Question about new Rock Island sights

[ChasMack]

I bought a new Rock Island Armory 45 acp Tactical. I took it shooting and with 2 different types of bullets, both 230gr hardball, the gun shot about 7" below POA. The group was ok, but all shots were low. The RIA has the Novak rear sights and the front sight can apparently be replaced since it slides into the groove or slot at the front. So my question is: Do I file the sight down little by little till it's on target or do I replace the sight with one of a different height? I tried calling Armscor and the operator says the phone is either out of order or I dialed wrong. I dialed 3X same thing. I'd just as soon file it, but would like some more knowledgable people to chime in...please.

Chuck

 

[LiveLife]

I would let the pistol "break in" first before modifying the sights.

My friend's RIA did the same, POI was a bit off from POA. After about 500 rounds, POA/POI improved and after about 2000+ rounds, it is now shooting POA/POI for both of us.

 

[9mmepiphany]

How many rounds do you have through it so far?

Have you tried shooting it off a rest?

I'd confirm is was the gun as opposed to the shooter/technique before I'd start filing on the front sight

 

[contactcole]

I purchased an ATI 5" MilSpec/GI that shot about 6-8" high at 70'. Opposite problem, same reason: front vs. rear sights were not properly matched. I installed a lower rear sight to solve the problem. My front sight is staked. With dovetail front it's easier to change the front. IMO, confirm it's the gun then go forth.

 

[ChasMack]

I have 10 rounds through it and I was shooting offhand. I didn't have a lot of time so I just compared it to my RIA 38 super. I really didn't think a break in period would affect how high or low a pistol shoots, I'll give it a try. I got on hear after the 10 rounds to kind of nip it in the bud as Barney would say ")

 

[bigfatdave]

you're complaining about sights after 10 rounds?

that has to be a typo, you mean 100 or 1000 rounds, right?

 

[ChasMack]

I'm comparing to some of my other guns where right out of the box they shot pretty much to POA. I have had some guns that required a break in but none of them were off by 7" low. So I put 100 through it today, so I need to reload some and give it a go tomorrow. In any event at 7-10 yds I was shooting 5" low...so about the same as before (7" low @ 15-17 yds). Very nice groups though. I aimed at the top of the 7 ring of a B-34 target and shot out the 10 ring...with a couple of flyers .

 

[9mmepiphany]

Free hand?

Have you tried it off a rest?