Through the years I've been a firm believer in adjustable sights, but after acquiring a couple fixed sight models, I've grown to appreciate some of the simple advantages they contribute. Am I drifting to the dark side or am I just a late bloomer? Is your favorite a fixed or adjustable, or are you stuck somewhere in the middle like me?
Adjustable or Fixed Sights
- Thread starter skidder
- Start date
- Status
Trad Archer
Member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2010
- Messages
- 274
I'm a big fan of Colt SAA which of course have fixed sights. I love the simplicity and knowing nothing is going to change. However, when you get one that doesn't shoot at POA, you'll wish they were adjustable.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I prefer adjustable on larger revolvers because I am a reloader.
Different bullet weights and power levels require them.
On the other hand, I have acquired a WWII Colt Commando and a WWII S&W Victory model in the last year or so, and they both shoot 158 grain lead bullets at standard velocity to exact POA.
As does my Colt SAA with 250 grain loads.
Not so sure todays manufactures are quite so careful about sighting them in perfectly at the factory though.
rc
Different bullet weights and power levels require them.
On the other hand, I have acquired a WWII Colt Commando and a WWII S&W Victory model in the last year or so, and they both shoot 158 grain lead bullets at standard velocity to exact POA.
As does my Colt SAA with 250 grain loads.
Not so sure todays manufactures are quite so careful about sighting them in perfectly at the factory though.
rc
Armored farmer
Member
My go-to gun is a fixed sight sp101, my newest is a fixed sight NAA .22, and my current fun-gun is a '58 Remington cap 'n ball.
Iguess I'm in the fixed sight camp right now.
Iguess I'm in the fixed sight camp right now.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
For some guns, I have no issue with sticking to one load and zeroing a fixed-sight gun for that load. However, I do prefer the sight picture adjustables typically offer. Adjustability never hurts either and I've never had a set of adjustable rear sights get knocked off. Although I have had one of Ruger's aluminum rear sights break. Such failures are rare.
bsms
Member
I find adjustable sights easier to see. That isn't inherent in fixed-sight design, but all the ones I own have a tiny stainless blade with tiny stainless groove...makes it hard to shoot well with what is left of my eyesight!
buck460XVR
Member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 10,093
For magnum revolvers used for hunting @ longer ranges I tend to stick to adjustable sights. For handguns intended for short range usage such as SD/HD, fixed sights using ammo that hits to POA is just fine.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Fixed sights are great if they shoot to point of aim.
I have a Colt New Service that I got for peanuts in great condition -- except the front sight was about as thick as a razor blade, with a rear sight notch to match. And it shot a foot high and 18" to the left. Fixing that problem was an adventure, no two ways about it!
I have a Colt New Service that I got for peanuts in great condition -- except the front sight was about as thick as a razor blade, with a rear sight notch to match. And it shot a foot high and 18" to the left. Fixing that problem was an adventure, no two ways about it!
dscampbell
Member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2011
- Messages
- 130
My two favorite revolvers are fixed sighted, a Colt Lawman MK III 2" .357 and a Smith & Wesson 10-5 3" .38 special.
For years I just used what came on the gun and didn't worry about it. As my eyes aged, fixed sights became more and more difficult to use. These days, I put ghost rings on those I can. I'll never get target sight accuracy out of them, but at least I can see them and still hit with them. The new, small reddots work real well for me, and I'm slowly converting my most often used handguns to these. Of course, a properly adjusted laser is great, right up to the time the batteries go dead.
Hondo 60
Member
Depends on the gun, but I usually prefer fixed sights.
My Uberti 1873 Cattleman is dead on with my reloads
(200 gr Missouri Bullet Co Cowboy #4 & 11 grains of Accurate #5)
Also my S&W M10 & M65 (fixed sights) are very accurate.
My Uberti 1873 Cattleman is dead on with my reloads
(200 gr Missouri Bullet Co Cowboy #4 & 11 grains of Accurate #5)
Also my S&W M10 & M65 (fixed sights) are very accurate.
Last edited:
One_Jackal
member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2012
- Messages
- 542
I prefer adjustable sights on a large frame pistols. On a pocket pistol I don't even care if it has sights.
Last edited:
I've always reached for my 4" Security Six when going hiking, fishing, camping, etc..., but my Police Service Six has been riding shotgun more and more this summer. It's a little less bulky, more sleek and rounded, and the front and rear sights are lower profile. Kinda nice for handling. I've only shot two different loads through it, so far, and they have squared up pretty good. I still feel kinda sad, like I left my old dog behind because he couldn't make the hike . Maybe I'm just too much of a softy.
. Maybe I'm just too much of a softy. 
BCRider
Member
ALL sights are adjustable. It's simply a matter that some can use a small screwdriver while others require a file and touch up blueing....
On semi autos which are tuned for a specific recoil inertia I'm more than happy with fixed sights as long as they are either done well or at least come with the front post a little longer so I can trim it down.
On my revolvers I tune my loads to where they work with the sights and stick with that for the SAA style and similar use DA guns. For the big bore .44Mag guns I've gotten into in the past year I really like the adjustables for the same reason as mentioned above. Namely that I can load from mild to wild and adjust the sights to suit.
So I guess that my answer is "it depends".
On semi autos which are tuned for a specific recoil inertia I'm more than happy with fixed sights as long as they are either done well or at least come with the front post a little longer so I can trim it down.
On my revolvers I tune my loads to where they work with the sights and stick with that for the SAA style and similar use DA guns. For the big bore .44Mag guns I've gotten into in the past year I really like the adjustables for the same reason as mentioned above. Namely that I can load from mild to wild and adjust the sights to suit.
So I guess that my answer is "it depends".
Like some other shooters, I tend to find one load for whatever cartridge I am loading. I then sight all my revolvers for that load. This means original ballistics for most of my loads since that is what the majority of the sights are built to accomondate. For target revolvers I tend to find an accurate load and change neither the sights nor the load once everything is dialed into place.
I have also stopped using magnums and sold them to finance things like 38 Specials, 32 WCFs, 45 ACP/AR, and 45 long Colts.
I have also stopped using magnums and sold them to finance things like 38 Specials, 32 WCFs, 45 ACP/AR, and 45 long Colts.
SwampWolf
Member
I prefer adjustables on all of my handguns, with the exceptions of pistols carried in places (in the pocket, for example) where a snagged rear sight could impede the draw or on handguns where an adjustable sight looks "wrong" on a period piece or a replica thereof (an 1873 Colt or replica of same, for example).
Way too much is made of the supposed fragility of adjustable sights in my experience and the advantages afforded by most adjustables are very real: easier to see and sight with; easy to acquaint the poi with the poa and the ability to accomodate different bullet weights and powder loads, especially if you reload for different applications.
Way too much is made of the supposed fragility of adjustable sights in my experience and the advantages afforded by most adjustables are very real: easier to see and sight with; easy to acquaint the poi with the poa and the ability to accomodate different bullet weights and powder loads, especially if you reload for different applications.
Guillermo
member
Skidder,
You got RC, Craig, Buck, Vern and a bunch of other really smart guys saying virtually the same thing.
(although BC had the funniest answer.)
I too will say it depends on the gun. Full size hunting, target, longer range guns that might be shooting different loads are best with adjustables. Carry guns should be snag-free.
That said, my carry gun has adjustable sights, not because it is the best thing, but because I like it and shoot it well.
YMMV
You got RC, Craig, Buck, Vern and a bunch of other really smart guys saying virtually the same thing.
(although BC had the funniest answer.)
I too will say it depends on the gun. Full size hunting, target, longer range guns that might be shooting different loads are best with adjustables. Carry guns should be snag-free.
That said, my carry gun has adjustable sights, not because it is the best thing, but because I like it and shoot it well.
YMMV
dawei
Member
At present one of my 357 Magnum revolvers (S&W® 686 No Dash 4" barrel) has adjustable sights. My other two 357 Magnums, and my two 38 Specials; are all fixed sights. My 686 is my wood, trail, & range gun. My other four are my EDCG's. These guns are loaded for POA/POI out to 25yds. I'm a firm believer that CCW guns be fixed sights. Just my $0.02.
Vern Humphrey
Member
But once you have filed metal off, if you change your load, you can't file it back on again.
Guillermo
member
not been practicing your Jedi mind tricks?
Vern Humphrey
Member
That only works with light sabers.
One trick is to cut a new front sight and pin it to the old sight. If the gun is shooting left, pin the new metal on the left side. Open up the rear sight notch to match.
One trick is to cut a new front sight and pin it to the old sight. If the gun is shooting left, pin the new metal on the left side. Open up the rear sight notch to match.
Once he finds a good load, why would he change it?
Coal Dragger
member
Modern adjustable sights are rugged enough now that I see no reason not to prefer them over fixed sights. The only advantage a fixed sight really has in my opinion is reduced snagging for a concealment piece.
Adjustable sight pros and cons:
Pros:
1.) Adjustable for point of aim/point of impact.
2.) Typically much better sight picture.
3.) Much more versatile.
4.) Modern adjustable sights are very rugged and durable.
Cons:
1.) More likely to snag on covering clothing if concealed, harder on holsters.
2.) Slightly less durable than fixed sights.
Fixed sight pros and cons:
Pros:
1.) Less likely to snag on clothing, easier on holsters.
2.) Slightly more durable than adjustable sights.
Cons:
1.) Difficult to adjust for point of aim point of impact.
2.) Can only be zeroed for one type of ammo, limited versatility.
3.) Most have lousy sight pictures.
Adjustable sight pros and cons:
Pros:
1.) Adjustable for point of aim/point of impact.
2.) Typically much better sight picture.
3.) Much more versatile.
4.) Modern adjustable sights are very rugged and durable.
Cons:
1.) More likely to snag on covering clothing if concealed, harder on holsters.
2.) Slightly less durable than fixed sights.
Fixed sight pros and cons:
Pros:
1.) Less likely to snag on clothing, easier on holsters.
2.) Slightly more durable than adjustable sights.
Cons:
1.) Difficult to adjust for point of aim point of impact.
2.) Can only be zeroed for one type of ammo, limited versatility.
3.) Most have lousy sight pictures.
- Status
