S&W 610-3 10mm sights

[CarJunkieLS1]

Yesterday I shot my 610-3 10mm revolver for the first time...LOVE IT. I do have some questions though. I shot 4 different types of ammo (all 10mm) through it using the moon clips and had 100% function no issues at all. The thing is that the ammo all hits to a different POI.

All shots were shot at 25 yards off a rest. The PPU 180 jhp hit a 1/2 high and 1/2 right. The Herters (made by S&B) 180 FMJ was dead on bullseye. These are both just fine for target work.

The warmer defensive type ammo is where the issue starts. I plan to deer hunt with this revolver so I need a little guidance. The Underwood 180gr GDHP hit dead center but 2.5 inches low. I shot Hornady 155 XTP and it was dead center but 3- 3.5 inches low.

I guess my question is does my rear sight have enough adjustment to make a 3 inch difference at 25 yards. I want to put a fiber optic front sight on it. What height sight would I need? To get to POI I could replace the rear sight blade correct? Could you guys show me the correct way to measure the sight height I have, so I know how much I'm moving with each adjustment. Thanks Guys

 

[ClemY]

It probably does, but if it doesn't, put on a higher front sight. I haven't shot my 610 in a while, so I don't remember any mods I had to make.
It does point up the necessity to sight in with the load you intend to use for serious purposes.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

Wouldn't raising the front sight make it shoot even lower? I'm assuming that the sights are factory set for the standard factory load of a 180 grain bullet. No problem there with mine. I do want to be able to have my POI up by about 3 inches for the hot loads of use for hunting. That Underwood load went 1325 from my pistol and should make a good hunting load. I guess I need to know what my best course of action is to get it to shoot to POA.

 

[Jim Watson]

The first thing I would do is to turn the screw and shoot. Repeat until you are zeroed or run out of adjustment.
I usually make coarse adjustments half a turn at a time until I get close enough to make one click at a time.

Dawson has the widest selection of sights. Here is a fiber optic for a pinned S&W. They furnish instructions on how to calculate how much shorter sight you need if your adjustments are not adequate.
https://dawsonprecision.com/s-w-pinned-fiber-optic-front-sights/
They have the DX quick change blades, too.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

I just used their calculator and i need a sight that is .033 shorter than what it currently is. I assumed I had a .250 height front sight. Guess I can use my calipers and try to raise my rear blade .030-.035 and if it does then that should get me close. Of course I'll have to shoot it to be sure.

 

[ClemY]

My bad. 3" low? Use the adjustment range of the rear sight. If that isn't enough, then short front sight.

 

[mcb]

You should have enough adjustment and like you guys said worst case put a new lower front sight. Used my 610 for years shooting USPSA competition 40S&W 180gr @950fps. When I retired the revolver from competition it became my hunting revolver shooting 10mm 200gr @1250fps. The point of impact moved alot and my sights had more than enough adjustment range.

Does you 610-3 have the slip-in or pinned front sight? If it has a slip-in then you are golden as they are super easy to change out.

 

[sparkyv]

Slower velocity rounds impact higher; influenced more by recoil because of longer barrel time. Sight in with the preferred cartridge (there should be plenty of adjustment), and then hold over/under with the slower/faster rounds. Measure the sight from base of the sight proper where it meets the ramp to top of sight. I agree with mbc:

Does you 610-3 have the slip-in or pinned front sight? If it has a slip-in then you are golden as they are super easy to change out.

 

[CarJunkieLS1]

You should have enough adjustment and like you guys said worst case put a new lower front sight. Used my 610 for years shooting USPSA competition 40S&W 180gr @950fps. When I retired the revolver from competition it became my hunting revolver shooting 10mm 200gr @1250fps. The point of impact moved alot and my sights had more than enough adjustment range.

Does you 610-3 have the slip-in or pinned front sight? If it has a slip-in then you are golden as they are super easy to change out.

Thanks for the info that helps me out. My front sight is pinned in so it will take some doing to change but I for sure can get it done.

A 200gr XTP is the bullet I'm planning to shoot for deer hunting I'm looking for 1200-1250fps. I'm sure I'll have good terminal results.

Glad to hear I should have enough adjustment with the factory rear sight.

 

[mcb]

Thanks for the info that helps me out. My front sight is pinned in so it will take some doing to change but I for sure can get it done.

A 200gr XTP is the bullet I'm planning to shoot for deer hunting I'm looking for 1200-1250fps. I'm sure I'll have good terminal results.

Glad to hear I should have enough adjustment with the factory rear sight.

Mine is pinned also. I change it out for a fiber optic front sight myself way back when I was using it for competitions.



My first double on deer was with my S&W 610 (no dash) using 200gr XTP launched at 1250 fps using Hi-Skor 800x

 

[cfullgraf]

Chances are excellent that you have enough adjustment in the sights with the 10mm particularly at only 25 yards.. If you plan on changing ammunition on a regular basis, log the number of clicks to "zero" the sights to the different ammunition. It is best to log the clicks from bottom, not from type of ammunition to type of ammunition.

When I was shooting handgun silhouette competition with a 6" 357 Magnum S&W revolver, I had enough adjustment to go between the 50 meter chickens and the 200 meter rams.

But, on the other hand, with my slow moving, rainbow trajectory, 45 Colt S&W revolver, I ran out out sight adjustment at the 150 meter turkey range and had to aim about 20 feet above the 200 meter berm to hit the rams.

If you plan to change to a fiber optic front sight, check with the manufacturer and get their way of measuring the sight.