Need advice: Revolver front patridge sight

[Guest trumpettgriffin]

I have a Smith 686 that needs a shorter front sight. I have the rear adjustable sight up as high as it will go and my groups are still 2 inches low at various distances (all under 10 yards).

It's not exactly a terrible problem but I want it "right". I need help determining the best way to accomplish my goal. Here are the options I consider:

1) File down the front sight (I'm aware this could be tricker than I imagine but I do have the few tools needed to accomplish it)

2) Buy a new, shorter patridge sight and do a remove/install. (I don't have all the tools needed for this. Need a roll pin punch, drill bit and probably some luck to get it right)

3) Give the job to a gunsmith (have no idea on price for this)

Would appreciate any suggestions, advice or tips.

[gregintenn]

4) Try some different ammo.

Any will work.

[leroy]

4) ....Try some different ammo.

Any will work.....

What Greg said. Try some 158 grain swcs at full 357 velocities (...this one should work...). It sounds like you are using either 110 or 125 grain ammo.

If you want to use the other ammo, i would recommend having one of your gunsmith buddies do the sight changeout. Dont skin up your revolver.

Regards,

Leroy

[Randy L]

I just file down the front sight. Use a few layers of masking tape on the gun barrel so you wont mar the guns finish. Go slow then fire a few rounds file some more if needed. Also lower your rear sight about midway this will give you some adjustment when you get done.

[Bassoneer]

I would let somebody else adjust it or try different ammo but don't use a file on it. I've had three 686's and they have all been very accurate...good luck, B

[Guest trumpettgriffin]

I appreciate the responses so far. I think I will try some 158 gr ammo before I pretend to be a gunsmith. (currently using mostly 142 gr .357s and 130 38 sp.) My feeling is that the sight could still stand to be shorter. As I mentioned, the rear sight is cranked all the way up.

[Guest Jamie]

I appreciate the responses so far. I think I will try some 158 gr ammo before I pretend to be a gunsmith. (currently using mostly 142 gr .357s and 130 38 sp.) My feeling is that the sight could still stand to be shorter. As I mentioned, the rear sight is cranked all the way up.

It's your gun so it should be set up to shoot whatever you want to run through it to the point of aim for you.

Were it me, I'd file down the sight. Before I took the tools to it though, I'd go to the range, and mark the front sight at the point it needs to be. It might take a little shooting to find it, but it'll be easier than filing-shooting-filling some more-shooting again, etc.

Just be sure when you mark the sight, to use that mark as the "top" of the blade, not the real top. In other words, ignore everything over the mark. And yes, set the rear sight in the middle of it's range of adjustment.

The reason I mention this is that I've seen people mark a front sight for filing, then use the top of it when they aimed. It caused 'em a bit of head-scratching once they did their filing and re-tested POA/POI.

Edited January 1, 2011 by Jamie