1860 Colt shoots 8" high at 25 yds

[JohnnyB]

I have a Pietta 1860 Colt .44 C & B revolver that shoots about 8"+ high at 25 yds. I know I need a taller front sight to remedy this, but does anyone sell taller front sights for these guns so I can correct this? I like shooting this gun, but I prefer shooting to point of aim. (as least as close as possible).
I load 25 gr. of Pyrodex with .454 Hornady balls.
JohnnyB

 

[BHP FAN]

they were originally meant for shooting at enemy cavalry at 75-100 yards.It's easier to file the notch in the hammer deeper, than affix a new front sight.You can also address any windage issues at the same time, by filing the notch in the direction you'd like your shot to fall.

 

[GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL]

Just aim 8 inches low..Heheheheh!!....

 

[BHP FAN]

Six o'clock hold.

 

[velocette]

What load are you using in the revolver?
Typically, the softer / slower loads will print higher.
If you are charging the cylinders with a minimum charge, you will hit high.
Normally, these BP revolvers have a range of charges to use. If you are at the low end, you should increase the charges & see what transpires.
If you are at or near maximum, well then consider filing the hammer notch, or constructing a higher front sight. Personally, I would work on the front sight first if the charge change does not help your problem. That at least is reversible.

Roger

 

[AJumbo]

I read somewhere that hammers on repros have the full-cock notch located just a little differently than on originals, and the hammer doesn't cock back as far as it should as a result. This effectively means the rear sight is too high and the bullet hits high. I have dovetailed a couple of blade front sights into my BP revolvers, and liked the results. I'll bet Dixie Gun Works or Don Eads has a replacement cone-style sight if you want to keep it looking original. I don't like filing on case hardened parts, especially a hammer that has the potential to fail if the hardening is compromised.

 

[denster]

The hardening on the hammer is only a surface effect and is only important on the cocking notches and the cam. If you intend to file on the hammer you will need a diamond file to get through the case.