New SP101 Shooting Low?

[Phatpat1]

I purchased a new SP101 2-1/4" DAO .357 about a month ago and am very pleased with it. It digests the magnum loads quite well IMO. I've put about 200 rounds through it and come to the realization that the darn thing just shoots ridiculously low. I've shot mostly 158 grain SJLN .357 but also 125g .357, 125g .38 Special, and 158g .38 Special-They all shoot low. I'm an avid handgun and rifle shooter though, admittedly, this is the first snub I've ever owned. I've put many rounds through other snubs (Smith 642, Rossi) shooting DA, 6 o'clock hold, and never had this problem. I had been getting these low shots using a 6 o'clock hold on the target. Went to the range again today and it seemed that the only way I could put 'em in the middle where I wanted was to aim at the very top of the 8" Shoot'n'see target. Target distance has been 7 yards each time. Am I doing something wrong or should I contact Ruger?:banghead:

 

[Daizee]

Hi Phatpat, welcome to the forum.

In my experience, most extreme low shooting is due to flinching, but if you don't have that problem with other small guns, then maybe there IS an issue.

AFAIK, the SP101 has shipped with different height front sights over the years for different calibers and barrel lengths, and it's just held in with a roll pin. It's possible you need a higher front sight, which I *think* Ruger will sell/mail you for a nominal fee, which would avoid sending the entire gun in (spendy, slow).


-Daizee

 

[Dynamite Rabbit]

My 3" SP101 in .357 shoots about 3" below point of aim also. I'd love to know if others have the same issue. I think the .327 Mag has a taller rear sight (it's a blade, unlike the .357 that's machined into the top of the frame).

Daizee, it would take a shorter front sight to raise the point of impact. I couldn't find any aftermarket sights that were shorter, but I haven't contacted Ruger.

 

[goon]

A couple things -
- Rabbit is right: You need a shorter front sight to elevate your point of impact.
- Ruger has sent me replacement sights for guns through the mail before so they'll probably help you out if you call them and ask.
- If you don't want to go through all that hassle, get yourself a file and something to protect the gun with. With handguns, I always wrap the gun in a peice of scrap leather before filing on the front sight. From there it's just a matter of shooting a few shots, checking the target, and filing some steel off until you get your sights adjusted.
Be careful to keep the sight level while you're doing this or you'll have to clean it up when you're done. You don't really want to have to do that because it will probably move your POI too high.

 

[arcticap]

Maybe if you raise the pistol up closer to your eye level, it will shoot more to the point of aim. Some shooters crouch or bend forward a little bit while raising the gun causing the sights to be more on target.
If that doesn't work or you choose not to, then try exposing/raising more of the front sight into the sight picture than you normally do and the point of impact should rise.
Trying both suggestions at the same time might help too.
And if you still consistently shoot low, try out some different bullets to see if that helps.
When folks shoot in a hurry like they would in a self-defense or combat shooting situation, I think that there's a trendency to shoot high by not focusing on the sights as much as on the target. So having slightly low sights may not be all that bad. Just imagine if it was dark and you couldn't see them well if at all.

 

[Phatpat1]

Thank you for the logical, timely responses everyone! I love this forum! I'll try out arcticap's recommendation of raising the front sight a little-makes sense. Off to the range!

 

[dougwx12]

Try a 180 grain hunting load. Then decide what the gun is for, and re-sight appropriately.

Also, have a friend leave a random cylinder empty and watch you shoot.

 

[SAWBONES]

I have three SP101s.
All shot low from the factory even with 158gr .357 loads.
All required lowering the front sight (actually, replaced and sighted in using Marc Morganti's "small wonder" front sights) in order to make POI = POA.

 

[goon]

Yep.
But again, an easy fix with a box of ammo, an hour's worth of time, and a good file.

 

[Eagles6]

I got one of the first sp101s and it shot way low. Filed about 3/16-1/4 off the front sight and been shooting it for about 10 yrs or so.

 

[Norstrog]

Mine shoots pretty much to point of aim. However, the .357 loads are friggin' miserable! Well, not that bad but have decided that the bit of extra power doesn't out weigh the decrease in control and fun.

 

[Daizee]

oops, my bad.
obviously the front sight has to go down for the POI to go up.
brainf*rt.

-Daizee

 

[Master Blaster]

Before you do any front sight modification filing or return the gun to Ruger try the following:

Its called a cap and dummy drill.

Load three good cartridges and two spent ones in the cylinder at random, spin the open cylinder while looking away and Gently close it, now when you hit a spent round it will be a surprise.

This will let you see that you are flinching, and will help you practice controling it.

Have fun.