringing. If you have some grips that don't have that feature, put them on, and try shooting some more groups.

 

[snowman]

PatriotX,

Another possible factor to consider, which I've experienced but haven't seen mentioned here, is the consistency of one's grip on the gun from shot to shot. I've experienced variations in elevation because I found myself gripping the gun more or less tightly for one reason or another. This, I believe, is more of a factor with the heavier-recoiling guns(I assume that you're firing magnums -correct me if I'm mistaken.). A tighter grip and/or stiffer wrist will tend to cause the shot to print lower, since it restricts the muzzle rise. The opposite also occurs with a more relaxed grip.

Regards,
Andy

 

[rockquarry]

PatriotX,

Another possible factor to consider, which I've experienced but haven't seen mentioned here, is the consistency of one's grip on the gun from shot to shot. I've experienced variations in elevation because I found myself gripping the gun more or less tightly for one reason or another. This, I believe, is more of a factor with the heavier-recoiling guns(I assume that you're firing magnums -correct me if I'm mistaken.). A tighter grip and/or stiffer wrist will tend to cause the shot to print lower, since it restricts the muzzle rise. The opposite also occurs with a more relaxed grip.

Regards,
Andy

Very true and it seems more noticeable with lighter guns.

 

[gerhard1]

You might try blacking the front sight out with a Magic Marker. This was done at a Grant Cunningham class for my 681 and it seemed to help.

Plus, it is not hard to remove if you decide against it.