Just how fragile are adjustable sights?

[Boats]

Over the years, especially since I prefer handguns for a self-defense role rather than for target or match shooting, I have eschewed adjustable sights on all of my handguns.

However, now that I am looking at acquiring a Ruger GP-100 or a CZ-85 Combat for a fun and games first, SD second role, I am faced with a choice. Get the fixed or adjustables?

The adjustables don't seem to be so wimpy that I will knock them out of accuracy with the slightest effort during IDPA and I like the theoretical ability to change my POA/POI to suit what I am shooting and shooting at that moment.

Then again, there is something to be said for the fixed sights on my 1911s being zeroed in at a fixed distance with a known load and always knowing where my POA is and where my POI will be when shooting a target closer or farther than the zero.

What to do?

 

[mattk]

Depends on the brand. BoMars originally had a rep for being fragile because they were. They are a whole lot better now.
Millets, LPA's, etc still are fragile compared to fixed sights.

I used to carry a Millet Sighted Hi Power but due to clumsiness, tight spaces, hard work, I would occasionaly bang the rear of the gun and its sight on Door frames etc.

The sights would sometimes adjust themselves. Mostly to the left.
Only carry fixed sighted guns now

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've never damaged sights, but then, I'm careful with guns. Adjustable sights seem more ruggedly constructed today than thirty and forty years ago.

 

[J Miller]

I have had great service from adjustable sights in the last 30 years. S&W's, Rugers, Dan Wessons, Colts. All have been used and some have been used in IPSC competition. I have never had a sight fail.
And only one was damaged because I fell on it. My fault, not the guns.
All my handguns but one have adjustable sights.

 

[Soap]

Anyone use the MMC sights?

 

[happy old sailor]

all my add-on adj sights have been Bomar. all are in their late 30's and early 40's. all mounted on auto loaders, 22 to 45. never had a problem with any, (7 of them). i do not use these on carry guns for they have many sharp corners. the sharp front sight of target sights raise hob with holsters. and, i see no need for them in a concealed carry capacity.

ppl with adj sights on their rifles do not seem concerned they will break them by bumping them around. case in point, the Garand in WW2. but, some ppl can break an anvil.

revolvers?: 4" and over, adj. 3" and under, fixed.

course, this is just me. YMMV

 

[Gordon]

I just got my Gold Cup back from gunsmith who sunk in the Wilson Combat Gold Cup sight. It looks like the adj sight I've always dream of , twice as strong as a Bomar IMHO.

 

[WESHOOT2]

"MY EYES ARE BLIND BUT I CAN SEE"

Had the MMC adjustable on my Glock M20; liked 'em lots.

All my (big) carry guns wear adjustables and I've never had any woes with them........................

(quote from Vol. 4)

 

[sm]

I've not had a problem with any of my adj sights.

It's the fixed I have trouble with. Glocks hate ME -sights fell off when opened the box on a new one my gunsmith ordered for a customer. I busted the front sight off a J frame once...I was a bit rough with that gun, still suprised my gunsmith ...go figure

 

[Soap]

Do any of you do one handed reload drills where you catch the sight on something to rack the slide? I like adjustables, but I'm just afraid they won't hold up for me.

 

[Gordon]

With all due respect Mr. Flory , I'd have to be pretty badly amputated to 'rack the slide' with my sights! I'll keep it in mind it can be done though!

 

[Island Beretta]

I have LPA sights on my Beretta and I find it to be durable.

I rarely if ever change the settings. It was zeroed at 15 yds. using Federal 115gr. ball.

 

[Soap]

Gordon-

You could rack a slide if you caught a bullet right through the tendons of your arm? Or one that breaks the ulna? A direct hit right in the middle of your shoulder? Bravo!

 

[Gordon]

I could rack my 1911s by pushing on plunger on anything.

 

[Soap]

That is true Gordon, but your side always goes with you, plus it is always solid. Instead of relying on searching for a foreign object to use, I would rather just react in the same way to malf or one-handed reload every single time. Muscle memory and all. YMMV of course.

 

[Robby from Long Island]

I just had the front sight on my P14.45 LTD work loose after only about 100 rounds. It moves loosely side to side inside the dovetail.

It's the first time I've ever encountered an adjustable sight that failed. Guess the odds caught up to me.

Now I've got to figure out how to fix the problem without turning it into a major deal.

 

[VaughnT]

I've been carrying a S&W 686 at work for almost four years and that rear sight isn't damaged one bit. The same can't be said for a few other's in the vault, but they are all still serviceable. And remember, we work off armored cars which ain't easy on gear.

Also, I just had Ted Yost install that new Novak adjustable rear on my Colt 1991 and it looks to be a very durable design. I've fired about a thousand rounds through the weapon to date and haven't seen any signs of loosening or loss of zero. Of course, this could be due to Mr.Yost's craftsmanship which is excellent.

Are adjustables worth the time and money? Absolutely. When I got my 1991 back from Ted, it wasn't shooting nearly as accurately as when I sent it to him. I was shooting the same ammo as before (still had most of a case waiting on my tricked out lady) and called Ted to see what he used to sight it in. Sure enough, when I ran some S&B 230g FMJ through her, she shot straight. POA=POI. The GA Arms ammo I was using just shoots differently for some reason.

If I go with ProLoad or S&B or WWB or whatever, I would have a bear of a time getting fixed sights to line up with the point of impact should that be different from the point of aim. With adjustable combat/target sights, it's literally just a question of turning a screw.

I like them.