Adjustable sights on a defensive revolver?

[rWt]

I've started reading Keith's book, "Sixguns". In it he recommends adjustable sights for all defensive hand guns. Many here argue for fixed sights.

S&W seems to have gone both ways, although it seems that most of the later popular revolvers had adjustable sights (19, 66, 686, etc.).

What is the prevailing wisdom?

Thanks. Dick

 

[The Rabbi]

What is the prevailing wisdom?

The prevailing wisdom is what I SAY IT IS, DAMMIT!

Really I can see arguments on both sides.

I found that the adjustable sights of the Model 19 were a lot easier to acquire, with the red ramp on the front and white outline on the rear. The fixed sights of the Model 10 were hard to see.

BUT, the counter argument is that adjustables can and do get knocked around and get off target. Personally I dont find that very persuasive because most of the time in a defensive situation you are not shooting far enough for it to make a difference. So while 4 inches at 25 yards would be a significant difference, at 15 feet it would be about 1/2 inch difference, which is insignificant for what we do.
In sum, I think it's what works best for you. I like the adjustables, but then I just bought a Model 65 3" with fixed. Go figure.

 

[P95Carry]

Hi Dick!

As a ''luxury'' I always like adjustables - but that is partly from years of compo' shooting I guess. If realistic I'd actually admit to thinking fixed sights better tho - as you may remember, I have CT grips on my SP-101 (also on M28 and M629, not that those see too much carry duty.!)

Thing is - chances are ''things'' are gonna be up close and personal - and if practiced enough with fixed sights (and particularly (IMO!) having CT's as well .. what more do you need? There is less to snag or get damaged. I think that is a plus.

 

[HSMITH]

I have beat on 15's and 19's pretty hard for years and never had one lose zero. I fully understand the adjustable sights are not as tough as fixed sights, but it just isn't an issue in my opinion. Horse wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, hard work, nothing has knocked my adjustables off. Much huffing and puffing about little or nothing to me.

 

[Preacherman]

Adjustables have the big advantage that you can zero the weapon for different loads. With fixed sights, you have to rely on "Kentucky windage" to solve different POA/POI problems.

Fixed sights are definitely tougher, but I think a lot of the prejudice against adjustable sights dates from older times, when cowboys would use their .45's as hammers, levers, etc. as well as for shooting. Given that kind of treatment, it's no wonder the old guns weren't even marketed with adjustable sights! If you're going to carry your handgun in a holster, and not beat on something (or someone) with it, then it should be fine with adjustables.

Personally, on smaller carry revolvers, I prefer fixed sights. On larger guns, particularly for hunting purposes, I prefer adjustables.

 

[Old Fuff]

A lot depends on how you carry the gun. Elmer almost always carried his revolvers openly, and getting the sights snagged on clothing was a moot point. When a handgun is carried concealed under one or more layers of clothing there is a chance that the rear sight may snag, or rip up a coat lining. In such situations fixed sights offer an important advantage.

I have fixed around a dozen S&W rear sights with broken blades (sometimes called "slides") after an owner dropped the revolver on a hard surface. Even so, the sight was not knocked out of alignment.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I haven't broken, bent, or otherwise damaged an adjustable sight in three decades of shooting. I'd pefer adjustable sights on all my guns, all other things being equal.

 

[Dienekes]

Good points raised. Over a 22 year career (plain clothes) I used both. Never had any problem with the adjustables on a Security Six, and the taller front sight was quicker and easier to pickup at speed. And of course it made exact zero and changes of zero much easier.

I have seen S&W adjustables come adrift from loosening of the tiny mount screws that were used in the past. You also had to be a little bit more careful using gun lock boxes as they are none too big and it's easy to bang the rear sight assembly against the metal frame when using them.

I wouldn't get too concerned either way. They both have advantages and disadvantages. For really knock-down drag-out service fixed is probably the way to go. Pretty hard to hurt fixed ones and once properly zeroed they suffice.

 

[Ala Dan]

Hello-

I own both, adjustable and fixed sighted revolvers. I don't think its an
issue, so long as the fixed sighted models shoot to POA. Many times I
have qualified with a S&W 2" barrel (fixed sighted) .38 Special model
60 on a 25 yard (50 round) police qualification course.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[dogngun]

I love my Model 19 Smith 4" with adjustable sights because I'm too damn old to see the fixed sights well.

Mark