Zero for fixed sight revolvers ... your approach to this "problem".

[MCMXI]

I shot a couple of new GP100s a few weeks ago and the fixed sight 3" model is shooting 6" high (but centered) at 15 yards with the reloads that I want to use in a rifle and two revolvers. So what's your approach to zeroing a fixed sight revolver? It seems to me that there are a number of ways to go depending on whether you shoot factory ammunition only, factory ammunition and reloads or just reloads (as in my case). I don't know if fixed sight revolvers are commonly used for hunting and I imagine that many fixed sight revolvers are used for CC or general self defense so what range do you typically want to zero your fixed sight revolver for? I haven't tried the 3" at 7 yards or 25 yards with those particular reloads but that will be the next step. I calculated that I'd need to raise the front sight by just under 1/16" to bring the group down to the center of the target at 15 yards. Typically, I like to zero my handguns for 25 yards.

 

[David E]

Replace the front sight with a taller one, in your case.

I suggest you find "your load" first, tho.

 

[MCMXI]

Replace the front sight with a taller one, in your case.

That's my plan at the moment assuming that groups are still high at 25 yards and assuming that I can find a taller front site for the Ruger. I have to admit that I typically shoot pistols at 25 yard targets so I have no idea if a handgun load could be on at 7 yards, high at 15 yards and back on again at 25 yards . My ballistics program (ExBal) is of no help either since it's intended for rifle loads. Anyway, I was curious as to what other folks do who shoot a variety of factory ammunition and/or reloads not to mention a different cartridge in the same revolver such as .38 Special in a .357 Magnum. I haven't even thought about my two Blackhawks that came with .45 Colt and .45 ACP cylinders. One member here cut notches in his front sight IIRC and filled them with paint (possibly different colors) for his different loads. This would work if the loads are shooting low (relative to the front sight) but wouldn't be of much help for loads shooting high.

 

[BCRider]

I recently went through this with a Model 10 when I started reloading. Had to set the loads to suit the sights.

Oddly enough if it's shooting high that implies either that the previous owner got carried away with the file on the front sight or that you're shooting too soft a load or a bit of both if the previous owner trimmed the sights to suit hotter .357Mag loads.

The issue is that a hotter round will exit sooner and thus hit lower. So the stage is set to file the front sight to bring up the POI to match the POA. If he set up the gun strictly for .357Mag loads and you're shooting normal or softer .38Spl then the front sight is just plain too short to suit your ammo.

Just for the heck of it try some .357Mag loads and see if it shoots to POA with them.

 

[madcratebuilder]

If the front blade is pinned you can change it out fairly easy, other wise I use Kentucky windage.

 

[Hondo 60]

+1 on the Kentucky Windage.
My 10-5 isn't pinned & I ain't about to ruin the bluing by filing or replacing the front sight.

Practice, Practice, Practice.
Darn! I have to go to the range again!

 

[snooperman]

+2 on Kentucky windage..

I will second what Hondo 60 said, PRACTICE. I find it challenging and fun to use Kentucky windage at different distances with my fixed sight revolvers.

 

[Sam1911]

If the sights are still in factory condition (no filing) printing high usually means that you're shooting a heavier bullet than what the gun was sighted in for. If you're shooting 158s, for example, try 125s and see if that fixes the problem.

If you get it sighted in at 25 yds, it will be perfect at 7 and 15, too. The bullet doesn't drop enough in that distance to matter.

 

[Sport45]

I shot a couple of new GP100s a few weeks ago and the fixed sight 3" model is shooting 6" high (but centered) at 15 yards

Use a 6 o'clock hold on a 12" bull and you're good to go!

What sight picture are you holding?

 

[MCMXI]

Just for the heck of it try some .357Mag loads and see if it shoots to POA with them.

I only shoot .357 Mag loads, specifically, a 180gr lead bullet from MBC with 13.0gr and 13.5gr of H110. Both loads shoot high with a center hold. Does this imply that I'd be shooting even higher with .38 Special or lighter .357 Magnum loads?

If the sights are still in factory condition (no filing) printing high usually means that you're shooting a heavier bullet than what the gun was sighted in for. If you're shooting 158s, for example, try 125s and see if that fixes the problem.

The GP100 is NIB with the factory front sight. As I noted above, I'm shooting a 180gr lead bullet so you're right about me shooting a heavier than normal bullet. I have three revolvers (two GP100s and a Python) and a Marlin '94 chambered in .357 Magnum and want to shoot the same 180gr hot/hunting load in all four firearms.

If you get it sighted in at 25 yds, it will be perfect at 7 and 15, too. The bullet doesn't drop enough in that distance to matter.

Excellent! I sight all my handguns in at 25 yards since that's the closest target at the local range. So I'll adjust the front sight to get a zero at 25 yards once I find the most accurate load in the rifle.

Use a 6 o'clock hold on a 12" bull and you're good to go! What sight picture are you holding?

I like center of mass holds i.e. I hit what I'm aiming at. I was aiming at the center of the target at 15 yards.

Thanks.

 

[Sam1911]

Well, sounds like you understand the issue and know what you want. I'd say replacing the front sight with a taller one is the only way to get where you want to be ... unless you're comfortable living with a "Kentucky windage" guess for each shot.

 

[Confederate]

The truth is, you need an adjustable-sight gun. It's just too much to expect a fixed-sight revolver to conform in so many areas.

I filed the front sight down on my Speed-Six to get the lighter 125-gr JHPs to shoot at point of aim, but that's about all I could do. The heavier bullets worked well with a 6 o'clock hold and I love the gun -- but to get it to work POA with rifle ammo, you'd need a custom front sight, and a round that works well in a rifle might not be a great man-stopper.

Adjustable sight guns might be worth the investment.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I only shoot .357 Mag loads, specifically, a 180gr lead bullet from MBC with 13.0gr and 13.5gr of H110.

That's your problem. A lighter bullet will bring the point of impact down.

 

[S&Wfan]

Bingo! David E. hit on the answer right off, and Vern explained why.

Lighter bullets accelerate and leave the barrel earlier, and thus will always shoot lower.

Most .357 and .38 Special fixed sight revolvers leave the factory regulated for 158 gn. bullets, though the GP100 may have been regulated with a bullet in the 125gn. range. I don't know. In any event . . .

If you are only going to shoot hot 180gr loads in your .357 and it is going to be a "working" field gun, you'll probably have to replace the front sight with a taller one on the 3" revolver.

 

[BCRider]

I was going to answer your question about my earlier post but the others already did it very nicely.

Just to test this out why not get a box of regular factory .357 with 158 grn bullets and see if the gun is indeed tuned up for that load like everyone suspects. If nothing else it'll help confirm what we've been suggesting and that the gun is truly zeroed in for SOME load. From there if you want to standardize with the 180 loads then it'll be time to pay the piper and get a longer sight fitted up front and tune it to your special loading.