Who is good at putting in higher front sites?

WaddWatsonEllis · February 10, 2011, 09:38:55 PM

Hi, I have an 1863 pocket pistol that shoots six inches low at six to eight feet.

I finally stopped using it as a pocket pistol 'cause if I used the sites I would miss the whole target at six to eight feet away!

It was really humiliating!

I am guessing that it needs a much higher front site to bring the POI down to site level.

I am also guessing that this had something to do with the conversion ... It was converted by Millington (I am told) to shoot .32 S&W (short) from it's original .31 cal cap and ball. When the pistol went from firing cap and ball to a moderately more powerful round (They are reloaded with black powder), it must have effected it's aim.

Does anyone know a gunsmith who does this kind of repair and will return it fixed in a timely manor? (And a timely manner does not mean six months to one year in my book ...)

Abilene · February 10, 2011, 10:02:59 PM

Uhh, if it is shooting low then you need a shorter front sight. Got a file? Although it doesn't look like you have much there to file. Don't know what size of bullet it shoots, but if you can go to a heavier bullet they typically will print higher.

cute little gun.

WaddWatsonEllis · February 10, 2011, 11:41:26 PM

Abilene,

Mea Culpa: I wrote low but actually mean HIGH .... without figuring in bullet drop, that would be over 3 feet high if we were shooting a nomimal 50 ft pistol range ....

I have just never done it before ... every gun I had was either spot on or close enough to 'Kentucky windage' it .... but this one is so far high that, as i said, I miss a pie plate sized target at eight feet ... now THAT is EMBARRASING!

If I could just can the look the ROs gave me when I missed the plate ....

Abilene · February 10, 2011, 11:48:11 PM

I see. So we are back to raising the front sight. A lighter bullet might help. Or aim for the crotch

WaddWatsonEllis · February 11, 2011, 12:17:12 AM

Abilene,

If it were only a case of going to the range with a file, I might try it out ...

But I am so new at this that I have not idea,

If Pietta uses a drift and pin to set the sights in a slot or if they are just swedged in ...

If oversized (tall) sites are available, and who/where would I talk to about getting one ?

Any thoughts would be appreciated ....

Fox Creek Kid · February 11, 2011, 08:19:03 AM

Your only choice is to have someone dovetail the front sight with a taller blade.

Pettifogger · February 11, 2011, 09:03:02 AM

Pocket pistols really aren't made to aim. You point them. As you noted the targets at a pocket pistol event are only about six feet. If you take the time to "aim" you have already lost. Shoot it like you are pointing at the target with your index finger. Try it. Look at a target and then lose you eyes and then point at it with your finger. With very little practice you will find it is natural for your finger to be pointing at the target when you open your eyes.

Montana Slim · February 12, 2011, 01:09:47 PM

I have a similar Pietta, but brass frame. Yes, mine shot unbelieveably high, even at 7 yds....such that I couldn't hit a steel plate. I'm no stranger to holding a shade low with my 1860's but it just wasn't working for the "little fella".

My solution was to tap out the existing front blade with a plastic mallet....then made a new one from sheet brass. It was a bit more than twice as tall. I then tapped it into the slot on the barrel & lightly peened the edges (barrel) around the sight. A very quick solution. Shoots great now.

Realize there's very little meat on these barrels to cut a dovetail.

If you search the forums, I'm sure this ground has been covered.

Regards,
Slim