Problems with my old/new 3 screw Super Blackhawk

[SunnySlopes]

I recently purchased a 3 screw Super Blackhawk. I took it to the range today and at 25 yards, it's shooting about 12 inches high. If I adjust the rear sight down as far as it will go, it binds the cylinder. As in, the cylinder will not move.

The load was a 44 mag case, 7.0 grains Unique, 240 grain copper plated Ranier bullet.

As far as it shooting high, would a competent gunsmith know how much of the front sight to remove?

Second, is it normal that it's possible to bind the cylinder with the rear sight elevation screw?

 

[osteodoc08]

Personally, before I go filing away at a sight and make changes, I'd find a pet load I plan on shooting a while before making any changes. Once you find one that groups well and you can live with, only then would I put money into the gun. In other words, try another loading first.

 

[Drail]

Removing any of the front sight will actually make it print higher on target. The load you described should print pretty close to the sights. I think there may be a problem with your rear sight or someone has taken the front sight down too far. If the rear sight is binding the cylinder maybe the screw has been replaced with one that is too long. You need a smith to look at it.

 

[CraigC]

The front sight is too short for loads that light. Which is lighter than I would ever go in the .44Mag. Higher velocities will bring the point of impact down. Otherwise, you need a taller front sight. Not shorter.

 

[rcmodel]

Not sure I agree with that.

Light loads shoot lower then heavy loads.

If it's shooting 12" high with 240 & 7.0 Unique?

It will be well over the top of the target with a full power .44 Mag load.

Sounds to me like somebody already filed the front sight off too much before you got the gun.

Can you post a good photo of it?

rc

 

[CraigC]

Rule of thumb is that light loads print higher, as do heavier bullets. Higher velocities will print lower, as do lighter bullets. All of which is why I had my Bisley .44Mag fitted with a taller front sight. Because .44Spl's and 300gr .44Mag's slung all the way over the target at 25yds

 

[gamestalker]

If the cylinder is binding when you adjust the rear sight down, then it should be very easy to identify the adjustment screw digging into the cylinder, yikes!

And definitely don't go filing anything off the front sight, it will only shoot higher, not lower.

I have an old 3 screw and load it with H110 / 296 and 225 - 240 gr. JHP bullets. It shoots very nicely and has been great on coyotes and jack rabbits out to 100 yds, back when I could see that far that is.

GS

 

[rcmodel]

Well, regardless of where light loads shoot or not.

The thing for the OP to do first is sight it in with full power .44 Mags and go from there on figuring out why it shoots that high with light loads.

rc