Ruger Speed Six shoots low

[tbeb]

I have a .357 magnum Ruger Speed Six with a 4" barrel, serial #15975xxx. Height of front sight blade, measured from barrel rib, is approximately .209". (Ruger must measure the height when it's not in the gun because one of their reps said it's .268")

At 21 feet, the only ammo I've fired so far that shoots to point of aim is a 200 gr. lead truncated point bullet ahead of 3.4 grs. of Winchester 231. I'm guessing it does 650 fps from my Speed Six.

Federal .38 special +P 158 gr. lead hollow point, and .38 special non +P 158 gr. lead semi-wadcutter reload hit 1 3/4" below point of aim. Safestop .38 special +P 148 gr. wadcutter, and Federal .38 special +P
Hi-Shok 125 gr. JHP hit 2 1/4" below point of aim. .38 special non +P 125 gr. lead truncated point bullet hits 2 3/4" below point of aim. (Federal says their 158 does 890 fps and 125 does 950 fps. Safestop does about 900-950. 158 and 125 reload does about 750.)

I think making 158 grainers hit dead on at 21 feet is the best thing to do. The front sight needs to be filed down. I know a little bit at a time should be taken off. Initially, what height should I make the front sight blade?

(A retired west coast police officer told me he "thought" Rugers like mine shot point of aim or close to point of aim with full-power or near full-power .357 magnum 125 gr. bullets.)

 

[Clemson]

It will shoot even lower with 125 grain bullets. Filing the sight is a cut and try proposition. Ruger might sell you a shorter blade.

Clemson

 

[tbeb]

I phoned Ruger they don't have a sight for Speed Six. I e-mailed Gun Parts Corporation...

Does anyone have a Speed Six front sight with a shorter blade for sale or know who does? Thanks.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Don't file that puppy. You risk the chance of canting it.

Instead, place your emery paper on a pane of glass. Flip the Ruger upside down and push it back & forth on the emery. That'll work it down and keep it even. Hit the top with a permanent marker to reduce glare and test.

Why sand instead of replace? Well, there's no guarantees that the new blade won't be any shorter. Second, you have to order another roll pin b/c roll pins aren't supposed to be recycled (they lose their spring tension). Finally, it's easier to sand than knock out a roll pin (and you need roll pin punches to install new roll pins).