question re: sight regulation on Model 29

[Type99]

Hello...

I figured this is the place to ask such a question...I have a Smith & Wesson Model 29-9.  My problem is that, using my 240gr reloads, my pistol is shooting too high.  I have run out of all the adjustment in my rear sight, in other words, it is at it's absolute lowest settting, and cannot go any further.  Set low like that just plain looks queer.  My 180 gr. loads shoot OK, and the sights adequately allow adjustment for those loads.  In short, my question is:  other than just holding lower in order to get in the black, is there anything I can do as far as sight adjustment with this particular load?

Thanks in advance,
Gary

[Ken ONeill]

S&W has offered several rear sight blade heights. Contact the factory after measuring yours to see if one is available that is lower than the one you have. Alternatively, a higher front sight will accomplish the same thing, of course. I'm not familiar with the 629-9 configuration, and whether or not it is easily replaceable. If it is, measure it, and ask the factory what taller alternatives are available when you call them.

[Type99]

Ok.  That's sensible advice - I think I will pursue the avenue you suggested.  I think I am also going to try assembling loads with a different powder at a slightly lower velocity and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
Gary

[Mikey]

Gary:  would a lower velocity load shoot lower???  I don't think so.  I think lower velocity loads shoot higher because of the higher trajectory of slower moving loads. 

Also, you didn't say how high or at what distance. 

180 gn slugs in 44 mags can be screamers - that is they can be pushed very fast.  The heavier the slug you use the lower the velocity you get if you stay within acceptable pressure ranges.  It could be that you need to flatten out your trajectory with those 240s.  I recall 180s, 200s and 240s shooting to almost the same point of aim in my 44 mags.

I do not believe that sights on a revolver are set for shorter ranges.  I have this notion, somehow - most likely from my old Army days - that revolver sights are battle sight set or zeroed for 50 yds (max effective range of the military handgun).  Most fixed sighted revolvers I have used seem to be pretty dead on at 50 yds.  If adjustable sight revolvers are anything like that at all it may be a 50 yd or further distance for sight adjustment. 

I recall shooting metallic silhouette and being able to bottom out my rear sight on one revolver for the 50 yd targets and going up 3 - 4 clicks for each additional 50 yds distance.  One other revolver I owned needed to be set at 3 clicks elevation for the 50 yd target and increased 3-4 clicks for each additional 50 yds distance. 

As I mentioned, I don't know what distance you are shooting at, how high your impact is, what your powder charge is or your estimated velocity.  You just might be throwing a pretty slow load and need to change.  JMTCW.  Mikey.

[Hammerdown]

Ok.  That's sensible advice - I think I will pursue the avenue you suggested.  I think I am also going to try assembling loads with a different powder at a slightly lower velocity and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks,
Gary

Hello Gary
To bring the Point of Bullet impact down, You will have to go the Other way and Increase your Loads power. A Hot load will always Hit lower than a soft hand load. If that does not work try using Lighter Bullets as that will drop the bullets impact as well. You also did not Say where you are holding your sight Picture when shooting. It is recommended to hold at the Six O-Clock Point of a target being the bottom of the black area to hit the Center Ten ring. Some Guys Prefer to sight a revolver in on Point of Impact and if a revolver has the Patridge style sights this will always make it hit High, and it may not allow you enough correction of the rear sight to sight in that mannor.I hope this helps, Hammerdown

[Type99]

Hello...


After reading your replies, I can say this - my reloads were too hot, as I got cratered primers and had difficulty with extraction.  My target range is approximately 15 yards, give or take a couple.  Like I said, the Smith is still shooting high even though I have adjusted the rear sight as low as it will go.  Considering a too hot load, I dropped the powder charge some, and I am still getting some primer cratering, but smooth extraction.  The 240 gr. bullets still shoot to about the same POI.  On the other hand, the 180 gr. bullets are shooting low, so sight adjustment should be OK. 

Don't know if this helps to clarify things, but if anyone has any other advice, I am all ears.  I intend, as mentioned, to use another powder, at less velocity and see what happens to the POI.

Thanks,
Gary