Colt Trooper Mk III

[Gun Geezer]

I've had this beauty for years. She ALWAYS shot spot on for me. Always. But I do not recall what I used to shoot in it: 38's mostly or 357s. At the time I was fairly a noob and paid no attention to such things. Amazing, I know.

Well, I've gotten tired of shagging brass and getting back to my revolveers. Had her out at the range shooting at 15-yards, using some medium to light reloads in 158 gr 38 Specials. I KNOW I was not pulling it down, not flinching, etc. but it shot consistently 4 to 5 inches low.

I have always heard that revolvers (especially 38 snubs) are "regulated" to shoot particular loads, bullet weights, etc. Not sure it's so, but it's what I've heard. Would that be the case for a fairly heavy 357 like the Trooper Mk III?

Let me put my question another way: Assuming I dont't flinch, hold with the same grip, etc. would shooting a heavier bullet with more recoil (like a full house 357) make the gun shoot a tad higher? Enough to account for 4 or 5 inches at 15 yards?

 

[C5rider]

It's not you. Or, at least it's not ONLY you.

I've noted the same thing when I'm shooting low-end 44 mags or hot loads. I'm sure someone can come on here and tell chapter and verse as to the physics of why all this happens. For now, I can tell you that you're not in the twilight zone.

BTW: Enjoy shooting that Trooper!

 

[Walkalong]

Wonderful guns, but they will not shoot to the same point of impact with light .38 Spl type loads as they will with full power .357.

 

[funnelcake]

Flatter shooting cartridges rise less at close ranges. By the time you feel recoil the bullet is long gone.

The Mark III's rear sight is adjustable. Just start cranking up a bit per shot.

Funnel

 

[silicosys4]

From everything I've read and experienced, yes. A heavier load will tend to hit higher than a lighter one, and from what I've read, recoil lifting the barrel is the cause. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please.
Also, not to sound snarky, but It's a popular misconception that a bullet rises after it leaves the barrel. Given a barrel is perfectly horizontal when fired, the bullet begins dropping as soon as it clears the support of the barrel. What causes the perception of bullet rise is the relation of the angle of the sight plane vs the bore. Sighting in usually means having your barrel at a very slight upwards angle to get an arc trajectory, so that you get that 100 yard "zero". You can zero your rifle to different ranges by altering the angle of the bore hence the arc of your bullet travel,
But at no point will the bullet rise above the bore.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong in my understanding of the physics of the matter.

Just won a trooper mkIII at auction tonight, I'm excited! Very classy revolver.

 

[funnelcake]

Rise according to POI for the sights - not the barrel. Agreed it would be tough for a bullet without it's own power source to actually elevate in flight. I guess they'd be mini-missiles...

Recoil impulse - maybe so. You can't argue with the physics of setting something into motion... You can find video documentation that show both before and after, but those would have to be considered anecdotal. Though I do think this will vary by firearm design and ballistics of the cartridge (how much recoil is "felt" by the time the bullet is on its merry way).

Regardless, the OP needs to raise the rear sight. Especially given the data noted above - a .357 load would hit the target even lower since the slower .38 travels down the barrel more slowly providing more opportunity for muzzle rise via recoil.

Funnel

 

[dfariswheel]

To explain how sights and bullets behave, I tell people to try the "garden hose" experiment.

Get a hose and step back about 10 feet from a target. Aim the hose directly at the target and the water won't hit the target, the stream of water will drop and hit the ground short of the target.
In order to hit the target you have to point the nozzle up and arch the stream of water up in the air so it'll reach the target.

Bullets work the same way. The instant a bullet leaves the muzzle it starts to drop under the force of gravity.
In order to hit a target you have to point the muzzle above the target and arch the bullet upward so it'll hit the target.

 

[OilyPablo]

The Colt Trooper Mk III is really a great gun. It's a REAL bargain - a lot of gun in the $500 range.

What length of barrel? I have the exact gun with a 6" barrel and at 15 yards I really don't notice the difference in rounds, maybe I'm numb to such things, but 5" is pretty huge. I can shoot powder puff .38Special or .357Mag burners and it's point of aim give or take my ability.

 

[Gun Geezer]

Mine has a 4" barrel.

I'm going back out Saturday with a variety pack of ammo from soft 38s to maxed out 357s in various bullet weights. Shooting off sand bags. I'll see what's what and that's that.

 

[Dframe]

See Silicosys4 excellent post about the physics of shooting above!!

Yes lighter bullets tend to shoot lower because of Sir Issac Newtons laws. The gun begins recoiling as soon as soon as the bullet begins to move, and before you actually "Feel" the movement. A lighter bullet recoils less and causes a little less muzzel flip. Since the barrel tends to rise, as you shoot, a heavier bullet allows the muzzel to flip up slightly more and give you a higher point of impact on the target.
The solution is simple. Adjust your sights to accomadate the load you're shooting. The Trooper is an excellent gun