[shootist2121]

I recently purchase a slightly use EMF Hartford 5" barrel in 38/357. Traditional thumb buster..LOL Well i took it to the range and I was expecting some sighting issues and the V nothc is traditional..But i wasn't quite expecting to hit 4 inches low at 7 yards.

The range as a policy. If you can't place 10 rounds within the 9 ring , you cannot move to the next distance of 15 yards, etc. To many idiots have shot up the carraige system because of not using sights and playin ganster.

Well with some Kentucky windage(elev.) I mangaed to place all with in the 9 ring on the third and fourth try. I move the target out to the 15 yard line (Using a B27 target with bullseye taped.) The shots were even lower when holding the proper sight picture.

Obviously I need to shave the front sight. Does any one remember the rule of thumb for height vs inches? I would at least like to do a bit prework prior to going to the range.. Maybe!..

thanks

Be safe

[Old Fuff]

Some of the Italian single action clones come with high front sights and therefore shoot low. As you surmise, the answer is to file the blade down to make the revolver shoot higher (which is much easier then trying to add metal if the gun shoots high). At so close a distance a little metal removal goes a long way, so I suggest that you go slowly. Each individual shooter is a law onto him or her self, but at the distance in question 1/32" would probably change the point of impact about 1 1/2".

Also remember that at 7 to 15 yards the bullet's trajectory is going up, so at a longer distance - say 25 or 50 yards, it may shoot closer to point of aim as the bullet is dropping. Before I changed the sights very much I would test the gun at longer ranges.

Last but not least, different .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads often shoot at different points of impact - as much as 36" @ 50 yards over a whole range of bullet weights and velocities.

[BEARMAN]

Before you file your sights make sure that is the load you will be shooting all the time , because you can't raise the sight easily after it has been filed. Try a heavier bullet, then a lighter bullet, increase the load a little. If this is for carry in the woods go with the heavier bullets and loads but if this is for Cowboy action competitions go with lighter bullets and loads.

[shootist2121]

Old Fuff:
Thanks for the reply.. I just needed to make sure my assumption about small versus what I was doing Kentucky windage wise. When I was using the Kentucky widage it looked as if I need to tak e almost half the front sight..LOL at least visually.. And that rang bell in my head about seeking other input before take file in hand.

And I'm total on board about the differnt loads.. I may take it to a conservation range where I can shoot the full 25 yards and take a few prefer loadings and shoot on the Biggest target I can get my hands on..LOL And see where it all falls out.

I think I'll save the file till then and pick a nice day and just devote it the adventure.

Thanks

Be safe