Adjusting fixed sights

[watkibe]

I have been working on the fixed sights on my carry gun, a DA revolver. I filed down the top of the front sight and brought the point of impact up to where I want it, no problem.
Windage is another story. I can't find a gunsmith who will install a windage-adjustable sight. So I am wondering, what about filing the side of the front sight ? Or what about filing one side of the sight groove on the top of the frame ?

Has anybody tried this ? Got any other ideas ?

[John Traveler]

It all depends on how much windage adjustment you need to bring it to point-of-aim.

The simplest solution is try various brands of ammunition and bullet weights, and different grips (stocks).  Bullet weight will have a big effect on point-of-aim versus point-of-impact, especially with snubnose revolvers.  Same thing with the grips.

Since you have already filed on the front sight, a little more filing is not gonna hurt the value of the gun.

You can file the rear sight notch wider...in the SAME direction that you want the groups to go.  Or, you can file the front sight thinner.

Remember, you want the front sight to move in the OPPOSITE direction of the way you want the groups to move.  In other words, file on the LEFT side to thin the blade if you want the group to move LEFT (thinning the blade on the left in effect moves the blade right).

An alternative to filing on the front sight is to bend the blade, ever so gently.  This is only feasible on guns that have enough front sight blade to bend.  It won't work for example, on a S&W M60 that has a tiny ramp.  Again, bend it in the direction OPPOSITE to the direction you want the groups to go.  This can be done by (firmly) supporting the barrel on a 2x4 block and bashing on the front sight blade with a plastic non-marring hammer.  Not much movement is needed.

Finally, and this is where a capable gunsmith is required.  Simply tightening or loosening the barrel a few degrees (re-index the barrel) is enough to often enough to correct a bad windage error.  This would require the proper gunsmithing tools: frame blocks, barrel vise, etc.

[watkibe]

Hey Johntraveler - Thanks a lot for taking the time to write such a long and complete response to my problem ! I hadn't even considered the issue of affecting the value by filing. Since the gun has a pinned, replaceable front sight, if the value became an issue, the blade can be replaced. That also makes me realize that if I am going do do any more filing on anything, thinning the front sight blade would be the best for the same reason.
I do like the idea of bending the front sight. If the barrel has a right hand thread, then the direction it would need to go is screwing it in; but I decided against that option since I don't have the proper tools to do it, and would have to pay a gunsmith to do it.
Thanks again

[NickSS]

One other thing you should know if you file your front sight and still need more adjustment but it is getting too thin to see well try gluing or soldering on a shim on the other side of the blade.  This will move it over and thicken the sight for easy pickup.

[Bigeasy]

Another option would be to have a gunsmith mill a dovetail into the front sight base, and instal a drift adjustable front sight.  I have done this with several fixed sight revolvers over the years, and it works well.  If done right, it should not hurt the guns value.  As Nickss said, soddering / epoxying a soft metal piece to your front sight blade, and filing it as needed is also a good option, especially as you have an easy to replace pinned fron sight.

Larry

[rawhidekid]

I have a Ruger Bisley SS 357 that has fixed sights.  I filed the rear notch to get it shooting on, since it is stainless it doesn't really show to the casual observer.  I probly would not have done it except I never plan to sell it. I had it before the adjustable sight 45 Colt in the pic.   The 357 was what sold me on the Bisley grip, shooting the 180's to the same point as my 158's. 

[Flash]

The thing to adjust is your aim, not so much the fixed sight. Pick the load that you're using and learn how the gun shoots with it. Correct your aim accordingly. If the gun shoots 3" to the left, aim 3" to the right etc.

[rawhidekid]

We used to call that Kentucky windage.  It works as long as you are only shooting at one set distance.  As distance increases the amount of hold off changes.  Get the gun shooting straight and your good to go.

[S.B.]

Is the barrel pinned on your gun? If not, some windage adjustment can be achieved by having a local gunsmith gently turning barrel in direction needed? There is an algebraic formula to figure how much movement you need? Other than this I agree with others who've advice a dovetailed front sight.
Steve

[rawhidekid]

I have had barrels turned with good results.  The problem is lack of good gunsmiths in the area.  The one who did work for me in the past now works for a company specializing in full autos.  Besides, my filing on the sight channel worked and didn't cost anything and doesn't show to the casual observer.

[watkibe]

I filed the top of the sight down. I got a formula from Brownell's website to calculate how much to take off.
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=10849/learn/Brownells_Gunsmith_Tech_Corner___January_2006
That brought my POI right up to the POA. Now to file the side, for which I need a file with a "safe" edge so I don't scratch the barrel.
Thanks for all the helpful replies to this thread !

[Dee]

On most Smiths with fixed sights the front site is pinned in with a roll pin. This pin can be carefully removed, and the slot fitted into the barrel can be filed on either side resulting in the sight being moved in either direction depending on the side filed. It can then be shimmed with something on the order of a piece of automotive feeler gauge blade of the appropriate thickness.
Simple file the piece of blade to the appropriate shape, and make sure the hole aligns for the roll pin.
This will move the blade, without defacing the blade or altering the rear sight notch.

[Old Fart]

Great thread you guys.
Filled with lot's of good solutions to a common problem.
I've tried a couple of these fixes over the years.
Good to see others think at least a little like me.