Taurus PT 92 AFS Sights

[mikemyers]

I still have my Taurus PT 92 AFS - bought it two years ago, used it once, and then set it aside while concentrating on other things. I have a question about either the sights on this gun, or maybe my question is really about "dot style" sights in general.

Unfortunately, my gun does not have adjustable target sights, and I've been told they are no longer available. So, I will use what I've got.

The front sight is a "post" with a red dot in the middle.

The rear sights are similar to ordinary sights, but on the right and left, there is a white dot.


If I use the gun the way I shoot any other gun, I line up the sights and shoot. However, I noticed that when I do that, the red dot is higher than the white dots. If I line up all three dots in a straight line, the top of the front sight is lower than the top of the rear sight.

I've never used a gun with these "dots" before. How are people supposed to use them? Lining up all three in a straight line sounds logical, but on this gun, I can't have both. Either I can have all three dots in line, or I can have the top of both sights inline.


I must be missing something. I wish I could just order new target sights, but for right now, I'd like to understand what is going on. Until then, I'll continue using the gun while ignoring the dots.

Here's two photos, but they look distorted because of the camera angle. The do show what I'm referring to, regarding the height of the three dots.

 

[JTQ]

The purpose of the dots is to help you see the sights quicker and easier.

Normally, you still line up the the front with the rear, regardless of where the dots are. However, it doesn't mean Taurus didn't decide to make you line up the dots instead.

Ultimately, you need to try the sights and see where they line up to create the accurate shot.

In any case, here is an adjustable rear sight for you Taurus is you're looking for an adjustable sight for your gun.

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/sights/rear-sights/index.htm?avs|Make~~Model_1=Taurus__PT-92

 

[mikemyers]

Thanks, JTQ. Yesterday was the second time I've fired this gun. After getting a little more used to it, I fired 25 rounds at a target 15 yards away. Group size was 4" (undoubtedly my fault, not the gun), and the group was nicely centered about half an inch high. Lining up the dots would have lowered the group, so maybe maybe that's how the sights are expected to be used?

Two years ago I searched for target sights - the one place that used to provide them no longer had any in stock. The one you linked to is good, but the one I think I would prefer now that they're actually available for sale, if I actually go ahead with this, is:

http://ads.midwayusa.com/product/735016/lpa-tpu-target-rear-sight-taurus-pt92-58-100-steel-blue?cm_mmc=pf_ci_google-_-gunsmithing+-+gun+sights+(metallic)-_-lpa+sights-_-735016&gclid=Cj0KEQjw5Ie8BRCJ9fHlr_bH24cBEiQAkoDQcdz2BmJy8qdID_ivLvJqsgZ1QpbRbV8StweEYsmncMQaAgz98P8HAQ

From all the reading I did, it's not just a matter of sliding the rear sight off and replacing it with the target sight - there are some small parts of a "safety" under the sight, and unless done properly, parts go flying, to join our new satellite inspecting Jupiter. I doubt Taurus would do the work, so I need to find an appropriate gunsmith. Also, whatever I get needs to be compatible with the existing front sight, unless I get that changed as well.

For right now though, I just want to enjoy the gun, get used to it, just the way it came. I've read that it is a very accurate handgun. I've also noticed that 9mm is a very enjoyable round to shoot - minimal noise and recoil. Very "civilized".

 

[9mmepiphany]

Uhm...those are the same sights

What I usually do with a pistol with 3-dot sights is darken the rear dots with black paint or a sharpie.

Just ignore them. They exist for a reason that isn't compatible with your goals

 

[mikemyers]

Yep.

I did learn one thing - 9mm is probably more suited for me than 45 ACP. Now, if I could wave a magic wand, and change it into a Dan Wesson PM9.

I'll probably leave it as it is now. It's fun to shoot. Who knows, maybe it will get better over time. For something that sells brand new for around $450 or so, it has a lot going for it.

On the other hand, while the sights may not be fully adjustable, the rest of the gun doesn't know that. I can continue to shoot it the way I shoot any other gun, using the sights normally.

I did find my answer eventually - the three dots are for rapid target acquisition, not for aiming.