Ruger sp101 problem.......help!

[Daniel Boon]

I just bought a new Ruger sp101, not my first.
so I ordered some 125 grain Buffalo ammo, as I wanted the word HOT to be the load I shoot. I also bought some 125 grain gold dots, hydra shoks, and hornady's, all 125 grain hollow points. out to the gravel pit I go, and at maybe 10 yards, all shot at least 18 inches low. I stepped up to maybe 5 yards, and all shot at point of aim, gold dots finished first.
so I shot the same ammo, only with 158 grain bullets, and at the same distance; this seemed to raise point of impact slightly; soooooo, I aimed and used most of the front sight, this brought everything to where it was suppose to be, dead center. but it took forever to aim it, then shoot, had I been shooting at a rabid pit bull, I would be taking rabie shots as we speak; so here is my question? would ruger, or some gunsmith shave that front sight to match the load I decide to use? any thoughts on this sure would be appreciated......thanks.

 

[Davevand]

My SP-101 shoots low also with 125gr bullets, about 7 inches at 10 yards. I don't know how you can shoot so many 125s with your SP, with mine they are a handfull, I only shoot a few (2-3) per range session. The best loads out of mine are the 158gr and that seems to be the consensus on this forum, but mine still shoots 1-2 inches low.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

What my gunsmith does is have you shoot a group with your favorite load at say, 25 yards, and then using a calculator, he can figure out how much to machine the front sight to bring the shots to the desired point of aim. Shoot about a 20 shot group so he can figure the center of the group easier.

 

[Standing Wolf]

The faster the bullet's moving, the lower it will likely shoot.

 

[P95Carry]

I seem to remember that it is generally considered that most snubs are sighted for a 158 grainer. The heavier bullet creates a fraction more muzzle lift before exiting barrel - the lighter bullet doing that a tad less impacts lower.

 

[Dr. J Frame]

Here's the formula for determining how much material needs to be removed-

Adjusting sight height
From Brownell's Gunsmith Kinks IV;

To determine the correct sight height to correct an elevation problem, multiply the sight radius, in decimals by the elevation error and then divide the results by the distance to the target, in inches.

Example-
Sight radius 5 3/4" = 5.75
Shooting 5 inches low
Distance to target 25 feet or 300 inches

(5.75*5)/300 = .095833333.................3

The front sight would have to be lowered .096 or the rear sight raised that amount (or a combination there of) to raise the point of impact.

Simply test-fire, file...test-fire, file...etc...Then reblue with tough-up pen or dip a Q-tip into standard blue and apply. It's childlike simplicity. You can order replacement front blades from Ruger if you fear you might take it too low. In fact, Ruger mailed me free blades when I attempted to order them once. This was for an MKII.

I purchased a 3" SP101 for my father a couple years ago. All through my youth he apposed handguns. During my recent trips home I've noticed he always has it on his belt. I knew if I got him something too large he would hardly use it, and because of little training he would have most likely shoot a short snubnose poorly. He currently enjoys the SP101 and actually shoots very well with it.

Converted another one!

Good luck

 

[TX_RGR]

uh huh, mm-hmm, mmm-hmm...

These guys pegged it. The faster lighter bullets cant hit ???? in that little gun, and the recoil is brutal, isn't it? That's one of the reasons I ended up ditching mine. That and the oppressive weight during frequent carry.

TX

 

[sgt127]

Shoot about a 20 shot group so he can figure the center of the group easier.


Jeeez...Can I spread that out over a few days? I have quite the love hate relationship with my short barreled .357's.

 

[Pistol Toter]

As other have said the 158 gr will have a higher POI than a 125 gr. My 2" SP does not like 158gr as the POI are rather scattered but load it with 125gr magniums or +P's and the impact straighens right out and goes to POA = POI. My range instructor as fired it and it is the same with him. Now to answer your question about adjusting your sight: Use a fine file. A little is a lot when doing the job. I did it on a 3" GP100 back some 3 or 4 months ago. I would suggest using jewels loupe to watch your progress. Keep that file level and straight and finish off with fine stone. While I had people telling me to take my gun to the range and take metal off and then test I chose to be a bit more scientific and very accurately measure and then cut down and measure so you will need a good set of calipers or mics. Here is the formula if you are interested:
M=S*D / (R*12)
M= amount of movement or change in sight height needed (in inches)
D= distance needed to move the bullets strike to hit point of aim
R= range to target in feet
S = Distance between the front edge of the rear sight and the rear edge of the front sight blade (in Inches)
My results were absolutely dead on!!
Hope this might help Pistol Toter

 

[boldkharma]

I know I'll catch flak but, my sp101 is for close range, point and shoot self defense. I would not consider my ruger for anything other than 7 yards or closer. If I can hit the target at 10 feet with my sp101, I'm happy!!