Advice on Filing a Sight

[Buff51]

I have a new Charter Arms Undercoverette in .32 H&R Magnum. It shoots low, so I need to file down the front sight a bit. Other than "go slow and be careful" does anyone have any specific advice? It is made of stainless steel.

 

[Jim K]

First, have someone else shoot it to make sure the gun is at fault, not you.

Second, if the gun does need work, examine the sight and determine the best way to file it to keep a good looking profile. (Important if you sell the gun.)

Third, if possible, take the gun and a file to the range and file as you fire. Stop a bit shy of zero so you can finish the job at home where you can keep the right profile and angles.

Jim

 

[Kruzr]

Use a wide file and go in one direction, not back and forth. (It's easier to keep the top of the sight level with a wide file.)

 

[Buff51]

Thanks guys.

 

[jmorris]

Try different loads first. Also, if you know how many inches high/low or left/right a firearm is shooting, brownells has a formula to calulate how much the sights need to be moved (in .001") based on the distance between the front and rear sight.

 

[Buff51]

Update

I achieved success. The gun now shoots where I point it. The only further advice I would add to the above is to put some thick tape on the barrel just behind the sight, so if the file slips you won't mar the barrel.

 

[DWARREN123]

Are you using factory ammo? Depends on amm/bullet type on where your POI will be. I have a Ruger SP-101 in 32 H&R mag and reload. Reloading is the way to go to get the best out of this cartridge.
Fun round for sure!

 

[Buff51]

I wasn't able to find many different loads for the gun, but did manage to find 3 to test with. In the end, the one that shot best was my preferred ammo anyway--Federal home defense loads with hydrashok bullets. The gun is dead on with these, whereas it flings the other loads out several inches from the center of the target.