Filing a front Sight

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I've got a couple of SA fixed sight guns that I'm finally going to have time to dial in. one is a .22 and another is a .45. I've decided the loads to use, and need to file the front sights down some to raise the POI. I need to know what type of file so i can take off a little at a time. I don't trust myself with the dremel tool on such a touchy modification.

Thanks

 

[rcmodel]

Get a 12" fine cut Nicholson file.

Tape a piece of cardboard, slick plastic sheet, or brass shim stock to the back 1/3 of it.

Take the slide off, turn it up-side down, and put the rear sight hard and square against the slick surface.

Then slide the slide just enough for the uncovered teeth of the file to get a bite and take off a small amount of front sight.

(This keeps the top of the front sight perfectly square and sharp against the top of the rear sight)

Reassemble the gun and test fire for zero.

Repeat as necessary until it shoots where it looks.

rc

 

[1911 guy]

Since you said single action, I'm going to assume revolvers.

Find a way to secure the revolvers in a vise or a steady handed friend.
Measure sight height with a set of calipers.
Use a second cut file. A bastard file may be too coarse and a finish file may take you a month of Sundays.
Go to the rifle section and then the useful links library. There is a thread how to calculate iron sight adjustment so there's no "Oops" with the file.

 

[BBBBill]

SA = Springfield Armory or Single Action??

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

One is a Heritage .22 shooting low and A ruger NV .45 shooting low with 250 gr and 235 grain. I'm needing to raise the poi up some on both.

 

[Drail]

Just remember to take off a little less than you think you need. Shoot at least a 5 shot group and see how much you're gaining. I have a piece of thick card stock with a slot cut in it that the front sight blade sits in while I file. When you're satisfied take a small fine stone and break the sharp corners you cut with the file just a little.

 

[rcmodel]

Also make sure you have settled on the final load & bullet weight you are going to use forever.

Heavier bullets and heaver recoiling loads will shoot higher.

rc

 

[45crittergitter]

3 file strokes, then 3 shots. Repeat as needed. Only half kidding....