Can someone clarify for me which way to move my sights depending on where the bullet is hitting. If the shot is below the point of aim do I raise the rear sight or visa versa? If the shot hits to the left of point of aim do I move the sight to the right or visa versa? I've been using scopes too long and any help would be appreciated. Thanks, FullCry
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adjusting iron sights?
- Thread starter FullCry
- Start date
Move the rear sight in the direction you wish the point of impact to move.
OR
Move the front sight in the opposite direction you wish the point of impact to move.
If the sight won't move it may be that the dovetail is very tight or that the sight is retained by a set screw or both.
When trying to adjust a sight with a hammer and punch it's best to use a brass punch (as opposed to a steel punch/drift) because it is much less likely to mar the sight. Make sure that the slide is held in place firmly (perhaps using a vice with non-marring jaws).
A sight adjustment tool (sight pusher) is a far superior method for adjusting sights. It allows for more precise and predictable adjustments and tremendously reduces the potential for damaging parts. Cost is the downside.
OR
Move the front sight in the opposite direction you wish the point of impact to move.
If the sight won't move it may be that the dovetail is very tight or that the sight is retained by a set screw or both.
When trying to adjust a sight with a hammer and punch it's best to use a brass punch (as opposed to a steel punch/drift) because it is much less likely to mar the sight. Make sure that the slide is held in place firmly (perhaps using a vice with non-marring jaws).
A sight adjustment tool (sight pusher) is a far superior method for adjusting sights. It allows for more precise and predictable adjustments and tremendously reduces the potential for damaging parts. Cost is the downside.
Move the rear sight in the direction you want to move the impact. If shooting low, raise the front sight, if you are shooting left, move the front sight to the right.
In using a drift to move rear sights, I recommend you use a hard nylon punch as opposed to a brass punch. You dont mare the gun.
In using a drift to move rear sights, I recommend you use a hard nylon punch as opposed to a brass punch. You dont mare the gun.
Adjust the rear sight in the direction that you want to shift the POI.
So if the shot is hitting below your point of aim, raise the rear sight. If it's hitting to the left, move the rear sight to the right. The change in POI will follow the direction of the change in your rear sight.
oops - didn't notice that two posts had come in while I was typing mine!
So if the shot is hitting below your point of aim, raise the rear sight. If it's hitting to the left, move the rear sight to the right. The change in POI will follow the direction of the change in your rear sight.
oops - didn't notice that two posts had come in while I was typing mine!
Cheapshooter
New member
XD sights are fitted extremely tight, and most often require a sight adjustment tool to move without damaging the gun. They are not cheap, so first of all be sure it is the sights and not you.
I was hitting left of point of aim with my XD40 Subcompact until I really paid attention to my grip and trigger finger placement. With a firm grip, and more trigger finger, I was able to bring point of impact right to point of aim.
This may help. http://www.hsoi.com/resources/correction_chart.gif
This is for right handed shooters. there is also a chart available for lefties.
I was hitting left of point of aim with my XD40 Subcompact until I really paid attention to my grip and trigger finger placement. With a firm grip, and more trigger finger, I was able to bring point of impact right to point of aim.
This may help. http://www.hsoi.com/resources/correction_chart.gif
This is for right handed shooters. there is also a chart available for lefties.
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In my experience fixed sight guns usually come from the factory already sighted in sufficiently well for most peoples' use.
Before going to the trouble of drifting a fixed sight I would try some different ammunition, try shooting the gun from a rest and try having someone else shoot the gun to see if they experience the same issue.
Before going to the trouble of drifting a fixed sight I would try some different ammunition, try shooting the gun from a rest and try having someone else shoot the gun to see if they experience the same issue.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
My gunsmith will hate me for sharing this with you, but I'm not afraid of him.
The great secret of gunsmithing: the bigger the hammer, the sooner you get the job done.
The great secret of gunsmithing: the bigger the hammer, the sooner you get the job done.
orionengnr
New member
Actually, I think your gunsmith will love you for sharing this. In the real world, the equation is:The great secret of gunsmithing: the bigger the hammer, the sooner you get the job done.
The bigger the hammer (or the more force you use), the sooner you will be taking it to the gunsmith to un-fork your mistake...and the more he will charge you to fix it.
One easy way to remember (and illustrate) which way to move the sight is to use a ruler (or a yardstick, to really emphasize the point). A pen will do as well.
Hold it in the middle. This is your line of sight. The end near you is the rear sight, and the far end is the front sight. Picture your target, and where your bullets are actually hitting (say, low and left) aim at the middle of your target, and then move (pivot) the back end of the ruler/pen/what ever, so the front end moves from the center of your target to the bullet holes.
The direction you moved the back end is how to move the rear sight.
People always say to move the rear sight in the direction you want the bullets to go, and while correct, it is a bit misleading. You are not changing where the bullets go. What you are changing is the line of sight, to line up on the bullet impact.
BUT, be sure that the bullet strikes are off point of aim because of the gun/ammo, and not your shooting technique! If you are shooting low left (for example) and its because you are pulling the shot, you will still be off target after you change the sights.
Different ammo, shooting off a bench (a machine rest if you have one) and a couple of different shooters will let you know for sure if it is the gun/ammo, or you.
If adjustable sights are frozen (from long years of no use) use a good penetrating oil, give it some time to work, and lightly tapping the screwdriver while turning may free them up. Proper application of heat (a heat gun, PROPERLY used) can also work. Penetrating oil or heat (again, correctly applied) may help a stuck drift adjustable sight as well. But some of them are really, really tight. Something for the shop, not the kitchen table.
Hold it in the middle. This is your line of sight. The end near you is the rear sight, and the far end is the front sight. Picture your target, and where your bullets are actually hitting (say, low and left) aim at the middle of your target, and then move (pivot) the back end of the ruler/pen/what ever, so the front end moves from the center of your target to the bullet holes.
The direction you moved the back end is how to move the rear sight.
People always say to move the rear sight in the direction you want the bullets to go, and while correct, it is a bit misleading. You are not changing where the bullets go. What you are changing is the line of sight, to line up on the bullet impact.
BUT, be sure that the bullet strikes are off point of aim because of the gun/ammo, and not your shooting technique! If you are shooting low left (for example) and its because you are pulling the shot, you will still be off target after you change the sights.
Different ammo, shooting off a bench (a machine rest if you have one) and a couple of different shooters will let you know for sure if it is the gun/ammo, or you.
If adjustable sights are frozen (from long years of no use) use a good penetrating oil, give it some time to work, and lightly tapping the screwdriver while turning may free them up. Proper application of heat (a heat gun, PROPERLY used) can also work. Penetrating oil or heat (again, correctly applied) may help a stuck drift adjustable sight as well. But some of them are really, really tight. Something for the shop, not the kitchen table.