1860 sights/ aim question

[Mako]

Steel Horse,
I re-read them all because you are normally right on.  It's easy to transpose especially when you think the outcome should be the opposite of what is being reported.

I have 3 pairs of Uberti 60's and with the original sights they all shot 5 to 9 inches low at about 10 yards.  My pietta shoots about 9 inches low and an ASH shoots about 6 inches low.  A Colt '60 made in 1861 shoots about 4 inches but there are a couple of things that should be noted.  The front sight is worn, but at some point the sear notch was recut which makes the hammer sit higher, this effectively raises the sights.  That '60 is a family gun.  Another '60 made in 1862 which is in even better shape shoots about 8 to 10 inches low.

If I am shooting a '60 I have to remember to always aim at the bottom of the target.  If I miss it is because my ingrained flash sight picture memory creeps in and I just skim over the top of smaller plate.  I really need to just change the sights on all of the pistols I shoot.  I keep holding off because I don't want them dovetailed like the one pair.  I want them to look unmodified except for the taller from blade.   I am very picky about my front sights on any weapon.

~Mako

[Fox Creek Kid]

In all my years I've only owned ONE cap 'n ball, an Uberti '51 Navy, that shot spot on with a tradtional load. The rest shot high and most off to the side as well. Elmer Keith wrote about this in "Sixguns" re original Colts. Colt did not regulate sights then. I ALWAYS count on having to replace the front sight, usually with something dovetailed. Just part of the game.