Today was my first time shooting my GP100 4". With both .38 Special and .357 Magnum my shots at 25 yards were all over the target while trying to maintain the same point of aim. I know I need to practice more at that range, but I don't know if the fixed sight gp100's are supposed to be zeroed for a certain range. Can anyone answer that question?
GP100 Fixed Sight Zero
- Thread starter gofast
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Old 112
Member
This is what I do when getting familiar with a new weapon.
7 yards-- standing-- a two hand hold.
I shoot at this range until I am consistant in my hold, and fairly competant, and fairly accurrate.
I increase the range as I become better with the gun.
Also, you may have to experiment with brands and loads to obtain better groups.
It has been my experience, and have read,also, that 158gr loads are what these guns are "sighted" for. "This Is Not carved in stone though."
And yes, practice, practice, ect.....
Regards
Old 112
7 yards-- standing-- a two hand hold.
I shoot at this range until I am consistant in my hold, and fairly competant, and fairly accurrate.
I increase the range as I become better with the gun.
Also, you may have to experiment with brands and loads to obtain better groups.
It has been my experience, and have read,also, that 158gr loads are what these guns are "sighted" for. "This Is Not carved in stone though."
And yes, practice, practice, ect.....
Regards
Old 112
BikerRN
member
I have a 3" Fixed Sight GP100 that has a custom Front Sight "zeroed" for the Black Hills 125 Grain JHP's.
It's "dead on" at 25 Yards. POA=POI at that distance. It took some work between me shooting and reporting back to my Gunsmith, and him making the Front Sight. I "zero" my Fixed Sight guns to one particular load. With Adjustable Sights I "zero" to my "preferred" load but also keep data on how to adjust my Rear Sight for other loads I like to shoot.
Start close and work your way back as you improve. The most important thing is getting good "groups". Everything else can be fixed easily.
Biker
It's "dead on" at 25 Yards. POA=POI at that distance. It took some work between me shooting and reporting back to my Gunsmith, and him making the Front Sight. I "zero" my Fixed Sight guns to one particular load. With Adjustable Sights I "zero" to my "preferred" load but also keep data on how to adjust my Rear Sight for other loads I like to shoot.
Start close and work your way back as you improve. The most important thing is getting good "groups". Everything else can be fixed easily.
Biker
with a proper sight picture (reccomended by the manuf.) what distance is the 3" fixed sight gp100 sighted for???
is there a special technique for longer range shots with a fixed sight?? does it come down to mostly using the front sight???
i doubt that it is a great distance or the bullet mass would make too much difference.
also...what is the benefit of adjustable sights outside of target practice (something that isnt moving) or shooting a stationary animal (with little wind...somethign which can vary from second to second anyway)??
also, is the 125 gr bullet the most used/produced in 357mag loads???
is there a special technique for longer range shots with a fixed sight?? does it come down to mostly using the front sight???
i doubt that it is a great distance or the bullet mass would make too much difference.
also...what is the benefit of adjustable sights outside of target practice (something that isnt moving) or shooting a stationary animal (with little wind...somethign which can vary from second to second anyway)??
also, is the 125 gr bullet the most used/produced in 357mag loads???
wanderinwalker
Member
Probably 25-yards with 158gr .357 Magnum loads. 25 yards is the most common "zero" range for handguns, and they will be regulated to whatever the most common standard loading is for the chambering. Meaning your .357 Magnum is not zeroed for .38 Specials.
Technique: FRONT SIGHT, TRIGGER SQUEEZE. That's it, shooting is nothing more complicated than putting the front sight on the target and squeezing the trigger in such a way as to not move the sight off target. Watch the front sight hard. If you're not seeing the orange ball of burning gas from the shot, you're flinchin and not focused on the front sight enough. Try wearing ear plugs under ear muffs and shoot light .38 Special loads at 5-7 yards for a while to get the hang of it.
You can also dry-fire your GP-100 in the basement. Make sure there is no live ammo in the vicinity and check that your revolver is empty at least twice, make sure it is EMPTY. Then pick a spot on a wall in a safe direction, line up the sights and squeeze the trigger. Focus on technique, front sight and make sure you press the trigger to the rear, not to the sides, straight back. This has the benefit of no recoil masking any flinches you may be doing.
With handgun rounds it is recoil that makes the difference in where the bullets impact. Heavier rounds impact higher because they kick harder and flip the muzzle further. Contrary to popular opinion, recoil starts as soon as the bullet begins moving out of the casing. If you lay your revolver on a flat surface on its sights, you will see that the barrel points down in relation to the sights.
At handgun ranges, the benefit is being able to zero to a particular load or for a particular shooter. Also, adjustable sights for revolvers tend to give a larger, "better" sight picture for many shooters (me included). You won't be playing with the adjustable sights constantly anyway. Most shooters zero them for their favorite load/range and then leave them that way.
Possibly. It is the load that generated the .357's reputation as a fighting round. I prefer to use 140-158gr loads, but I also reload my own ammo and find the 140gr Hornady to be one of the most accurate handgun bullets I've ever tried.
Deaf Smith
Member
My speed and service six revolvers are all dead on with 158gr .38 spl. ammo. +p or non plus p.
Deaf
Deaf
I agree with Old 112, however I would use a rest so I know exactly where that gun shoots with any loads you are contemplating...take notes!!
Start closer until you are comfortable and hitting well. Move back 5 yards or so at a time. Your revolver is probably regulated at 25 yards with 158 grain standard velocity ammo,the lighter the lower has been my experience. You will get to know that piece through practice,and patience.
Your choice of revolvers is a good one make the best of it. With young eyes your fixed sight gun is no handicap at all!!
Start closer until you are comfortable and hitting well. Move back 5 yards or so at a time. Your revolver is probably regulated at 25 yards with 158 grain standard velocity ammo,the lighter the lower has been my experience. You will get to know that piece through practice,and patience.
Your choice of revolvers is a good one make the best of it. With young eyes your fixed sight gun is no handicap at all!!
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