fixed sights

[flyinglow]

I have a Springfield 1911 with fixed sights that shoots about 6 inches low at 25 yards. I was wondering if it would be better to go to adjustable sights, install a shorter front sight or just grind the one I have down?

[rmw]

I have a loaded stainless that had the same prob , I called Springfield and they sent me out a new front sight that day . No questions asked , they have great cust service

[mitchjoe]

flyinglow:

Does the pistol shoot low consistently w/ all ammo, or just one particular load/ bullet weight? I've seen a plenty large variance depending on ammo type.

All other factors equal, a lower front sight will raise POI.

mitchjoe

[flyinglow]

Thanks for the replies, this pistol shoots about 8" low, consistently. It has been back to springfield once. They put a new barrel on it, shot it at the range and sent me back the gun and target with a group about 6" low and to the left. I moved the back sight over so it shoots straight. Can you grind down the front sight? If so, how much would you take off. The other options are sell or trade the gun or send it somewhere to have it accurized. thanks in advance for your comments

[OD*]

Do not grind the front sight!
Use a file, one lite stroke at a time. It is much easier to take off more metal, than it is to replace metal.

[chuckshoun]

By triangulation you can determine how much you need to remove from the front sight.You will find that it will not be very much. Take of about half as much as you think you need to, and shoot to find where your shots are. Then, recompute the amount to file off, half that, file, and shoot again. By continuing to do this, you will find how much change is sight removal, and how much is group dispersion. That way you won't remove too much. You can do the work at the range, if you take the tools you need with you. If you will be shooting at 50 yards, too, I would suggest an adjustable rear sight. You can vary your loads, fool around all you want to get that sweet-spot load, and not have to worry about the sights -- just move the rear sight as you need to. Lots less heartburn.

[John]

Sound advise, removing metal is easy. Putting it back on, is .... kind of difficult (or expensive).

[ETAC]

Just curious; what's the point of aim/point of impact at 5 & 15 yards?

[flyinglow]

Thanks for the input guys. I am going to work on this gun this week and see if I can get it sighted in. Then it is going to get a trigger job as the pull is way to heavy for me. Will let you know what happens with it.

[chuckshoun]

Rots of Ruck!

[flycaster]

Why doesn't anyone make rear sights for 1911's of different heights? :confused: Glock does, and it works for them.

Chuck

[John]

As far as I know, Novak Low Mounts come in two different heights, one for the Gov./Commander length and one for the Officers length pistols. And of course, now you can have the adjustable rear Novak Low Mount, which is as sturdy as their fixed one, but allows elevation adjustement.

[flycaster]

Thanks, John. I'll look around for one.

Chuck

[John]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/sv1cec/NovakAdjustable.jpg

Here is a picture Craig from Nighthawk Customs has send to me.

[Gammon]

I use fixed Novak high visibilty sights in a lot of my 1911s and clones. You get the BoMar sight picture at a fraction of the cost. Windage is set by moving the rear sight in its dovetail and then elevation is set by removing a small amount of metal at a time from th front sight. A small portable vise that you can take to the range is a big help and a fine file is a necessity. I used to spend a lot of money on adjustable Bomars until I realized that once the gun was sighted in, I never made another adjustment, unless the sights were damaged or the front sight replaced.