Ruger GP100: Fixed vs Adjustable sites - How important are adjustables?

[wacki]

Hello everyone,

How much of a difference will adjustable sites make? I've been looking at the GP100's and I noticed that the 3" bbl has a fixed site while the 4.2" bbl has an adjustable rear site. How much of a difference will this make? Is this just for distance shooting or what?

 

[19-3Ben]

Are you going to be testing different loads of different weights?
Is it a range gun, or will it be a carry/HD/woods gun?

Adjustable sights account for different points of impact for different loads.

A 125gr .38spl will likely shoot to a different point of aim than a 158gr. full powered .357mag. If you shoot at the range and want to try different loads, go with adjustables.

If, however, it's a carry/woods gun. I'd get the fixed sights. Find a good defense load that happens to shoot to the same point of impact as the fixed sights are regulated for, and keep those loaded for defense. It's what i did with my SP101.

Fixed sights offer the advantage of there being less to break or screw up.
Adjustable sights offer the advantage of dialing in sights for specific loads.

 

[Lucky Derby]

What 19-3Ben said.
But I will add that MOST fixed sights on .38/.357 revolvers are regulated for 158 grain loads.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The adjustables give a little better sight picture that can also be fine tuned for point of impact. The three-inch gun, however, is more of a "niche" product that is intended for concealed carry; you may have also noticed that it has a smaller grip for this purpose. Here, the high and sharp adjustable sights can snag on or even cut up your cover garment. In the days of police service revolvers, they would often select fixed sights because adjustables can be knocked out of alignment by hitting car doorjambs or other impacts.