357 carbine pbz

[Rock_Steady]

Okay.

I'm just trying to see if I'm using this thing right or if I'm screwing up somehow. I got an XS ghost ring setup for my 1894c in .357 mag. I was trying to zero it at 25 yards initially, to get it set up - then moved out to 50 yards. Incidentally, I was using my own reloads - 158 gr LSWC with 4.8 gr Unique. I ran out of elevation with the ghost ring - with the rear sight bottomed out, I'm still hitting approx 1" high at 25 yds. Moving out to 50 yds, I'm still high.

Now - am I screwed up or are the sights just the wrong height for me? Suggestions, please? I'm used to sighting in the military way, so it is probably the wrong way. Can anyone show me a trajectory curve with a standard .357 or .38 load so I can see the axis?

 

[roscoe]

I had a problem with my XS front sight height on my Trapper- fortunately it was too high (hitting low), so I just took off a judicious amount with the trusty dremel. I had the opposite problem with the previous set on my 30-30. That time, I had to have them send me a taller front post.

I think that there are so many different models, they can't always get the front post height right. They will swap them for free.

 

[Gordon]

.38 spl loads (yours) alway slam the elevation slide against the housing with a factory front sight. Try using a 110 grain bullet, you will find it hits about right , and for a wuss load-who cares about the weight?

 

[roscoe]

I'm not clear on that. Elevation slide on a front sight? The front sight is dovetailed into the front ramp. Elevation adjustment is made on the rear sight on XS equipment.

Anyway, my ballistics software shows that if you are 1.5" high at 50 yards, you should be within .5" of zero at 100 yards, assuming a ballistic coefficient of .170, muzzle velocity of 1700fps, 158 grains, and .75" sight above bore.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I had the same problem with my 1894CP (16"-.357).
The catalog says a higher front sight may be necessary, it is. With the Marlin, you have the standard American 3/8" dovetail front sight base, so your options are wide open including globe target sights, night sights or whatever.
Sight hieghts are measured from the top of the base to the top of blade sights, or to the center of bead sights.
You probably need a front sight that is .150" to .200" higher than what you have.
Now I have the XS rear, a blade front and a 2x pistol scope on the XS scout mount. A very handy little rig.
With a Blackhawk on the belt, I'm in .357 heaven.